As part of continued measures to ease the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on businesses, the Ontario government announced on March 26 that it would defer companies’ premium payments to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) for six months.

The move, which was announced as part of the province’s $1.9 billion relief package, allows businesses to defer payments until August 31. The board has indicated the no interest will accrue on any payments during this deferral period not will any penalties be charged on balances owed.

All employers are eligible for the deferral, and will not have to opt in. A note on the WSIB’s website indicates that the following payments are eligible for deferral:

• Monthly: March 31, April 30, May 31, June 30, July 31, Aug 31
• Quarterly: April 30, July 31
• Annual: April 30

"During this unprecedented period of uncertainty and hardship, our government is doing everything possible to support businesses and protect jobs," said Labour, Training and Skills Development Minister Monte McNaughton. "By making this change today, we are building upon the substantial financial help we are providing business owners and workers. The top priority is to keep people safe."

The relief program is in addition to a $17-billion package included in Ontario's Responding to COVID-19 action plan. The plan will make available $10 billion in support for people and businesses through tax and other deferrals to improve their cash flow, protecting jobs and household budgets.

The government says the deferred premiums will amount to an average $1,760 for approximately 275,000 Ontario businesses.

"We have worked closely with the Government of Ontario to help Ontario businesses as they face this unprecedented challenge," said WSIB chair Elizabeth Witmer. "We're here to help."

Although the WSIB offices are closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, businesses can still contact the board through its online services portal or by emailing employeraccounts@wsib.on.ca.