2022 Ontario Budget – Addressing Unregulated Tobacco
The Ontario government has been engaging a variety of industry, retail and public health stakeholders and Indigenous partners on the issue of unregulated tobacco. In addition, two independent Indigenous facilitators have submitted a report to the government summarizing their engagement with First Nations. The facilitators’ work highlights the importance of the tobacco economy for First […]
Convenience Store Distribution Challenges 2022
Independents are continually expressing their frustrations with the full-service distribution channel in Ontario. The past few months has been a real challenge for thousands of convenience stores to source the daily needs of many products for their local and loyal customers. At times independent stores are left to fend for themselves while full-service wholesalers ensure […]
2022 Ontario Convenience Stores Board of Directors
The OCSA is proud to represent the economic interests of the entire Convenience store sector in Ontario and has elected their 2022 Board of Directors. Kenny Shim (President of OKBA) is pleased to Chair the 2022 Board and looks forward to bringing independents, regional chains together on the issues and opportunities for our members. The […]
Successful Pilot of Digital Age Verification
The OCSA in partnership with Liquid Avatar are proud to announce the successful completion of an end-to-end, live working test of the Smart Age program. The Smart Age program provides digital age verification, supported with biometric authentication for restricted product sales like lottery tickets, tobacco, alcohol and other goods and services through a mobile device […]
Innovative Product – QuickStrip
Quickstrip is an innovative vitamin offering that convenience store owners can offer to their customers. What is a QuickStrip™? QuickStrip™ is a thin oral dissolvable film (similar to the Listerine strip we are all familiar with but a different technology). QuickStrip™ is simply placed on or under the tongue (most effective placement is under the […]
RELX International Now in Canada
RELX International, a supplier of vape products, has joined the Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA), enabling it to work more closely with distributors and convenience retailers. RELX International is a multinational electronic cigarette company that markets and sells RELX, Asia’s leading e-cigarette brand. RELX’s award-winning devices provide the optimal vaping experience and are available in […]
OCSA Partners with Liquid Avatar Technologies for Digital Age Verification Program
The partnership will create Smart Age program utilizing Liquid Avatar’s LAVCE platform to provide the capability for the OCSA and all convenience stores in Ontario to implement digital verification solution for age-restricted sales. Toronto, Canada – TheNewswire – October 6, 2021 –Liquid Avatar Technologies Inc. (CSE:LQID) / (CNSX:LQUID.CN) / (OTC:LQAVF) / (FRA:4T51) a global blockchain, […]
Is It Really CRA Calling You?
Make sure the caller is a CRA employee and not a scammer! Legitimate CRA employees who contact Canadians will identify themselves as CRA agents and provide their name and a telephone number. You should make sure the caller is a CRA employee before providing any information on the phone. This will protect you from giving […]
Ontario Convenience Store Week Act, 2021
Royal Assent was given to Willowdale MPP Stan Cho’s private member’s Bill in the Ontario legislature that would proclaim the week before Labour Day each year as Ontario Convenience Store Week. The Convenience Store Week Act, 2021 will recognize and celebrate the hard-working individuals who work in Ontario’s 8,500 convenience stores and the essential service […]
OLG Instant Top Up – Exciting New Game
On June 1, 2021 the OLG launched INSTANT TOP UP – a new $1 add-on game for OLG’s INSTANT tickets that gives players a shot at an exciting growing Jackpot! During the first four weeks , retailers will earn double commission . That’s right , original 5% plus an additional 5% to be reconciled at […]