The board says its latest move will keep Ontario competitive and strengthen the economy
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) will reduce the average premium rate for Ontario businesses to $1.23 per $100 of insurable payroll in 2026, down from $1.25 in 2025.
The change, announced last week, is expected to save employers a total of $60 million next year as they contend with economic uncertainty.
“We’re proud to do our part to help businesses and contribute to the economic prosperity of Ontario,” said WSIB president and CEO Jeffery Lang. “We’re able to offer these savings because our team is delivering results, helping people to safely recover and return to work.”
According to the WSIB, this will be the seventh reduction in the past decade. Since 2017, the average premium rate has fallen by more than 50%. Alongside premium decreases, surplus distributions have brought cumulative savings of about $21.5 billion to businesses over the past 10 years.
David Piccini, Ontario’s minister of labour, immigration, training and skills development, said the cut reflects the province’s focus on keeping costs low amid global pressures.
“Ontario is laser-focused on keeping costs down for workers and businesses in the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty,” Piccini said. “This reduction to WSIB’s average premium rate – the lowest in over 50 years – will save businesses $60 million to reinvest in health and safety improvements, stay competitive and strengthen our economy.”
The WSIB said employers are receiving more value for premiums paid, including expanded digital services, a streamlined registration process and free access to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety’s Business Portal.
“We’re helping businesses focus on what matters most – running their business,” Lang said. “It’s easier than ever for businesses to manage their WSIB account, while accessing tools and resources to help them keep their people safe.”
Ontario businesses will be able to view their individual 2026 premium rate statements on the WSIB’s website beginning in November.
