Workplace insurance rate increases will be frozen for all non-profits in Ontario, Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, announced today. The move comes after the Ontario government stepped in and worked with the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) to halt planned increases.“Non-profit organizations are just what their classification states – they are there for the people, not the profit,” Thompson said. “Locally this includes facilities such as various charities, hospices, women’s shelters, daycares, Royal Canadian Legion branches just to name a few. Today we are proud to be there for them.”
Without a freeze, nearly 2,700 non-profits across the province would have faced increases in their workplace safety insurance premiums. In the case of legions, most were facing 300 per cent increases.
“We understand these organizations are run by dedicated people and often operate on shoestring budgets,” said Minister McNaughton. “We get it. That’s why we asked the WSIB to take this measure because it’ll help valuable community-based organizations that serve Ontario’s most vulnerable citizens.”
Under a new rate framework announced today, approximately 2,700 non-profits were scheduled to have their rates increased. Their rates will now be frozen for five years.
A further 1,600 will see their rates go down. Those rate decreases will go ahead as planned in January 2020.
The freeze was announced on the same day the WSIB introduced its new Premium Rate Framework. The change will result in a 17 per cent reduction on the WSIB’s average premium rate.
Approximately three quarters of employers paying WSIB premiums will see a rate decrease under the new system. These costs are falling while benefits to injured workers are maintained and workplace safety continues to improve.
“Non-profits and charities contribute $50 billion to Ontario’s economy, creating jobs and supporting meaningful volunteer opportunities. For non-profit employers that are registered with WSIB, premiums are a growing cost pressure. ONN appreciates the Government of Ontario and the WSIB freezing rate increases for non-profit employers, and recognizing the economic and social impact of nonprofits and charities on communities,” said Cathy Taylor, Executive Director, Ontario Nonprofit Network.
