Government Affairs, Regulations, Legislation and Standards.

What your association is doing for you!

HPBAC is protecting and promoting your industry.

Just some of the issues your association is currently working on:

• Wood stove changouts in B.C., Québec and Ontario 
• Managing the Energuide for gas fireplaces program on behalf of Natural Resources Canada
• Working with regulators so as to maintain our ability to sell lower efficiency decorative gas fireplaces.
• Working with Terasen Gas in B.C.  providing consumer incentives for the purchase of EnerChoice gas fireplaces.
• Discussing with Embridge and Union Gas the possibility of launching an EnerChoice program in Ontario.
• Engaging with stakeholders regarding air shed quality in Nova Scotia.
• Working with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment to promote fair and reasonable wood burning municipal by-laws.
• Working with TSSA in Ontario to find affordable solutions to safety concerns in gas showrooms.
• Representing the interests of the industry in serving on numerous codes and standards committees.

HPBAC's national government affairs committee is complemented by local chapter GACs across Canada. Association volunteers give great time and effort for the benefit of everyone in this industry. By belonging to HPBAC you are supporting their work. Want to do more? Why not join your chapter GAC? Want to know more about government affairs issues? Contact your local chapter or get in touch with me!

Tony Gottschalk

The HPBAC Ontario Chapter hosted the Fireside Symposium at Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood in late June. The event was very informative and provided the opportunity for Ontario members to interact with representatives from three important agencies: John Newdick from the Ministry of the Environment, several TSSA officials and senior executives from the environmental group Summerhill Impact.

Marc-Antoine Cantin of SBI, as Chair of the HPBA, opened the Symposium with an update on the New Source Performance Standard (NSPS) process in the U.S.

Tony Gottschalk thanked Marc-Antoine for his many years of service to HPBAC and HPBA. Marc has served on the HPBAC board since 2004, serving as Treasurer, Vice President, President and Past-President, as well as Chair of HPBA. Marc is also a member of the HPBAC Government Affairs Committee and the Reorganization Task Force and is the HPBAC Representative on the HPBA Board of Directors.

Tony presented Alan Murphy with a plaque and thanked him for his service to HPBAC. Alan has been a member of the HPBAC Board of Directors since 2006, serving as a Manufacturer representative, Vice President and President. Alan sits on the Communications Committee, the HPBA Affiliate Leaders Committee and is our current Past-President.

The Ontario Chapter presented Andy Cotnam with a plaque to commemorate his service to the Ontario Chapter Board. Andy has been a member of the Ontario Board since its inception in 2003, serving as Treasurer for most of his terms.

The indoor and outdoor trade show were well attended with many great products on display. On Sunday, HPBAC hosted a Silent and Live Auction with product donated by a number of generous supporters. Auctioneer Yvette Aube created a very lively atmosphere and helped to raise over $4000. The proceeds will be shared between HPBAC and the Ontario Chapter, who will used their portion to offset costs involved with the upcoming Changeout.

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