CEMA’s mission is to support and elevate Canada’s small and medium-sized energy marketers, who are responsible for nearly 100,000 direct and indirect jobs across the country and are deeply committed to ensuring that innovative energy products, including low-carbon transportation solutions, are readily available to Canadian consumers.
CEMA ensures the voices of its membership are heard at all three levels of government in a fair, consistent and advocacy-first manner – members who include progressive leaders responsible for the distribution of diverse products like gasoline, diesel, heating oil, propane and aviation fuel, as well as low-carbon transportation energy solutions including renewable fuels and electric vehicle charging stations across a vast geography, to diverse industries, and to millions of Canadian consumers.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
JAKE ENWRIGHT | PRESIDENT & CEO
CEMA Members,
With the holidays upon us, I want to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a restful and enjoyable holiday season and health and happiness in 2026.
Over the last month, CEMA has been hard at work ensuring that the Government of New Brunswick does not unfairly charge members the cost of the federal Clean Fuel Regulation (cost of carbon adjustor) and working with elected and unelected officials to identify a legislative solution that will allow members to be rebated for carbon taxes that were incorrectly collected by the Canada Revenue Agency from wholesalers and retailers. We will provide updates on these issues as we continue to work to resolve them.
We are proud of the collaboration CEMA has helped lead in tackling these two significant issues. I want to thank the Convenience Industry Council of Canada, Canadian Fuels Association, and Retail Council of Canada for their tireless work to achieve a result that supports and protects our Members and the industry.
As we approach the end of the year, the CEMA team is already looking forward to the opportunity to see you all again during next year’s CEMA conference, taking place in Montreal in April. Tickets for the conference are already 40 per cent sold, and we’re building a strong lineup of speakers. Stay tuned for speaker updates in the new year!
As always, please do not hesitate to contact us if there is anything that we can help you or your business with.
Kind regards,
Jake Enwright
Jake Enwright President & CEO Canadian Energy Marketers Association
STAYING CONNECTED
CEMA CONNECTION 2025 EVENTS, PODCASTS, WEBINARS
REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2026 CANADIAN ENERGY MARKETING CONFERENCE
This year’s conference, brought to you by CEMA and presenting sponsors Waleco Inc. and Dover Corporation, is all about connection, practical learning, and strengthening the community that keeps our sector moving forward. Join us April 20 to 22, 2026, at Le Westin Montréal! Tickets are selling fast – almost half are already gone. Watch for speaker updates and register here.
CEMA ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow CEMA on LinkedIn for the latest in energy policy, thought leadership, and content and event updates from membership and stakeholders.
GOVERNMENT POLICY
AND INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS
This update serves as a recap and reference point for our Members regarding the latest policy impacts on the energy market as well as industry trends. We will continue to monitor and communicate any policy changes directly to Members as they happen.
NATIONAL POLICY & RESEARCH
UPDATES
Federal agriculture minister sees biofuels as a win-win for the agriculture sector
Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald says changes are coming to agriculture programs following the passage of the 2025 federal budget. MacDonald says Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will reorient its programs, research, and operational spending to better align with both government priorities and the rapidly evolving agriculture sector. Biofuels will be a key focus. Ottawa is investing $372 million into a Biofuel Production Incentive that
will run from January 2026 to December 2027. The overall goal is to strengthen domestic production and supply chains.
WESTERN REGION
Ottawa and Alberta have struck a pipeline deal. What does it include?
A new agreement between the federal government and Alberta aims to lay the groundwork for a new pipeline to the B.C. coast. On November 27, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which aims to “diversify our export markets, make Canada an energy superpower, and build a stronger, more sustainable, more competitive economy.” The flagship proposal in the MOU is a bitumen pipeline from Alberta to Canada’s West Coast that would carry an additional 300,000 to 400,000 barrels per day destined for Asian markets. Alberta is expected to submit a proposal for the pipeline on or before July 1, 2026. More details can be found here.
B.C. backs proposal to increase capacity for Trans Mountain pipeline
The British Columbia government is backing a proposal to move more Alberta crude oil to the West Coast. The plan aims to increase the capacity of the Trans Mountain pipeline system by roughly 40 per cent, with results as early as 2026. It is a sharp reversal from a government that once fiercely opposed the initial Trans Mountain expansion, arguing when it was proposed that increased shipping traffic would put B.C.’s marine environment at risk. The turnaround is part of B.C.’s effort to counter pressure from Alberta for an entirely new pipeline.
Ending tanker ban risks billions, B.C. minister says, as pipeline talks heat up
British Columbia’s jobs minister says ending a tanker ban to service a pipeline from Alberta to B.C.’s northern coast would put billions of dollars’ worth of other projects at risk by defying the wishes of First Nations. Ravi Kahlon said B.C. First Nations “don’t believe it’s in the interest of their region.” He noted that the tanker ban guarantees a “fragile consensus” among First Nations when it comes to billions of dollars’ worth of resource projects in northwestern B.C., and his government doesn’t “want to put any of those projects at risk.”
B.C. redrawing EV sales mandate, scraps goal of 100% by 2035, leaves rebates to feds
British Columbia has abandoned a rebate program for electric vehicles that it paused six months ago and is scrapping a mandate that every new vehicle sold in the province must be zero-emission by 2035. Energy Minister Adrian Dix said the 100 per cent sales goal and 90 per cent target for 2030 were no longer “realistic.” The province will now revisit those targets next spring. The review, guided by a CleanBC review and ongoing consultations with consumers and industry, aims to balance B.C.’s climate ambitions with affordability, consumer choice, and support for automakers.
PRAIRIE REGION
Premier Moe says he’s supportive of pipeline to Northern B.C., reallowing tankers
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says he’s hopeful the federal government and Alberta can make progress on getting a pipeline built and allowing some tanker traffic on the northern B.C. coast. Moe says the measures would support Saskatchewan’s goal of exporting more potash, agricultural products, and oil. The Globe and Mail newspaper is reporting Ottawa is considering allowing some tanker traffic in the northern area where it’s banned. Moe says he’s been part of the discussions and is confident a private-sector proponent will come forward with a project if regulations are changed.
ONTARIO AND QUEBEC
Quebec can make gas more affordable, using the Green Fund surplus as a start, says the MEI
A recent report by the Montreal Economic Institute says that the Quebec government’s tabling of Bill 7, which aims to streamline bureaucracy and make government more efficient, is also an opportunity to reduce prices at the pump. The new bill introduced in November gives the Quebec government more flexibility over its fuel tax policy. It has indicated it could either use the $1.8-billion surplus in the Green Fund 2.0 to lower the 19.2-cent fuel tax or transfer this money to the Generations Fund.
ATLANTIC REGION
N.B. consumers to pay refinery environmental costs at the fuel pump after all
A special levy charged to consumers at New Brunswick fuel pumps to help oil companies pay for tightening federal clean-fuel standards is scheduled to be cancelled by the New Brunswick government on Dec. 1, but that change promises to be temporary. Natural Resources Minister John Herron said the regulation of petroleum prices in New Brunswick allows companies to recover all of their costs. He said this applies to the federal clean-fuel standards and will require a new charge to replace at least part of the carbon adjuster being cancelled. For that reason, there are offsetting plans to have the charge recalculated, renamed, and then added to pump prices again.
NORTHERN REGION
Will the Port of Churchill ever cease to be a dream?
The Port of Churchill has not been part of the first waves of formally fast-tracked projects by the Major Projects Office. Churchill sits instead on the office’s list of “transformative strategies,” a roster of big ideas still awaiting detailed plans and costings. Premier Wab Kinew rejects the notion that Churchill is an afterthought. Standing with Carney in Winnipeg, he called the northern expansion “a major priority” for Manitoba and cast the project as a way for the province “to be able to play a role in building up Canada’s economy for the next stage of us pushing back against” U.S. protectionism.
ADVOCACY CORNER
Featured in the newsletter on a monthly basis, Advocacy Corner provides insight into federal and provincial political activity of importance to our Members. Read on to find out what decisions are being made, what’s on the horizon, and what it all means for our sector.
Bold Federal Moves and Provincial Deals
After unveiling a highly awaited budget with promising yet non-definitive announcements around the fuel sector, Prime Minister Mark Carney has had a busy month. The second round of major projects was recently announced, providing support for the energy sector. The most notable announcements from the Major Projects Office (MPO) were a North Coast Transmission Line for British Columbia’s electricity and support for the Ksi Lisims LNG project (a proposed floating natural gas liquefaction and export facility located on the north coast). Other mining projects were present on the list as well, but not Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s proposed Ring of Fire development and east-west pipeline.
Carney continued his busy month with a trade trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to promote Canadian industry. The prime minister returned with a $50-billion investment, with the UAE particularly interested in supporting Canadian energy innovation.
Also representing federal energy interests abroad, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Julie Dabrusin headed to COP30 in Brazil, highlighting Canada’s Climate Competitive Strategy as supported by Budget 2025 and promoting innovation in carbon markets, methane reductions, and clean energy partnerships.
Alberta’s Pipeline Victory
A long period of suspense – during which a pipeline was left off two rounds of announcements from the MPO – ended November 27 when Premier Danielle Smith and the prime minister announced they had finally signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding in Calgary. The deal gives the energy-driven province special exemptions from federal environmental laws and offers political support for a new oil pipeline to the B.C. coast.
The agreement also includes support for “one or more” privately financed pipelines in tandem with carbon capture, utilization, and storage projects. These must include opportunities for Indigenous communities; in fact, the MOU references “Indigenous co-ownership” of the pipeline(s).
While Smith’s government has now received Ottawa’s support, as well as the backing of other prairie premiers such as Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe, not everyone is thrilled with the update.
Liberal MP Steven Guilbeault, who served as environment minister under Justin Trudeau, has quit his cabinet post as Canadian Identity and Culture Minister in protest. Meanwhile, British Columbia Premier David Eby has been openly critical of the deal, particularly of the lack of input from his province that went into the decision. The projects proposed in the MOU would allow tanker traffic on the North Coast, which is currently prohibited under a provincial ban.
Meet the Invenco™ FlexPay 6
Modular 15” Payment Terminal
It’s built tough for the outdoors and designed to do it all. With tap-to-pay, audio, a high-resolution touchscreen, built-in printer, and barcode scanner, it supports everything from debit and credit to mobile wallets, loyalty, vouchers, and more. Keep transactions fast, clear, and profitable with on-screen prompts and promotional upsells that drive revenue.
UNIQUE BENEFITS
• Easily highlight your brand & promotions with high-resolution media applications.
• Maximize uptime with cloud-connectivity.
• Operates in extreme weather environments.
• Best in Class Customer Service with robust service network across Canada available 24/7.
HARDWARE INCLUDED:
• 15.6” Full Colour Touch Screen, Media Capable
• 1D & 2D Barcode Scanner
• Dual Purpose Card Reader for CHIP & MAG Stripe
• Contactless Reader
• Keypad
• Printer
• EMV PCI 5.x SRED (PCI 6 capable) compliant
Unleash the Power of Your Fuel Dispenser Screens
Increase revenue through self-managed and personalized dispenser advertising. Engage our Canadian media partner expertise to bring an exceptional customer experience to your forecourt with Gilbarco dispensers.
NEWS UPDATES
The following section is a summary of the top media headlines and coverage of key policy and issues impacting the transportation fuel marketing space. Please note that all orange text in the following section is hyperlinked. If viewing electronically, you can click to read full articles directly from the publication source.
INTERNATIONAL
STELLANTIS CHAIR PRESSES EU TO GUT 2035 COMBUSTION ENGINE BAN
The EU should weaken its green car rules in an upcoming policy announcement or else risk sending the industry into a tailspin, Stellantis Chair John Elkann warns. Elkann is joining other auto industry executives in a bid to sway the European Commission ahead of a December 10 announcement of its automotive package.
RUSSIA’S OIL PRICE PLUMMETS TO $36 PER BARREL
Russia’s flagship Urals crude oil price at the Black Sea dropped to $36.61 per barrel, its lowest level in nearly three years, following the announcement of U.S. sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil. The sanctions have caused Russia’s key buyers, China and India, to search for alternative oil suppliers.
EU AWARDS OVER €600 MILLION TO ALTERNATIVE FUEL PROJECTS TO BOOST ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY
Seventy projects are receiving over €600 million in EU grants to electrify and decarbonize road, water, and air transport in Europe. These projects will deploy alternative fuel supply infrastructure such as electric charging stations, hydrogen refuelling stations, and ammonia and methanol bunkering facilities across 24 countries.
TEAL MOBILITY EXPANDS FRANCE HYDROGEN REFUELLING NETWORK
TEAL Mobility has launched its first 100 per cent renewable H2 station in Reims, serving key freight routes across France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany. The company plans to open five more heavy transport hydrogen hubs in 2026, including Berlin, Duisburg, Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Mulhouse.
U.S.
EPA TO PROCEED WITH 2027 NOX RULES TIMELINE
The Environmental Protection Agency will proceed with tightened nitrogen-oxide emissions limits for heavy-duty trucks for the 2027 model year but is open to adjusting certain requirements, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) recently told members. ATA is encouraged by several proposed adjustments to help lower costs and ease implementation.
TRUCKING FLEETS TURN TO RENEWABLE DIESEL FOR CLEANER RUNS
A growing number of trucking fleets are using renewable, biomass-based diesel fuels as drop-in alternatives to standard petroleum-derived diesel to reduce emissions. These fuels, including renewable diesel and biodiesel, are providing fleets a path to decarbonization that doesn’t compromise vehicle performance or require reconfiguring their operations.
EIA SEES ALASKA CRUDE OIL PRODUCTION RISING 13% IN 2026
Crude oil production from Alaska is forecast to reach 477,000 barrels per day in 2026, the highest since 2018, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said in its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook on November 19. The EIA said Alaska oil production is expected to rise 13 per cent.
RNG SEEKS TO REVOLUTIONIZE THE FUEL INDUSTRY WITH EVOLVING UPGRADES
Over a decade ago, amid a surge in diesel prices, J.B. Hunt Transport Services saw a compelling case for compressed natural gas for huge savings on fuel. While the cost of a CNG vehicle can be 50 per cent more than a diesel truck, the fuel to run it can cost about half as much as diesel, depending on the circumstances.
CANADA
CANADIAN WOMEN SEE ENERGY EXPANSION LEADING TO BETTER LIVES
More than 80 per cent of politically aware, economically literate women nationwide believe expanding Canada’s energy sector would raise the country’s standard of living, according to a new report by Canada Powered by Women. In a Leger survey conducted earlier this year, 85 per cent agreed Canada should build more pipelines to reduce dependence on the U.S.
WESTERN REGION
HOW FOUR DIFFERENT EXPANSIONS ARE PLANNED FOR CANADA’S LARGEST OIL EXPORT PIPELINE SYSTEM
Enbridge is proposing four different expansions to its pipeline system, which is the largest in the country. Meanwhile, Trans Mountain is proposing two different improvements to its pipeline from Edmonton to a Vancouver-area port. All combined, there shouldn’t be any concern of export limitations, even as oil companies keep producing more oil in Alberta.
RENEWABLE FUELS COMPANY BRINGS NEW TECHNOLOGY TO RICHMOND
Raven SR Inc., a renewable fuels company specializing in producing clean hydrogen from waste, has cleared all the hurdles to construct a facility in Richmond, B.C., that will convert organic waste into renewable hydrogen. The hydrogen it produces will be supplied to regional fueling stations serving passenger and commercial fuel cell vehicles.
PRAIRIE REGION
DAKOTA NATIONS CLAIM TITLE TO MINERALRICH CORNER OF MANITOBA VALUED AT $1.3B ANNUALLY
Two First Nations are suing the Manitoba and the federal government, claiming land and mineral rights to the southwest corner of the province, where the annual value of oil and gas produced exceeds $1.3 billion. Canupawakpa Dakota First Nation and Dakota Tipi First Nation filed a statement of claim on November 21 for the entirety of the Williston Basin.
ONTARIO AND QUEBEC
ATKINSRÉALIS CANADA PRESIDENT SAYS QUEBEC MENTALITY AROUND PIPELINES CHANGING
The head of AtkinsRéalis Group Inc.’s Canadian division is expressing optimism that Quebec would be receptive to a new pipeline even though the province staunchly opposed the now-defunct Energy East proposal about a decade ago. The Montrealbased engineering firm’s study into the potential location and cost of an east-to-west pipeline is to be completed next year.
NORWEGIAN FIRM TO SPEND $3.2B ON BUILDING NORTH AMERICA'S LARGEST SYNTHETIC GRAPHITE PLANT IN ONTARIO
A Norwegian company plans to invest $3.2 billion to build North America's largest synthetic graphite production facility in St. Thomas, Ont., with the aim of creating up to 1,000 jobs. The facility will help address a pinch point in the supply chain for the lithium-ion batteries required for EVs. Currently, all of the world’s synthetic graphite comes from China.
