The OCSA’s Annual Outlook: 2019
As 2018 comes to a close, I am proud of the many files the OCSA has worked through on behalf of all our members. The OCSA is appreciative of the support we have received from association members, board members, members of the Ontario government, not to mention manufacturer trade and retail associations. We will continue […]
PUDO Seeks Convenience Store Partnerships
Convenience store operators of PUDOpoint locations are enjoying high return on investment for joining the PUDO parcel pick-up and return Network, on no capital investment. “It is gratifying to know that our PUDOpoint partners are benefitting tangibly from membership, “ says PUDO CEO Kurtis Arnold. “Convenience stores, particularly independent and family-run stores not affiliated with […]
Tobacco Tax Freeze Heading Into 2019
The OCSA has been actively working with the provincial government to address the issue of contraband tobacco. As we have discussed in the past, one of the key reasons contraband flourishes is due to high tobacco taxes. For this reason, the OCSA greatly appreciates the Ontario government recognizing this issue and halting the proposed $4.00 […]
Minimum Wage Hike Cancelled Along With Other Bill 148 Amendments
Update: The Ontario government has formally announced which amendments to Bill 148 it will repeal. Chief among the previous government’s modifications to the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017 was a plan to raise minimum wage up to $15.00 per hour in 2019. While the current government won’t roll back the increase to $14.00 that took […]
Bill 36 Ontario Vaping Regulations
The Ontario government has come out with regulations on the selling of vape products in convenience stores (October 18, 2018) The regulations have banned the display of vape products on the counter and back wall and they must be hidden from view (like tobacco) but will be allowed to promote and communicate the product benefits […]
Ontario Convenience Stores Pass Government Age-Check Inspections With 95.7% Success Rate
New results from data obtained from the Ontario Ministries of the Attorney General and Health and Long-Term Care show that Ontario convenience stores consistently sell age-restricted products like tobacco, lottery tickets, alcohol, and vaping products responsibly. In 2017, 19,822 mystery shopping checks were conducted by public health units in support of the Smoke Free Ontario […]
Retailer Action Needed on Bill S-5
On May 23rd, 2018, Bill S-5, An Act to Amend the Tobacco Act and the Non-Smokers Health Act became law, laying the groundwork for plain packaging and other standardization measures. Convenience stores operate a legal, respected and trusted business that serves and employs people from the community. It’s time to speak up and be heard: […]
Latest on Beer in Ontario Convenience Stores
UPDATE: Convenience stores throughout Ontario are asking the same question as we work with the Ontario government to create a new category for our members: where is our beer? Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Finance Vic Fideli continue to assure us that they are committed to living up to their election promise of beer in […]
Robbery Prevention Tips
Robbery and shoplifting are unfortunate realities in our industry but there are ways of mitigating the risks. Below are a handful of tips that all clerks and store owners should be aware of to ensure the safety of all employees and customers. What’s the Difference Between Robbery and Shoplifting? Shoplifting is when a person takes […]
Government Analysis of Plain Packaging Regulations
Update: We wrote in July that the the federal government was open to public consultation regarding proposed plain packaging changes. Unfortunately for OCSA members and other small retailers, the government has decided to proceed with the changes despite the potential risk that they pose to businesses. As outlined below, the federal government believes that plain […]