Government Support Available to Impacted Businesses
The OCSA is pleased to work with both the Federal and Ontario government on programs that are available for our industry. In many cases your business should qualify as follows: A) PPE Small Business Grant – Ontario’s Main Street Relief Grant Find out if your business is eligible to recover costs for personal protective equipment […]
Nestlé Canada Supports Customer Safety in Convenience Stores
We’ve been in unchartered territory and for months, together, we have been acting swiftly to lessen the impact of COVID-19. The food and beverage industry’s role is essential and we are so thankful for our employees, community partners and our customers who are doing extraordinary things. We are proud to work alongside you to navigate […]
OCSA Presentation To Committee of Finance and Economic Affairs
Dave Bryans, CEO of the OCSA accompanied by Henry Boyd of Stosic & Associates addressed the committee on November 10th supporting the government’s initiative under Bill 215. The OCSA is encouraged and pleased that the Minister of Small Business, Honourable Prabmeet Sarkaria, has offered support to the entire convenience store channel. This Bill will see […]
Convenience Stores Commitment to Support during COVID 19
Independent Convenience stores (over 6,000) throughout Ontario were declared an essential service during the height of COVID and over 95% remained open to serve customers needs in every community. Some highlights: A) In store sales increased 30-38% during the 4 month period. B) C Stores sold 85% of all OLG lottery products (up from 74%) […]
Ontario Economic Development & Finance Committee Meetings
The OCSA has formally met with the Ministry of Economic Development committee as well as presented to the Pre budget committee the three priorities of the C store industry: A) 2 % increase in lottery commissions for all retailers to help offset the costs of business during COVID 19. B) Move ahead (as promised) with […]
OCSA Letter Warning of Contraband Impact
The re-opening of smoke shops on Ontario reserves has brought an issue facing our channel back to the forefront; the sale of cheap, untaxed cigarettes damaging the business of regulated convenience store retailers. A tobacco survey conducted by the OCSA this year has aided us in our efforts to help the government better understand the […]
Mystery Shopping Returns Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
A total of 34 local public health units have once again started to conduct underage mystery shop programs in convenience stores so it is important that we remind our employees of our responsibility to ensure strict age-testing procedures even during the COVID-19 pandemic with required face coverings now the new norm. Below are steps that […]
Beer and Wine Update, October 2020
It has now been three years since the Ontario government promised to allow consumers more access to beer and wine in local, family-run convenience stores. The program, to this point, seems to have stalled despite our continued participation in meetings on the subject. What we have seen in the meantime is the relaxation of various […]
Made in Ontario
The Ontario Convenience Stores Association has aligned our members and associate members to promote ‘Made in Ontario’ for all companies producing products for the convenience store industry in Ontario. Each product can use the government authorized stickers and logo to highlight Ontario products in your stores and encourage all retailers to review products and promotions […]
C Store Days Return Throughout Ontario
C Store Days will once again take place throughout Ontario. This year from August 15-22 with a special focus on Saturday, Aug. 22. During this annual campaign, 100% of proceeds from convenience stores will go directly to the four children’s charity hospitals in Ontario. Sick Kids’ Foundation Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation Children’s Health […]