The Ontario government announced today it will return more than $2.5 billion to workers and businesses through Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) surplus rebates and fee reductions, aiming to reduce costs and support economic growth.
Eligible businesses will receive $2 billion in surplus funds starting in February 2025, as part of the WSIB’s new approach to financial management. Businesses that are considered safe employers — those without more than one conviction under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act or Occupational Health and Safety Act since 2020 — will qualify for the one-time rebate.
“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,” Premier Doug Ford said.
The WSIB will also reduce the average premium rate for businesses from $1.30 to $1.25 per $100 of insurable payroll starting in 2025, without reducing benefits. This is the lowest rate in 50 years and is expected to save businesses about $150 million annually.
“Under Premier Ford’s leadership, we’re creating a competitive climate for businesses to grow and workers to succeed,” David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, said.
In addition, the government is investing $400 million in health and safety programs developed by the WSIB, focusing on mental health, preventative and chronic injury care, and recovery. This includes expanding mental health care programming to partner with 11 public hospitals and their networks of community-based service providers across Ontario.
The government is also removing the $150 fee for apprentices taking their first Certificate of Qualification exam, making it easier for more people to start careers in the skilled trades. Combined with other fee reductions since 2019, this measure will save each apprentice at least $330.
“We’re thrilled to hear the Ontario government’s announcement this morning waiving Certificate of Qualification exam fees for apprentices,” Michael Sherrard, Board Chair of Skilled Trades Ontario, said. “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.”
Starting in 2025, a new Safe Business Bonus will provide an additional $1,000 to eligible employers who create a new workplace health and safety action plan approved through the WSIB’s Health and Safety Excellence program.
The measures have been welcomed by business groups. “We thank the Ontario government for listening and acting on our WSIB recommendations,” Julie Kwiecinski, Director of Provincial Affairs for Ontario at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), said. “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.”
These changes are part of a larger package that will expand on actions introduced in the five previous Working for Workers Acts since 2021, aiming to grow Ontario’s workforce, keep costs down for workers and businesses, and support the well-being of workers and their families.
