There is more information from TSSA about changes and new approaches they are taking as a result of the 2018 Auditor General’s report and their move towards becoming an Outcomes-Based Regulator. Recently, Martin Luymes, HRAI VP of Government and Stakeholder Relations and Dorothy McCabe, Government Relations Specialist – Ontario met with TSSA representatives as part of an Industry Advisory Group to review and provide comment on the creation of a Fuel Oil Distributors’ Audit Program as well as regarding its implementation plan.
This is an important development and one of which HRAI’s Fuel Oil Distributors need to be aware of. Details are being finalized and HRAI will continue to work with TSSA to ensure a process that fits with the needs of our sector is understood and incorporated.
Briefly, however, initial audits will begin on February 2020 and will prioritize higher risk distributors first. If distributors pass the initial inspection, they will be put on a 4-year audit cycle. Non-compliances will be followed up within approximately 90 days (unless the TSSA inspector and distributor agree otherwise) until the issues are resolved. Overall, this will be a staged approach over an approximately 3 year period with the goal being increased compliance.
With the creation of the Compliance Support Program (see the previous article) TSSA’s stated goal is to make this process an actual audit rather than simply an inspection. HRAI agrees with this direction however noted that it is critical that there is increased and sustained consistency with inspectors.
To ensure that HRAI members are well informed and aware of these and other important changes, we have invited TSSA representatives to join us at the upcoming Chapter Meetings to share this information in more detail. Stay tuned for dates, times and locations and come with your questions and comments for them.
As well, we are working with TSSA to create a webinar that will clearly outline and articulate these changes. Again, stay tuned regarding this as it is in the very early development stages.
To find out more contact: Phone 1-877-682-TSSA (8772) Email: customerservices@tssa.org
HRAI members are encouraged to sign up to receive TSSA’s e-newsletter to stay up to date: https://www.tssa.org/en/index.aspx
Read the Auditor General’s full report here: http://www.auditor.on.ca/en/content/annualreports/arreports/en18/v1_313en18.pdf
For more information about Ontario issues, contact Dorothy McCabe at 1-800-267-2231 ext. 274 or e-mail: dmccabe@hrai.ca.