OCSA Opposed To Proposed Stat Holiday By-Law Changes
The City of Toronto has contemplated changes to the statutory holiday by-law that prohibits the majority of stores from opening on those days. The Retail Business Holidays Act allows convenience stores to serve a vital role in their communities on these nine dates and to build a rapport with customers who may otherwise not be aware of their […]
Ministry of Labour Workplace Blitz Begins
This summer the Ministry of Labour aims to execute a series of summer blitzes to ensure that businesses are adhering to rules pertaining to the rights of workers. We would like to remind all association members to dutifully track the hours of new and young works to make certain that no employees are working more […]
Minimum Wage Increase Will Lead to Fewer Part-Time Jobs
Ontario’s jump to a $15-dollar minimum wage is out-of-step with economy and puts jobs at risk May 31, 2017 – TORONTO, Ontario – The Government of Ontario’s decision to increase the minimum wage well beyond the rate of inflation will lead to fewer jobs in the convenience sector. The jump to $15 dollars per hour […]
Rolling Papers and Blunts – Can They Be Displayed?
The OCSA has seen some controversy from certain Public Health Units in Ontario around the interpretation of displaying all types cigarette papers and blunts in plain view of the consumer. Some Public Health Units were ready to fine retailers who had these products on display, so the Ontario Convenience Stores Association went to the Ministry of […]
Response to Ontario Budget – Need for Comprehensive Plan to Address Illegal Tobacco Market
The Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA) was disappointed that the recent Ontario budget did not include a comprehensive, holistic solution to the growing threat of illegal tobacco. While the government did announce an increase to the tobacco tax, this increase is just a band aid – while the legal tobacco market will pay it, the […]
OCSA Discusses Energy Drinks with City of Toronto
As you may know by now, the City of Toronto has ruled against implementing any age-restrictions on energy drinks. Prior to their decision, they had contemplated limiting the sale of the beverages out of concerns for youth consumption, consumption with alcohol and the general caffeine level. We believe, as Health Canada believes, that it’s imperative […]
First in Canada: Costco Wholesale Business Centre Opens
Unique concept benefits businesses of all sizes, from retailers to restaurants to offices. Scarborough, ON – Costco Wholesale today opened its first Canadian Business Centre in Scarborough, located at 50 Thermos Rd. in the Warden-Eglinton area. The Costco Wholesale Business Centre concept is new to Canada. The location is vastly different from any current Costco […]
Celebrating Our Neighbourhood Corner Stores
Convenience Stories We found this great story over at ConvenienceStories.org about a video project focusing on the different convenience stores in Toronto. Stina Dios is a student at OCAD who found the stories behind each of the convenience stores that she entered and she wanted to share them with everyone. About her project…. A collection […]
2017 Ontario Minimum Wage Increase set for Oct 1st
Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn made the announcement that the increase will come into effect on October 1, 2017, and continues the government’s efforts to ensure more workers and their families are able to benefit from the province’s growing economy. As a result, full-time minimum wage earners in Ontario are now taking home $2,782 more […]
Convenience U 2017 – A Great Success
This year’s Toronto edition of The Convenience U CARWACS Show really delivered the goods. More attendees and more opportunities to discover products, services and industry insight made the 2017 Convenience U CARWACS event a valuable date for Canada’s c-gas and car wash operators. Sited at the Toronto Congress Centre (March 7-8), the show’s new venue […]