2018 WSIB Premium Rates
The WSIB is funded solely by premium revenue. When setting premium rates for 2018, WSIB had to incorporate costs for legislation related to Chronic Mental Stress (CMS). They considered the number of traumatic mental stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) claims across each industry class over the past 10 years. Overall can industries can expect a 3.3 per cent reduction to the average premium rate in 2018
Some groups would see substantial premium rate increases. In order to ensure stability at the rate group level WSIB:
There are 27 rate groups affected by the cap on premium rate increases.
2018 Hospitality Premium Rates
Credit Card Processing Fees & ORHMA Advocacy
ORHMA remains a strong advocate with the Small Business Matters Coalition. We have been engaged with the Small Business Coalition to address federal matters to credit card fees for the past three years now. We continue to move forward, the Small Business Matters Coalition has been advocating on a number of issues facing our sector, with our initial campaign focused on credit card fees, and their direct impact to the vitality of Canada’s small business community. Merchant fees (swipe fees) charged to Canada’s small businesses when they process customer transactions paid by credit cards are amongst the highest in the world—ranging from 1.5% to 4% of a purchase. Particularly for small business, these costs constrain their ability to invest in their businesses, their ability to hire new employees and result in increased consumer prices, even for those consumers paying by cash or debit. Canadian consumers who pay by cash subsidize the cost of credit card usage which leads to increased consumer prices. Change is required. Our Small Business Matters Coalition continues to demand change, Canada’s Commissioner of Competition stated that without changes to the rules, retailers would continue to pay excessive fees. SBM coalition members urge the Government of Canada to reduce credit card swipe fees and to bring fairness and transparency to the Canadian payments industry. The Federal Government is reviewing interchange fees as a result of our advocacy efforts. See link to our Small Business Matters Coalition website: www.sbmcoalition.com
Accessible Employment