The Commission for Standards, Equity, Health and Safety at Work (CNESST) sets the average contribution rate for 2023 at $1.50, the lowest rate since 1985.

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This drop of 17 cents compared to 2022 represents savings of $335 million for Quebec businesses, battered by the three years of health crisis.

The consequences of the pandemic, the uncertainties caused by inflation and the performance of the Financially Healthy Occupational Health and Safety Fund (FSST) were taken into account in the decision.

"In 2021, the FSST achieved good financial results, both in terms of the returns obtained on the fund's investments and the plan's operations," the CNESST explained in a press release on Friday.

The FSST's capitalization rate reached 135.7% in December 2021, which will support businesses despite changes in the financial markets.

This is the lowest average contribution rate since the Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases came into force in 1985.

Positive feedback from business organizations

The Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB) welcomed the reduction in the dues rate.

"This is excellent news, particularly in an inflationary context where all the savings are good to take for SMEs, which have identified this issue as their main concern for 2022," said the vice-president for Quebec in a press release. CFIB, Francois Vincent.

Like the CFIB, the announcement was well received by the Conseil du patronat du Québec (CPQ).

“However, we must remain vigilant, because the rate could be revised upwards in 2023 due to inflationary pressure and the upheavals in the stock markets that we are currently experiencing,” warned CPQ President and CEO Karl Blackburn. .

As a result, the CNESST has warned that a possible increase in the contribution rate for the year 2024 could take place.