On April 29, the CPA filed its recommendations for the upcoming federal budget which will be tabled in the fall. The recommendations highlighted in the submission will be the focus of upcoming meetings with federal ministers, staff and officials.

The recommendations include:

• The expanded use of propane as a lower-emission energy access in Indigenous, rural and remote communities;
• Replace diesel within National Defence Building Operations;
• Replace diesel as back up energy for data centres;
• Include propane fleets in federal transit funding and financing programs;
• Remove policy barriers to renewable propane access and production; and,
• Strengthen propane exports to global markets as a trusted energy partner

For questions and more information, please contact Allan Murphy, Sr. VP Government Relations.

As part of its recent Spring Economic Update 2026, the federal government introduced “Team Canada Strong,” a $6 billion, five-year initiative aimed at recruiting and training 80,000 to 100,000 new Red Seal skilled trades workers by 2030-31, with a heavy focus on accelerating apprenticeship, digitalizing training, and providing $5,000 in completion bonuses.

Of significant interest to CPA members is the Build Canada Apprenticeship Service which will make available up to $10,000 in wage subsidies for small/medium businesses hiring new apprentices under that program.

It is designed to help small and medium-sized employers hire and train first-year apprentices in Red Seal trades. It offers financial incentives of up to $10,000 for an apprentice’s first-year salary and supports, focusing on creating paid, job-ready placements for young Canadians.

Among the 39 eligible Red Seal trades that included under the Apprenticeship Service Program include Gasfitter – Class A, Gasfitter – Class B, and steamfitter/Pipefitter.

For questions and more information, please contact Allan Murphy, Sr. VP Government Relations.

The CPA submitted recommendations to the federal government’s consultation on strengthening Canada’s labour relations framework, emphasizing the critical role rail transportation plays in maintaining propane supply reliability across the country.

The submission highlights that approximately 75% of propane in Canada is moved by rail, with Quebec and Atlantic Canada relying on rail for 80–85% of propane deliveries, making uninterrupted transportation essential for energy security and rural communities.

The CPA urged the government to strengthen dispute resolution tools, consider essential service protections for critical transportation infrastructure, and ensure continuity of propane movement during labour disruptions to reduce supply chain risks and economic impacts. The association also stressed that reliable transportation networks are essential to Canada’s economic competitiveness and reputation as a dependable global energy supplier. Read the submission here.

questions, contact Katie Kachur VP Government Relations, West.

CPA’s Katie Kachur participated in the Low Carbon Fuels in the Global Market: Canada’s Role, Risks and Real Opportunities panel at the Clean Fuels Canada Summit, joining industry leaders to examine how global forces are shaping Canada’s energy future. Kachur highlighted the important role of conventional propane and renewable biopropane as practical, scalable solutions that support a reliable, lower-emissions fuels mix. The discussion reinforced Canada’s opportunity to compete, adapt, and lead in an evolving global clean fuels landscape. The CPA was pleased to participate alongside Canadian Fuels Association, Canadian Gas Association and the BC Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions.

The CPA recently hosted a webinar highlighting the release of 2026 regional data, offering a comprehensive overview of propane market trends across Canada.

Led by senior energy market analyst Carlos Murillo, the session explored key insights into regional demand, supply, and sector-specific usage, alongside the economic factors influencing propane distribution nationwide. Attendees gained valuable context through comparative historical analysis, illustrating propane’s evolving role within Canada’s energy needs.

For more information and resources from the session:

• Regional Profiles Data Webinar recording
• Webinar PPT presentation
• Regional Profile Data Fact Sheets
• Regional Profile Excel database

Members are encouraged to use the materials to advocate for propane in their respective regions. For questions, contact Katie Kachur VP, Government Relations, West.

The CPA provided feedback to Environment and Climate Change Canada on proposed updates to the Fuel Life Cycle Assessment Model for natural gas and propane.

While the proposed reduction in propane’s carbon intensity (CI) value is a positive step, the CPA emphasized that the CI of Canadian propane is likely lower than currently represented and encouraged further refinement. Priority areas include improved treatment of propane as a low-carbon by-product, incorporation of more Canada-specific data, and accurate recognition of propane’s high combustion efficiency.

The CPA also raised implementation concerns, requiring CI applications on a facility-by-facility basis would create unnecessary administrative burden, particularly for smaller retailers. The CPA recommends allowing a single approved CI to apply across multiple sites with consistent supply characteristics.

Read the submission

For questions, contact Katie Kachur VP, Government Relations, West.

The CPA has been invited to appear before the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services as part of the BC Budget 2027 Consultation process on June 4, 2026. CPA Vice President, Government Relations, West Katie Kachur will represent the propane sector before the committee.

The CPA will advocate for the elimination of the provincial propane motor fuel tax, the introduction of a tax credit to support renewable propane production, and policies that protect energy choice for rural and Indigenous communities.

The appearance follows the CPA’s Food Truck & Lobby Day on May 25, where BC members met with provincial officials to advocate for fair fuel policies and investment in the future of propane in the province. For questions, contact Katie Kachur VP, Government Relations, West.

Emissions Reduction Alberta, through the Fuel Innovation Fund, has launched the $50 million Future Fuels Challenge to support technologies that reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels across Canada.

Funded through compliance contributions under Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulations, the initiative will support projects from fuel suppliers, technology developers and industry innovators that demonstrate measurable greenhouse gas reductions.

The program may present opportunities for propane and renewable propane projects that support lower-emission transportation solutions and fuel innovation. Applications are due June 10, 2026. To learn more and to apply, visit: Future Fuels Challenge – Fuel Innovation Fund.

For questions, contact Katie Kachur VP, Government Relations, West.

Over the past several weeks, the CPA has met with Ontario MPPs to advocate for exempting propane bulk trucks from seasonal load restrictions and temporarily increasing hours of service allowances for propane bulk truck drivers.

Meetings have taken place with:

• MPP Brian Saunderson (Simcoe–Grey)
• MPP Billy Denault (Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke)
• MPP Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response and MPP for Simcoe North

The CPA looks forward to continued collaboration with provincial officials to reduce red tape, improve operating efficiency and support the reliable delivery of propane to customers across Ontario. For more information, contact Chris Crawford, VP Government Relations, Ontario & Manitoba.

The Government of Yukon has launched a new Dependable Grid Program aimed at reducing pressure on the territory’s electricity system during peak winter demand periods. The program encourages homeowners to adopt non-electric and hybrid heating systems to improve energy reliability and reduce strain on the grid.

Several of the rebates included in the program support propane and hybrid propane heating systems as practical solutions for Yukon homes and businesses. Specific opportunities for propane include:

Dual fuel heating systems (e.g., heat pump + propane backup):
Supports both new and existing homes in reducing peak electricity demand while maintaining efficiency.
Rebate: 50% up to $15,000 (existing homes) or $15,000 flat (new homes).

Secondary non-electric heating systems (e.g., adding propane as backup/secondary heat):
New and existing homes add resilience and reduce reliance on the grid during peak periods.
Rebate: 50% up to $5,000 (existing homes) or $3,000 flat (new homes).

Primary non-electric heating systems (e.g., switching from electric to propane primary systems):
Encourages new and existing homes to shift away from electric heating entirely to reduce overall peak demand and costs.
Rebate: 50% up to $15,000 (existing homes) or $15,000 flat (new homes).

These measures reflect a practical approach to balancing affordability, energy reliability and emissions reductions in Yukon’s northern and isolated energy system. Full program details are available online. For questions, contact Katie Kachur VP, Government Relations, West.