Ontario Returning Over $2.5 Billion to Workers and Businesses Through Fee Reductions and WSIB Rebates

November 26, 2024

Province putting more money back into workers’ pockets while keeping costs down for employers

The Ontario government is keeping costs down for workers and businesses by giving back over $2.5 billion by rebating Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) surpluses to hundreds of thousands of safe employers, reducing business premium rates and investing in keeping workers healthy and safe. These ground-breaking measures will pump billions of dollars back into the economy, helping to rebuild Ontario’s economy and support workers.

“We’re laser focused on keeping costs down for workers and businesses in Ontario, putting more money back into people’s pockets and helping create better jobs and bigger paycheques,” said Premier Doug Ford. “The rebates and support for safe workplaces being announced today will help keep Ontario’s economy competitive as we continue to compete for and attract game-changing investments.”

Ontario is putting more money back into workers’ pockets, keeping costs down for safe businesses and investing in health and safety 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, which includes not having been convicted more than once under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act or Occupational Health and Safety Act since 2020. For a small construction business with 50 employees, this could mean receiving $46,000 to reinvest in new jobs, enhanced health and safety programs and bigger paycheques.
• 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. Over the past decade, the WSIB has cut the average premium rate by more than 50 per cent, resulting in cumulative savings for businesses of approximately $18.6 billion since 2017.
• 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. This will include expanding the WSIB’s mental health care programming to partner with 11 public hospitals and their networks of community-based service providers across Ontario to ensure workers have the care they need, when and where they need it.
• 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. When combined with other fee reductions and removals that the province has implemented since 2019, Ontario is saving each apprentice at least $330, putting almost $3.6 million back into the pockets of nearly 11,000 apprentices.
• 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. Over 4,600 businesses are currently enrolled in the WSIB Health and Safety Excellence program. Since the program’s launch in 2019, members have received total rebates of over $68 million, including $15 million in additional incentives for smaller businesses that participated in 2023-2024.

“Under Premier Ford’s leadership, we’re creating a competitive climate for businesses to grow and workers to succeed,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Previous governments taxed the trades to the brink of extinction. Our government recognizes that by putting more money back into workers’ pockets and promoting the trades as a viable career, we are building a stronger workforce. Keeping costs down for businesses and investing in workers’ occupational and mental health is key to building a stronger Ontario for everyone.”

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.

Quick Facts

• The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) helps injured workers, providing services and support that includes access to health care and recovery services as well as providing income protection for those who are off work because of their injury or illness.
• Over 280,000 businesses may be eligible for the WSIB surplus rebate. Learn more at wsib.ca/rebate.
• Businesses up to date with their premium payment and reporting will be able to request a cheque online to receive payment for any credits on their account. If a business’s mailing address has recently changed, they can update their address online now to ensure the WSIB has the most up to date contact information.
• The WSIB’s sector-by-sector business premiums can be found at wsib.ca/2025premiumrates.
• The WSIB is investing $25 million to expand the Mental Health Specialized Care with 11 public hospital partners to deliver coordinated and enhanced health care services for work-related mental health injuries to enable a health and safe return-to-work, including for first responders. This will include Ottawa, Peterborough, Penetanguishene, Barrie, Hamilton, Woodstock, London and the GTA. This program will ensure care coordination and navigation through a client’s care journey and return-to-work across a full continuum of services inclusive of intensive outpatient and residential care.
• The WSIB is also investing an additional $55 million every year through the Community Mental Health Program to deliver mental health services closer to home, giving clients access to psychological assessment and evidence-based, outcome-focused treatment.
• Nearly 11,000 apprentices take Ontario’s Certificate of Qualification exams each year through Skilled Trades Ontario (STO), for cumulative savings of approximately $1.6 million annually.
• Since April 2019, Ontario and STO have been keeping costs down for apprentices and journeypersons, including cutting registration fees.
• To keep costs down for businesses, Ontario is creating an Ontario Payroll Burden Reduction Consultative Forum to provide expert advice and recommendations on reducing administrative payroll burden for Ontario businesses. The Ontario Payroll Burden Reduction Consultative Forum will recommend changes that could affect Ontario payroll-related legislation, such as the Employment Standards Act, 2000, Workplace Safety and Insurance Act and Employer Health Tax Act, among other statutes.

Quotes

“Our government is continuing to make record investments to connect more people to the care and support they need, when and where they need it. Through this investment, we are not only strengthening the support services available to Ontario’s workers, but also recognizing the extraordinary dedication of our health care professionals by ensuring they can connect to the comprehensive care they need for both their physical and mental health.”

– Sylvia Jones
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health

“I’m proud that our strong financial position is allowing us to help businesses and contribute to the economic prosperity of Ontario while also investing $2.5 billion every year to help people recover and return to work by covering health care costs and income replacement.”

– Jeff Lang
WSIB CEO

“We’re thrilled to hear the Ontario government’s announcement this morning waiving Certificate of Qualification exam fees for apprentices. Since inception, Skilled Trades Ontario has focused on removing barriers to the apprenticeship pathway and today’s announcement is yet another step in the right direction. In increasing numbers, individuals are turning to skilled trades as one of the most attractive career choices available.”

– Michael Sherrard
Board Chair, Skilled Trades Ontario

“We thank the Ontario government for listening and acting on our WSIB recommendations. The WSIB is funded by employers, so returning extra money to the eligible business owners who originally paid it and lowering their premiums are the right things to do. Businesses of all sizes will benefit – especially those struggling with high debt and low demand – without risking workplace safety, or the WSIB’s strong financial health. Many businesses have been hit hard over the past year and will welcome the positive news to get their new year off to a great start.”

– Julie Kwiecinski
Director of Provincial Affairs for Ontario, Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)

“Today’s announcement is an important one for our industry. Removing fees for various apprentice programs, and providing more mental health support to workers, these decisions will help sustain and enhance key skilled trade labour to build Canada’s most important infrastructure.”

– Stephen Chaplin
SVP Health Safety & Environment, EllisDon

“RESCON fully supports the significant investments made in health and safety by Minister Piccini and Premier Ford. This announcement will create direct investments in on-site safety, protect workers and lower costs for purchasers. It will help build the homes Ontarians need.”

– Andrew Pariser
Vice President, RESCON

“Lowering the cost of doing business is critical to safeguard Ontario’s manufacturing turnaround. With today’s bold action, Ontario helps each employer focus resources where they matter most – keeping workers safe, healthy and preserving competitiveness to protect their jobs for the long-term.”

– Dennis A. Darby
President and CEO, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

“ORBA commends Premier Ford and Minister Piccini’s leadership on achieving this important milestone with a fully funded, stable and effective WSIB. Today’s announcement strikes the right balance between protecting injured workers and ensuring our members remain viable and can continue to build much needed roads, bridges and transportation infrastructure across Ontario, as well as reinvesting in health and safety excellence and innovations.”

– Walid Abou-Hamde
Chief Executive Officer, ORBA

“On behalf of the farmers of Ontario, I would like to thank Premier Ford, Minister Piccini and the Ontario government for their commitment to supporting the Ontario business community, including farms and agri-businesses. The return of $2 billion in surplus WSIB funds and an ongoing reduction in premium rates brings dollars back into the hands of businesses, allowing them to reinvest in their operations, drive innovation and contribute to the growth of our sector and the province as a whole. This is good news for Ontario agriculture.”

– Drew Spoelstra
President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

“The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) welcomes the expansion of the WSIB’s Mental Health Specialty Program to 11 public hospital partners. This initiative will better enable injured workers to access treatment, improve their health and eventually, return to work safely. Expanding access to mental health services ensures that more people will get the care their need closer to home, coordinated throughout their full care journey.”

– Anthony Dale
President and CEO, Ontario Hospital Association

“On behalf of Agnico Eagle, we extend our appreciation to Minister Piccini and the ministry for its commitment to fostering meaningful programs that empower businesses and support economic growth. The reduction in WSIB premiums, reinvesting funds for operating a safe business and providing easier pathways to qualified skilled trades are all important elements to creating a thriving and competitive business environment in Northern Ontario. As the largest gold miner in Ontario, we also commend the hard work of Ontario employees whose efforts to make their workplaces safer has made these changes possible.”

– Andre Leite
Vice President, Ontario Operations, Agnico Eagle

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