Equates to about 61 per cent of premiums paid in 2024
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has announced the distribution of another $2 billion in surplus funds to eligible, safe Ontario businesses.
This marks the second surplus distribution this year and the third in the WSIB’s history.
“Uncertainty is an enemy of business and Ontario businesses deserve certain relief in these uncertain times,” said Jeff Lang, WSIB president and CEO. “There’s no better time to offer Ontario businesses this needed rebate relief.”
As of Oct. 31, 2025, all eligible businesses received their share of the $2-billion surplus. For the average business, this equates to about 61 per cent of the premiums they paid in 2024 being returned.
The WSIB attributes the surplus to a strong financial and investment strategy, along with positive operational results, which have led to a surplus in the insurance fund above the required reserve.
Cuts to average premium rates
Previously, the WSIB announced it was cutting the average premium rate for the seventh time in the past 10 years, effective Jan. 1, 2026, to $1.23 per $100 of insurable earnings.
The average premium rate is now less than half of what it was in 2016 and is at its lowest point in more than 50 years.
Surplus rebates and premium rate reductions are available through WSIB’s online services. Schedule 2 businesses are not eligible for these rebates, as they do not contribute to the collective liability insurance fund.
Over the last decade, these reductions have resulted in cumulative savings for businesses of roughly $21.5 billion, says the WSIB.
Earlier this year, thousands of workers at the WSIB went on strike following a breakdown in contract negotiations between the employer and the union representing the employees.
Surplus rebate details
Eligible businesses can apply their surplus rebate credit to future premiums by reporting insurable earnings as usual; the credit will be automatically applied against premiums owed.
Ontario businesses that are up to date with their premium payments and reporting can also request a cheque for any credits on their account, which can be used for health and safety improvements or other investments, says the WSIB.
To receive a surplus rebate starting in October 2025, businesses must:
- have an active account and premium payment obligations as of May 1, 2025
- have had premium obligations in 2024
- not have been convicted of a Workplace Safety and Insurance Act or Occupational Health and Safety Act offence in 2024 or in 2025 up to and including the date the WSIB issues a surplus rebate
- not have been convicted in more than one such proceeding under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act or Occupational Health and Safety Act between 2020 and 2025 up to and including the date of the rebate
- not have had a traumatic workplace fatality attributed to the organization in 2024 or in 2025 up to and including the date of the rebate, or more than one such fatality between 2020 and 2025
- not be affiliated through common ownership with a business that is ineligible based on the above criteria or has had a traumatic workplace fatality between 2020 and 2025.
