Canadian Propane Association Applauds Ontario Government's Climate Change Action Plan

OTTAWA, June 8, 2016 /CNW/ - The Canadian Propane Association (CPA) applauds the Ontario government's Climate Change Action Plan announced today, which includes the expanded use of propane in the transportation sector.

"The CPA supports the government's efforts to reduce Ontario's carbon footprint," said Andrea Labelle, Executive Director of the Canadian Propane Association. "We are pleased to see recognition by the Ontario government that propane has an important role to play. The propane industry can do so without government funding for infrastructure," she added.

Within the transportation section of the Climate Change Action Plan, the government states that it intends to become, "A North American leader in low carbon and zero emission transportation". Included in the strategy is the aim to increase the availability and use of low carbon fuels, such as propane.

"We look forward to working with the Government of Ontario on strategies that will see the increased use of propane in the transportation sector across the province," said Labelle. "Our industry is already working with the government to reduce emissions by providing home energy retrofit opportunities to propane customers across Ontario, particularly in rural and remote areas," said Labelle.

Propane is a low-emission and efficient Canadian energy source. Over 100,000 homes across the province use propane as their primary heating fuel and it is also used as an essential energy source for the mining sector and the agriculture industry. Propane is a cost-effective fuel option for school buses, and public and private fleets. Propane can make a significant contribution to attaining Ontario's long-term carbon reduction goals by replacing carbon-intensive home heating and auto fleet fuels with a cost-effective alternative that is market-ready today.

"Propane not only makes an impact on consumers, but also on Ontario's economy. Including propane in the plan supports businesses, the communities they operate in, and the hard-working Ontarians they employ," said Labelle. Ontario's propane industry has an economic impact of $1.9 billion each year, and employs over 3,000 Ontarians. It invests millions of dollars every year into storage and distribution infrastructure and it also contributes hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes and royalties.  

"We believe that propane is an important element in Ontario's low-carbon future. Propane is a cost-effective, low-emission source of energy that supports the livelihood of thousands of Ontarians and generates billions of dollars for the local economy," added Labelle. "The Canadian Propane Association and its members look forward to continuing to work with the Ontario Government to provide access to clean, efficient and affordable energy for consumers."

About the Canadian Propane Association
With over 400 members, the Canadian Propane Association (CPA) is the national association for a growing, multi-billion dollar industry that impacts the livelihood of tens of thousands of Canadians. The CPA develops and produces industry training materials, offers an emergency response assistance plan to its members and provides advocacy services for the propane industry.

SOURCE Canadian Propane Association

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