Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced that eligible businesses will receive a share of $2 billion in surplus funds returned by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). This marks the second time the WSIB has distributed a surplus, following a $1.2 billion rebate in 2022. To qualify, businesses must not have been convicted more than once under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act or the Occupational Health and Safety Act since 2020.
In addition to the surplus rebate, the WSIB will reduce the average premium rate for employers from $1.30 to $1.25 per $100 of insurable payroll, starting in 2025, saving businesses an estimated $150 million annually. This is the lowest rate in 50 years, contributing to cumulative savings of approximately $18.6 billion for businesses since 2017.
The province is also investing in workers’ health and safety, with $400 million earmarked for new programs focused on mental health, preventative care, and chronic injury recovery. This includes expanding WSIB’s mental health services through partnerships with 11 public hospitals and community-based providers across Ontario.
As part of ongoing efforts to support workers, the government is removing the $150 fee for apprentices taking their first Certificate of Qualification exam, reducing costs for those entering the skilled trades. Since 2019, this initiative has saved apprentices more than $330 each, putting nearly $3.6 million back into the pockets of approximately 11,000 workers.
Starting in 2025, the WSIB will also offer an additional $1,000 bonus to employers who implement a new health and safety action plan through its Health and Safety Excellence program. More than 4,600 businesses are currently enrolled in the program, which has already provided over $68 million in rebates, including $15 million in additional incentives for small businesses in 2023-2024.
These measures are part of a series of reforms outlined in the government’s Working for Workers Acts, aimed at building a stronger workforce and a more prosperous Ontario.
“Previous governments taxed the trades to the brink of extinction,” said David Piccini, minister of labour. “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.”
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