NEW - ON: Propane Advisory Council addresses key issues for propane industry

The Technical Standard and Safety Authority’s Propane Advisory Council (PAC) met virtually on September 23, 2020, with more than 10 industry representatives and more than a dozen TSSA executives and staff in attendance.

PAC agenda items included: the President’s quarterly report; an update on becoming an outcome-based regulator; Code Adoption Document (CAD) strategy; a stakeholder engagement update from the VP of Stakeholder Relations, Alexandra Campbell; a safety and compliance report from Director John Marshall; status of all fuels Risk Reduction Groups (RRG); membership renewals; and progress implementing recommendations of the Auditor General’s 2018 Report on the TSSA.

Meeting Highlights:

• President and CEO, Bonnie Rose, acknowledged that the Level 2 RSMP revised renewal forms had been posted on the TSSA website recently in error, and have been removed pending a more comprehensive and consultative roll-out.
• The agenda item on the status of the CAD 2020 was deferred by the TSSA due to ongoing internal discussions on the status of this strategy. Members reiterated industry’s unanimous desire to have the CAD approved as is in the immediate term and questioned the rationale for the delay.
• TSSA Ombudsman Sandra Cooke provided an update on the status of sectoral audits resulting from the report of the Auditor General. She reported positive reviews from participants in the virtual contractor audits conducted in early 2020 and advised the group that the next round of audits begin November 1, 2020 for Fuel Oil Distributors. The announcement and audit parameters are available on the TSSA website and here.
• TSSA asked CPA to partner with the agency by providing input into a consumer advisory on the safe use of patio heaters for the upcoming season to meet the needs of the hospitality sector to stretch their outdoor dining season during the pandemic. The collaboration resulted in a news release issued by TSSA, in consultation with the CPA and the Association of Fire Chiefs on Oct.1, 2020, and Patio Heater Safety Guidelines.

The CPA will continue to work with members and the TSSA to influence the agenda and policy developments of this industry advisory council. Please forward any questions or items for discussion to Ontario Government Relations Director, Marcelline Riddell at marcellineriddell@propane.ca.