Híswke. Thank you.
I acknowledge that I'm speaking to you from the unceded territory of the WSÁNEC first nations. Saanich lies within the territories of the Lekwungen peoples, represented by the Songhees and Esquimalt nations, and the WSÁNEC peoples, represented by Tsartlip, Pauquachin, Tsawout, Tseycum and Malahat first nations.
On behalf of our association members across Canada and my colleagues here today, I want to thank the committee for the invitation to speak to you about the importance of Line 5 to the propane industry and to Canadians.
With over 400 members from coast to coast to coast, the Canadian Propane Association includes producers, wholesale marketers, transporters, retail marketers and manufacturers of propane appliances, cylinders and equipment.
Propane is a multi-billion dollar industry that sustains thousands of jobs right across Canada. Many of our members are community-based businesses that provide good-paying local jobs. You will also know them as members of local chambers of commerce, as volunteers and as sponsors of community groups and local sports teams.
Mr. Chair, propane is a vital part of Canada's energy portfolio for the future. As a source of low-emission energy, propane is a cleaner alternative to carbon-intense fuels such as heating oil, gasoline and diesel, and renewable propane will provide an even lower carbon footprint. Whether it's in its applications for home or commercial heating, agriculture, transportation, construction or mining, propane is a safe, clean and affordable energy choice for Canadians.
When it comes to Line 5, it's important for committee members to know that this is the only supply of propane via pipeline to southern Ontario. Line 5 is an important part of energy security for Canada, as well as cost certainty for Canadians.
Line 5 is the feeder pipe into the Sarnia fractionator, which has over 100,000 barrels of capacity per day. Propane is approximately 70% of that capacity. Any prolonged disruption of Line 5 would have severe and lasting consequences on the supply of propane to Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
We have communicated to governments that without proven historical and safe delivery of propane via Line 5 into the Sarnia fractionator, rail and truck modes of transportation will increase dramatically, and with that there would be no expectation that the volumes achieved via pipeline could easily or readily be replaced. Thousands of additional trucks would be required, placing more stress on a rail delivery system that is already near capacity.
In short, the discontinuation of Line 5, in the CPA's opinion, is not an option. The environmental and economic consequences would be devastating for those living on both sides of the border.
Safety is a fundamental priority for the CPA, and we have long supported the safe continuation of Enbridge's Line 5. The plan to replace the existing Line 5 dual pipelines in the Straits of Mackinac with a pipeline secured in a larger underground tunnel deep under the straits meets environmental safety needs while maintaining critical energy infrastructure. Line 5 is vital to meeting our energy needs as Canadians.
I would now, through the chair, like to ask Dan Kelly, past chair of the CPA, to continue these thoughts for you.