Ontario Vaping Tax
Ontario is poised to implement an increase in the cost of vaping products through the introduction of a provincial excise duty, as outlined in the recent fall economic statement by Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy. The proposed tax measure will effectively augment the existing federal duty rates, resulting in a significant rise in the tax on […]
Ontario Preparing for an Open Beverage Alcohol Market
Since 1923 beer sales have been controlled by The Beer Store in Ontario and this has been blessed, renewed and authorized by successive governments. The OCSA has been working with the current Ontario government to open the market to allow beer sales in convenience stores as we see throughout North America, Quebec and Newfoundland. The […]
Contraband Tobacco needs a Refocus by the Ontario Government
Ernst & Young (E&Y) recently released their report where they examined the downward trend in legal tobacco sales in three provinces since 2019 (BC, Newfoundland, and Ontario) compared with the rising growth in the underground contraband tobacco market. Let’s not be fooled as contraband is at record numbers in basically all provinces in Canada. “Illegal […]
OLG’s $100 Ultimate Instant Ticket Launches October 2nd
$100 ULTIMATE is back with Instant wins, a Draw and your best chance to win $1 MILLION! Top Prizes 10 instant prizes of $100,000 40 top prizes of $1 Million to be drawn on January 4, 2024 Limited Edition On sale only from October 2, 2023 to January 4, 2024 Key Features Now with 7 […]
CEBA Repayment Extension – Important Update
On September 14, 2023, the Prime Minister made a significant announcement regarding CEBA loans, offering vital support to small businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Here are the key details: Extended Deadlines: 1. Partial Loan Forgiveness – pay back $40,000 of the $60,000 borrowed The repayment deadline for CEBA loans, allowing for partial loan forgiveness of up […]
Ontario Minimum Wage Increase – October 1 2023
Effective October 1, 2023, minimum wage rates in Ontario have increased. General minimum wage is $16.55 per hour. There are different rates for students and other areas of specialty. When the minimum wage changes The minimum wage rates are subject to annual indexation based on the rate of inflation. If that rate is changed, the […]
Convenience Store Week 2023
The OCSA would like to thank all of the retailers who participated in Ontario Convenience Store Week. We appreciate the dedication and the hard work that all of the local stores do for their community. We would also like to thank the millions of customers who walk through our doors everyday – Thank you! We […]
Summer Mystery Shops by Public Health
It is imperative to remind all family run convenience Stores to ensure they have reviewed their policies for selling tobacco, vape and lottery tickets to prevent any failures when it comes to selling these age restricted programs. All local public health units will be hiring underage mystery shop employees to test c stores on your […]
Pre-Pay at the Pumps Bill 88
‘Protecting Ontarians by Enhancing Gas Station Safety to Prevent Gas and Dash Act, 2023’ This bill was passed in April 2023 and please find the link to the entire Bill that mandates GTA gas stations to implement Pre-Pay at the pumps to protect our employees and customers from drive offs as well as the business […]
Contraband Tobacco Remains a Big Issue
With the recent increases in cigarette prices as well as tax issues bestowed upon legal tobacco, we still see the issue of untaxed cigarettes sitting at 30-35 % in Ontario. Tobacco is a declining category but the best way we can shore up the instore business to constantly reminding our local MPP’s of the issues […]