Richmond, B.C. (Jan. 5, 2026) — B.C. employers will see no change to the average base premium rate from WorkSafeBC in 2026. For the ninth consecutive year, WorkSafeBC has set the average base rate at $1.55 per $100 of assessable payroll.

Annual base premium rates are driven by provincial injury rates, return-to-work performance and the resulting cost of claims, as well as investment returns.

Each year, the costs in some industries go up, some go down and others stay the same. In 2026, 39 per cent of employers in B.C. will experience a decrease in their industry base rate, 47 per cent will see their industry base rate increase, and 14 per cent will see no change. 

Given the economic uncertainties facing the province, WorkSafeBC made changes to the maximum increases and decreases in 2026 rates for B.C. industries, which have normally been capped at 20 per cent. For 2026, rate increases were capped at 10 per cent, while rate decreases were allowed to reach up to approximately 40 per cent. This change is intended to provide greater rate stability for B.C. employers during challenging economic times.

Maintaining rate stability through surplus funds

WorkSafeBC’s sound financial position in recent years has enabled improvements in the workers’ compensation system for injured workers, while keeping rates stable for employers.

WorkSafeBC’s rate-setting approach includes mechanisms to return surplus funds to employers when the funding level exceeds its target. In 2026, WorkSafeBC is returning an estimated $570 million of surplus funds to employers by pricing premium rates below system costs.

The average base premium rate of $1.55 in 2026 is 15 per cent less than the average cost rate of $1.83, with the difference funded by the surplus.  

Between 2019 and 2026, WorkSafeBC projects that $3 billion of surplus funds will have been returned to employers by pricing premium rates below the cost to run the workers’ compensation system.

Looking ahead

Looking at the year ahead, WorkSafeBC is continuing to see upward claim-cost pressures and a continued reduction in the surplus. If these trends continue, it could lead to a moderate increase in premium rates in the near future. WorkSafeBC will continue to closely monitor cost pressures and keep rates as stable as possible.

The preliminary rates for 2027 will be announced in July of this year.

The Workers Compensation Act requires WorkSafeBC to set premium rates annually for employers to pay for the workers' compensation system. Premiums fund the costs associated with work-related injuries or diseases, health care, wage loss, rehabilitation and administration. 

The workers’ compensation system is independently funded by employer premiums and investment returns. WorkSafeBC does not receive any funding from the provincial government.

Key facts:

• Some of the key sectors benefiting from rate reductions this year include:

• Sawmills (-40 per cent)
• Framing or Residential Forming (-39.9 per cent)
• Dairy Farming (-32.2 per cent)
• Restaurants (-25.6 per cent)
• Prehospital Emergency Health Care (-23.5 per cent)
• Retirement Homes (-13.4 per cent)

Backgrounders

• Media Backgrounder:   

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On December 11th, the provincial government opened the portal for businesses to apply for a new security rebate. Eligible businesses will receive up to $2,500 per location. This financial assistance can be used for the purchase and installation of security equipment or property damage repairs. Purchases and installations made from August 23, 2024 on are eligible.

Eligible upgrades, repairs, and expenses include:

• security and doorbell cameras
• alarm systems
• motion detectors
• window protection
• anti-graffiti film and paints
• security fencing and lighting
• broken windows
• broken doors and locks
• damages from forced entry or arson
• insurance deductibles related to damage repairs
• graffiti removal
• replacement of signage and cash systems
• temporary boarding or fencing to secure premises until permanent repairs can be made

This program is aimed at small businesses. To be eligible, businesses must have 75 full time equivalent (FTE) employees or less (eg. 150 employees working half time is the equivalent of 75 full time employees) at the location they applied for. A total of $10 million has been allocated to this program, it is first-come first-served.

This April 21, 2026 event is the perfect way to sell to hotels & restaurants from across Manitoba. We invest heavily in large direct mail, email & phone campaigns to bring buyers to the show for you.

Book now for your best location! Learn more at oneshow.ca

WESTERN CANADA’S BUSIEST SHOW

Manitoba Hotel Association and Manitoba Restaurant & Foodservices Association brought in

over 1000 hotel & restaurant buyers from across the industry at the last show.

Book at oneshow.ca

Call Kim Riddolls at MRFA, (204) 783-9955,This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Jerry Weir, Show Manager, at MHA,

(204) 942-0671, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

TORONTO — , the celebrated culinary event spotlighting women in the food and beverage industry, will make its Ontario debut on Monday, March 9, 2026 at RC Show 2026, taking place at The International Centre in Mississauga. Presented by as part of uo;s Women in Hospitality programming, the evening will feature more than 15 tasting stations led by women chefs, restaurateurs, and their culinary mentees, alongside beverage pairings from women winemakers, brewers, bartenders, and more.

Yes Shef will arrive in Ontario’s Greater Toronto Area following five successful years in British Columbia, where the event has become a standout platform for elevating and advancing women in hospitality. This signature, one-night experience will bring together established culinary leaders and rising talent for an evening of exceptional food, meaningful networking, and community building - all in support of advancing women in Canada’s culinary sector.

“WORTH Association is thrilled to bring Yes Shef to the Greater Toronto Area in 2026. Toronto’s food and beverage scene is among the most dynamic in the country, and women are at the forefront of its growth and innovation,” says Joanna Jagger, Founder & Executive Director of WORTH Association, the organization behind Yes Shef. “We are honoured to partner with Restaurants Canada to advance equity and create meaningful change across the sector.”

At the heart of Yes Shef is mentorship. At the Mississauga debut event, 15 chefs will be paired with emerging women culinary students, creating hands-on opportunities to foster the next generation of talent. All event proceeds support women working in recreation, tourism & hospitality.

The Yes Shef 2026 roster will include:

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EVENT DETAILS:
RC Show 2026
Location: The International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd, Mississauga, ON L4V 1E8
Date: Monday, March 9th, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m.

TICKETS:
Tickets available now at $220 and can be purchased online at
Registered RC Show attendees can access a preferred rate by adding Yes Shef to their existing show registration.

PARTNERSHIPS:
Opportunities are still available. Explore exclusive access and benefits online at .