FALL EDITION Issue #42

Welcome to our Fall edition of WSIB@work. In this issue you'll find information about:

• 2025 premium rates the lowest they’ve been in more than 50 years
• 2025 surplus rebate means funds distribution for businesses
• Direction of authorization form updated
• New Temporary Employment Agency classification announced
• How WSIB is making a difference in Ontario
• WSIB’s Strategic Plan wins international acclaim
• WSIB provides $3M in funding to Fanshawe College and Western University 
• WSIB takes part in international compensation board convention

2025 premium rates the lowest they've been in more than 50 years

We’re lowering the average premium rate for Ontario businesses in 2025 to $1.25, the lowest it’s been in more than 50 years.

We’ve cut the average premium rate by more than 50 per cent over the last decade, resulting in cumulative savings for businesses of approximately $18.6 billion since 2017. Ontario businesses will save approximately $150 million next year compared to 2024, which can be invested in new jobs, technology, and health and safety improvements. 

Businesses can sign up or log in to online services to view their 2025 premium rate(s) now.

2025 surplus rebate means funds distribution for businesses

We’ll be distributing $2 billion to eligible Schedule 1 businesses in February 2025, as our insurance fund has a surplus greater than our necessary reserve due to strong operational, financial and investment management. You can learn more about our surplus rebate and stay tuned for more information on individual business eligibility in February. 

Direction of authorization form updated

We’ve updated our direction of authorization processes and form to make sure claim information is shared only with the appropriate representatives. A specific person must now be named on the direction of authorization form for each claim where someone from their team is acting as a representative. We’ll no longer accept only an organization name as an authorized representative.

You can learn more about direction of authorization for representatives or review our FAQs for people and businesses with claims and their representatives.

We’re introducing a new classification for businesses who supply administrative, clerical and knowledge-based labour to make sure their rates reflect the low-risk nature of these business activities.

Temporary Employment Agencies who supply administrative, clerical and knowledge-based labour will report under the new classification and should complete our classification update request form by December 31, 2024, to add the new classification to their account effective January 1, 2025.

How WSIB is making a difference in Ontario

We’re proud to announce our first-ever impact report, “Working for Good: How We're Making a Difference in Ontario.”

Beyond the numbers, this report reveals the real impact of supporting injured and ill Ontarians, including building stronger communities through accessible healthcare and recovery programs, adding 1.4 million productive work days back to the Ontario economy through return-to-work initiatives and implementing environmentally sustainable practices, including saving 120 tonnes of materials from landfills. 

Every recovery story represents a family supported, a career preserved, and a community strengthened. Read the full report to discover how we're creating lasting positive change across Ontario.

WSIB’s Strategic Plan wins international acclaim 

Our 2024-2028 Strategic Plan won a Gold Stevie Award in the “Thought Leadership Campaign of the Year – Government or Non-Profit" category at the 21st Annual International Business Awards in August. The international panel of judges looked at a number of criteria, including innovation, ethical leadership and integrity, sustainable impact and future vision. Learn more about our Strategic Plan. 

WSIB provides $3M in funding to Fanshawe College and Western University

We are providing $3 million in funding for scholarship programs at Fanshawe College and Western University over the next five years. These new scholarships are one way we are investing in the future of London and the future of the WSIB by helping students reach their potential. Investing in students today will help make sure the WSIB of tomorrow has the people it needs to support those who get injured or ill at work, to improve people’s experience with us and to reduce the impact of workplace illness and injury on people and businesses in Ontario. Learn more.

WSIB takes part in international compensation board convention

In September, we took part in the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions’ 110th Convention “Passport to Solutions,” addressing issues affecting workers’ compensation systems across the world.

We led sessions on improving return-to-work and recovery practices to prevent disability following workplace injury or illness, and on our five-year strategy for Ontario’s challenges in a post-pandemic healthcare landscape, focusing on accountable care, customer centric navigation and access to the right care at the right time.

Learn more about our health care programs.

"What's New"

A newsletter by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development

Stay updated on current news from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development by subscribing to What's New. Delivered monthly to your inbox, this newsletter features the latest on occupational health and safety, employment standards and labour relations that could affect you and your workplace.

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is here to help. When an injury or illness happens on the job, we move quickly to provide wage-loss benefits, medical coverage and support to help people get back to work. Funded by businesses, we also provide no-fault collective liability insurance and access to industry-specific health and safety information. We are one of the largest insurance organizations in North America covering over five million people in more than 300,000 workplaces across Ontario.

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