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The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, announced that the government intends to extend the current rate structures for these subsidies from March 14 to June 5, 2021. Specifically:
- The maximum wage subsidy rate for active employees would remain at 75 per cent;
- The maximum rent subsidy rate would remain at 65 per cent; and
- Lockdown Support would remain at 25 per cent and continue to be provided in addition to the rent subsidy, providing eligible hard hit businesses with rent support of up to 90 per
cent.
These extensions would provide certainty and continued support for workers, businesses and other affected organizations in the face of ongoing challenges presented by the pandemic. With regard to furloughed employees, the government intends to continue to align the wage
subsidy rate structure with the benefits provided through the Employment Insurance program from March 14 to June 5, 2021. This means employers who qualify for the wage subsidy would be able to continue to claim up to a maximum benefit of $595 per week per employee to support remuneration of their furloughed workers.
Through the pandemic, applicants have demonstrated revenue declines by comparing revenue to the previous year. Given that we are approaching a full year since the COVID-19 pandemic, the government is today announcing that applicants would be able to continue to use a pre-pandemic 2019 reference month, effective for the upcoming periods from March 14 to June 5, 2021.
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View News Release
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Bill 231 - Protecting Ontarians by Enhancing Gas Station Safety to Prevent Gas and Dash Act, 2020
The Bill amends the Occupational Health and Safety Act to require employers at gas stations to require customers to prepay before being given gasoline. The employer is required to give notice of the requirement to prepay for gasoline. The Act is also amended to require employers to provide training to workers involved in the sale of gasoline.
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Link to Bill 231
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The Ontario government is expanding the number of small businesses that can apply for the Main Street Relief Grant to help offset the unexpected costs of purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE) to cautiously and gradually reopen in parts of the province. Small businesses with 2-19 employees in all eligible sectors are now eligible to apply (expanded from 2-9 employees). This one-time grant reimburses main street businesses for up to $1,000 in PPE costs incurred since March 17, 2020.
Don’t let time run out when you are eligible to purchase and be reimbursed for your safety needs.
Eligible sectors:
• retail trade;
• accommodation and food services;
• repair and maintenance;
• personal and laundry services;
• gyms and yoga studios; and
• arts, entertainment, and recreation.
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Application
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Premier Ford announced that essential workers in the convenience industry would be included in Phase 2 vaccinations. We appreciate this recognition of the essential role of the convenience industry and the thousands of workers across the Province who have responsibly served customers across our communities everyday!
Local convenience stores across Ontario have continued to ensure Ontarians are able to access necessities when other options were limited or even unavailable. OCSA members' stores have been there for people of Ontario. Like all essential workers, they remained open while adhering to government guidelines to serve the people in their communities.
The OCSA has worked hard to ensure the work of our members – their commitment to meeting all standards while also serving their customers – was understood by the government. We are proud of the critical role our members and their families have played.
While the pandemic and the need to remain safe and diligent of safety standards remain, Premier Ford said, "The light at the tunnel is a little bit brighter. I want to thank the front-line workers...you are absolutely amazing."
Keep in touch with your local Public Health Unit to inquire as to when and how your employees and you can obtain their vaccinations to ensure the safety of our customers.
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Ontario Vaccine Schedule
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‘’GURU is a dynamic, fast-growing beverage company launched in 1999, when it pioneered the world’s first natural, plant-based energy drink.
GURU has built an inspiring brand with a clean list of organic plant-based ingredients. Its drinks offer consumers good energy that never comes at the expense of their health.
The company is committed to achieving its mission of cleaning the energy drink industry. We are really proud to be part and available via the Paygos platform.
For more information about GURU, visit www.guruenergy.com or contact us at [email protected]’’
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Link to Site
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Full-service wholesalers are a big part of the convenience store replenishment of all goods in every community. The OCSA recommends wholesalers that support the convenience store industry, have a vested interest in our business and have proven track records on fulfilment rates and delivery scheduling. If you are looking to change or are considering your options, the OCSA recommends the following Full-service wholesalers in Ontario:
Wallace & Carey
Frank Cappabianca
(905) 825-9640.
CJR Wholesale
Frank Nweisser
905 361 1081 Ext 205
Sobeys Wholesale
Peter Kerr
905 671 5044
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Disinfectants are critical for controlling COVID-19 in your workspaces, but are they safe for your staff? Here are 7 tips from WSPS on keeping your workplace and workers safe during the pandemic.
- DON'T just read the product label. The SDS will have precautionary statements and warning labels, such as 'Danger. Will Burn on Contact' and lots of other information that you may not see on the label
- DO ensure the SDS matches exactly the product you are using. Familiarity with a product may sometimes cause confusion. If you've used a disinfectant in a 5% solution and are now using a 98% solution, don't rely on the original SDS. The hazards will have grown significantly, and controls will be different. Rely instead on an SDS for the product at the current concentration.
- DON'T mix products. It may cause a chemical reaction that could create potentially fatal off-gassing. This applies at home too.
Click below to read the full article and see the remaining tips.
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Read Full Article
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Congratulations for making 'Plinko' the best and most successful launch in the history of the Ontario Lottery (OLG). The 30% commission will expire on March 31, 2021 and I suggest every retailer to put a final push on this product by encouraging all employees to upsell this $5 ticket to garner last minute commissions for your business.
Sales Update:
During the first 10 weeks, Convenience Stores have sold a record $46.4 million in $5 Plinko tickets. Total commission is $13.9 million dollars with an incremental commission of $10.2 million to our channel (at 8% would have only received $3.7 million). Congratulations to all for this introduction and efforts!
The OCSA will continue to work with the OLG on future potential programs and the success of 'Plinko' may allow for future introductory programs.
Please take a moment when you speak with your OLG Representative and 'thank' them for this promotion and the support through their efforts to market the program in every convenience store.
Remember only 14 more days to garner 30% more commission on 'Plinko', lets take advantage of this great opportunity.
Thanks again to everyone at OLG for working with the OCSA on supporting the channel during these pandemic times!
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January News Release
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The opportunity and promise to have all convenience stores in Ontario selling beverage alcohol is still a reality as confirmed by the Ontario government.
The OCSA will represent our members when it comes to rolling out beer/wine into our channel and ensure membership will be first to enjoy this privilege. Thousands of convenience stores want the rights to sell, and this opportunity will take time to implement. But rest assured that the OCSA will work with the Convenience Industry Council of Canada, OKBA, Craft Brewers Association and Distillers Association in a coalition to encourage movement on this file.
Collectively the Coalition has launched the following campaign in social media and government circles to as a reminder that this is an ongoing promise to all and will strengthen the convenience sector in every community.
The OCSA has images available for you to use in your social media circles to spread the word. Please take time to visit our campaign and remind politicians and customers that we are preparing for the sale in every community.
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Visit The Website
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The Government of Ontario recently simplified the eligibility criteria for the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for Small Business (CEAP-SB), making it easier for those struggling with their electricity and natural gas bills to access financial assistance. Through CEAP-SB, eligible small businesses and registered charities can receive a one-time, on-bill credit to help them catch up on their energy bills and resume regular payments.
Amounts of support have also been increased. A small business or registered charity can now receive up to $1500 towards their electricity and natural gas bills.
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How to Apply
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As we move through the Covid-19 issues, it is important that all convenience stores have a safety plan in place for inspection by the local Public Health units (PHU).
It has become apparent that they are now asking all stores to show their plan. To help prepare everyone, the OCSA has included in this newsletter a template for a safety plan.
The plan itself does not have to be elaborate and is easily filled out to satisfy the needs of your local PHU while demonstrating our responsibility as an essential retailer.
Please follow the link below to fill out your Convenience Store Safety Plan.
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Safety Plan
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The Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA) works year-round to advocate for convenience stores throughout the province, supporting large and small family-run business alike, communicating with the government on relevant files and innovating ways to push the channel forward.
Among the OCSA's current projects are securing beer and wine in convenience stores, advocating for a larger portion of lottery commissions and working with the appropriate authorities to spread awareness about the negative impacts of contraband tobacco.
Your voice is welcome. Join the OCSA today!
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Join the OCSA
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