Keeping Costs Down for Workers and Businesses in York-Simcoe

We’re laser focused on keeping costs down for workers and businesses in York-Simcoe and across Ontario, putting more money back into people’s pockets and helping create better jobs and bigger paycheques.

We’re doing this by:

  • Returning $2 billion in surplus funds to Ontario businesses through the WSIB thanks to the agency’s new approach to strong financial management. Eligible employers will receive their one-time rebate starting in February 2025 if they are a safe employer.
  • Cutting the average premium rate for Ontario businesses from $1.30 to $1.25 per $100 of insurable payroll through the WSIB starting in 2025, without reducing benefits. This is the lowest rate in half a century and will save Ontario businesses about $150 million annually starting in 2025 when compared to the 2024 rate.
  • Unlocking $400 million to invest in health and safety programs for workers and employers developed by the WSIB, focusing on mental health, preventative and chronic injury care and recovery to ensure workers have the supports they need to return to work safely and quickly.
  • Removing the $150 fee for apprentices taking their first Certificate of Qualification exam, making it easier for more people to start their career in the skilled trades.
  • Launching a new Safe Business Bonus with an additional $1,000 bonus to eligible employers who create a new workplace health and safety action plan approved through the WSIB’s Health and Safety Excellence program, starting in 2025.

These changes are part of a larger package that will expand on the ground-breaking actions introduced in the five previous Working for Workers Acts since 2021, which will be unveiled in the coming weeks to grow Ontario’s workforce, keep costs down for workers and businesses and support the well-being of workers and their families. These changes are another way the government is building a brighter future for all Ontarians and ensuring our province remains the best place to live, work and raise a family.

Learn More: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1005375/ontario-returning-over-25-billion-to-workers-and-businesses-through-fee-reductions-and-wsib-rebates