Summary of OCSA Conversation with Ministry of Small Business
The OCSA recently spoke at Queen’s Park to lobby on behalf of small businesses across the province. We were pleased to discuss some of the most pertinent issues facing our sector with Ontario’s small business minister Jeff Leal. Below is a letter that we received back from the Ministry, recapping the conversation. Dear Mr. Bryans: […]
Protecting The Cannabis-Associated Product Market
As Ontario prepares for the launch of Ontario Cannabis Stores across the province, we have been vocal about protecting the interests of convenience stores that sell cannabis-related products. The OCSA is of the belief that allowing exclusively licensed Ontario Cannabis Stores to also sell these secondary products would be unfair to small businesses who already […]
Menu Labelling: Questions and Answers
The intent of the Healthy Menu Choices Act, 2015 (HMCA) is to provide Ontarians with calorie information relating to standard food and drink items, when they eat out at, or order in from, regulated food service premises. Minister-appointed inspectors are responsible for inspecting regulated food service premises and enforcing compliance with the HMCA and its […]
Industry issues worth discussing as election nears
Ontario is now heading into an election to decide the political party that will lead us over next four years. The last few years have been a rough ride for small businesses through the province and the convenience store industry has seen many new challenges, downloaded costs and disappointments. The OCSA is not endorsing any […]
Youth Job Connection to help offset wage increase
An increase to the provincial minimum wage presents a challenge for small businesses in Ontario. Fortunately, there are government incentives like the Youth Job Connection program that can help offset these costs. One such incentive involves hiring young workers. Here’s some guidance should you wish to participate in one of these employment programs and reap […]
Changes Coming To Smoke-Free Ontario Act
Changes to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act are on the way. The new piece of legislature will regulate the sale, supply, use, display and promotion of both tobacco and vapour products while also regulating the smoking and vaping of medical cannabis. Furthermore, the comprehensive Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 will replace the previous Smoke-Free Ontario Act as […]
[NEW] Employee Standards Poster 2018
January 2, 2018, a new version of the Ministry of Labour’s Employment Standards Poster will be published (version 7.0). This replaces version 6.0. The poster describes important rights and requirements under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) and must be posted in the workplace where it is likely that employees will see it. Employers are […]
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 […]
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 […]