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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Smoke Free Ontario Advice on ITSA Flavour Cards
There has been some confusion in the Ontario market place whether the ITSA flavour cards are a tobacco product and should be governed by the Ontario Smoke Free Act or not. As a background, ITSA is a way to infuse any dry food and dry beverage products with flavor and aroma. To use it, the consumer would […]
The OCSA Welcomes Minister of Small Business
The province has introduced a new position, the Minister of Small Business. We’ve advocated for such a position and welcome Hon. Jeff Leal.
OCSA Addresses Holiday Shopping By-Law Review
The City of Toronto plans to review the Holiday Shopping By-Law. The OCSA is of the belief that the current by-law should stand.
OCSA Queen’s Park Lobby Day
Lobby Day is an event that allows the OCSA and its many members to engage with elected officials (MPPs and Ministers) develop and enhance relationships and demonstrate a coordinated, united industry on issues of interest. Why We Do It…. Benefits of Lobby Day include the following… Enhanced awareness of the association by key policy decision […]
Menu Labeling Changes and What They Mean
Why are these menu labeling changes happening? Changes are on the horizon for food retailers, as Canadians embrace healthier lifestyles and make more concerted efforts to manage their diets responsibly. At the beginning of next year, new changes to how retail menus are displayed in-store will provide customers with more information than ever before. What follows is an excerpt […]
Rising Rural Hydro Rates Hurt Small Business
Discrepancy in hydro rates across the country are punishing small business, especially those located in designated rural areas with exorbitant delivery charges. This higher delivery rate puts businesses on an unlevel playing field and it’s this that needs to stop. The Ontario government continues to subsidize large industrial businesses to reduce their costs while ignoring […]
OCSA Submission on E-Cigarette Regulation
The OCSA is a not-for-profit trade association that represents the interests of over 6,000 convenience store retailers operating throughout Ontario. The convenience store (c-store) sector is an integral part of the business community of Ontario. Our stores are vital economic and social hubs in the communities they serve, including providing services to some areas that […]