Federal Budget 2021 – Tobacco & Vape Tax
The Federal budget targeted tobacco products with $4 per carton effective at midnight, Monday, April 19, 2021. In addition, will be vaping taxes implemented by year end should this budget pass. CTV News did a feature that clearly spells out the increases: It will get more expensive for Canadians who smoke cigarettes and vape, under […]
Retailer Code of Conduct Needs to Expand
Just recently Sobeys Canada and FCPC (Food Consumers Products of Canada) developed and proposed an industry Code of Conduct for the Canadian grocery supply chain in this country, which the OCSA is in complete support of. The association would like to see it expanded to include additional stakeholders so that the independent convenience stores are […]
Code of Conduct for Retail and Distributors in the Food and Convenience Industry
Our industry needs to thank the leadership from Sobeys & FCPC for the proposed ‘Code of Conduct‘ to correct the many issues the entire retail industry (food & convenience) has faced through the years. There is a growing imbalance of retail purchasing power that at times has left the entire independent operators with little recognition […]
Convenience Store Week Declared in Ontario
Yesterday the Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA), OKBA & CICC joined MPP Stan Cho to participate in an online press conference announcing his private members bill tabled yesterday in the legislature declaring the week before Labour Day to be ‘Convenience Store Week’ in Ontario recognizing the hard work of 1000’s of convenience store owners and […]
Convenience Store COVID Safety Plan
As we move through the Covid-19 issues, it is important that all convenience stores have a safety plan in place for inspection by the local Public Health units (PHU). It has become apparent that they are now asking all stores to show their plan. To help prepare everyone, the OCSA has prepared a simple COVID-19 […]
Plinko -Ontario’s Largest Instant Game Launch
Convenience Stores throughout Ontario have just launched Plinko, OLG’s newest and most exciting game for only $5. This launch is important to the thousands of convenience stores as it offers a 30% margin for 3 months (vs 8%), creates retailer enthusiasm, and drives more traffic to the convenience stores. We presently represent over 75% of […]
Government Support Available to Impacted Businesses
The OCSA is pleased to work with both the Federal and Ontario government on programs that are available for our industry. In many cases your business should qualify as follows: A) PPE Small Business Grant – Ontario’s Main Street Relief Grant Find out if your business is eligible to recover costs for personal protective equipment […]
Nestlé Canada Supports Customer Safety in Convenience Stores
We’ve been in unchartered territory and for months, together, we have been acting swiftly to lessen the impact of COVID-19. The food and beverage industry’s role is essential and we are so thankful for our employees, community partners and our customers who are doing extraordinary things. We are proud to work alongside you to navigate […]
OCSA Presentation To Committee of Finance and Economic Affairs
Dave Bryans, CEO of the OCSA accompanied by Henry Boyd of Stosic & Associates addressed the committee on November 10th supporting the government’s initiative under Bill 215. The OCSA is encouraged and pleased that the Minister of Small Business, Honourable Prabmeet Sarkaria, has offered support to the entire convenience store channel. This Bill will see […]
OCSA and PAYGOS to Provide e-commerce Platform to Ontario Convenience Stores
The Ontario Convenience Stores Association is pleased to announce a long term business relationship with Paygos. During the last few months, convenience stores throughout Ontario have demonstrated our ability to offer essential services to consumers in every community and this new partnership with Paygos will benefit the entire industry. Retailers will soon have the ability to […]