Contraband Tobacco Levels in Ontario Reaching Alarming Rates According to New Study
Government Failure to Tackle Contraband Tobacco Highlights Double Standard Around Proposed Regulations for Marijuana The latest contraband study, conducted on behalf of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA), reveals that the volume of contraband tobacco being consumed by Ontario residents continues to rise at an alarming rate in every region across the province. The […]
7-Eleven Canada to give Consumers more Nutrition Information
7-Eleven Boosts the Informed Dining Program by 600 Locations October 11, 2017 – Vancouver, B.C. – 7-Eleven Canada is making it easier for customers to make informed purchasing choices. Today, 7-Eleven joins the B.C. government’s Informed Dining program, adding 600 participating locations across Canada. 7-Eleven customers will have in-store access to information on calories, sodium and […]
Plain Packaging Issues
The Canadian federal government wants to remove all logos, colors, fonts and other stylistic features that let customers know just exactly what tobacco product they are buying. The impact on retailers is huge (security issues, customer service issues, etc). Tobacco products will be easier to counterfeit. In Ontario, every 1 in 3 cigarettes smoked are […]
Crime Stoppers: Sale of Illegal Cigarettes is Funding Bikers, Street Gangs and Terrorists
Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers Launches Hard-Hitting Public Awareness Campaign TORONTO – Monday, September 18, 2017 – Today, Crime Stoppers programs across Ontario officially launched a province-wide public awareness campaign to highlight the threats to our communities posed by the sale of illegal cigarettes. The campaign features a series of 30-second radio and print advertisements […]
Convenience Retailers concerned with effect of Ontario Labour Changes on Community Stores and Part-time Jobs
In a new member survey published this week, the Ontario Convenience Store Association (OCSA) found widespread concern among retailers about the unintended consequences resulting from Ontario’s surprise minimum wage increase, as well as other proposed labour changes. As a result of the legislation introduced by the Government of Ontario earlier this year, 83 per cent […]
Save Our Convenience Stores – OKBA
The OKBA has launched a campaign in Ontario called SOS – Save Our Stores that will be featured in a different community every month leading up to the June 7, 2018 Ontario election. The video highlights the hardships their members are facing in Ontario due to contraband tobacco, punishing hydro rates, minimum wages (too much too soon […]
Tobacco Retail Dealer’s Permit – Mandatory Registration
As announced in the 2017 Ontario Budget, tobacco retail dealers that currently hold a permit under the Retail Sales Tax Act (RSTA) are required to transition to the Tobacco Retail Dealer’s Permit (TRDP) before July 1, 2018. There is no cost to apply for the TRDP. Retail dealers can mail or fax a completed TRDP application […]
National Convenience Store Day – August 30, 2017
C-Store Day to launch nationwide on August 30th, featuring retailers, customers and politicians Sixth annual event to recognize convenience stores, support Children’s Wish goes national An Atlantic Canada event established in 2012 has been launched nationwide, coast to coast, and will take place on August.30th. Ontario will be the biggest growth market for the event […]
Province Aims To Help Businesses Avoid Red Tape
The Ministry of Small Business has shown a commitment to reducing costs and red tape for small businesses in Ontario. Proposed measures to help small businesses grow and cut red tape, to be introduced this fall, include: Reducing regulatory costs: Requiring all ministries to offset every dollar of new administrative costs to business, by removing […]
Toronto Okays Sidewalk Marketing
The City of Toronto has agreed to accommodate small businesses by modifying its sidewalk marketing by-law. Now stores will be able to showcase things like fruit and flower out in front of their stores, perfect for the summer months ahead. Below is a transcript of OCSA CEO Dave Bryans’ comments to the Councillors who approved […]