As a not-for-profit public safety regulator, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) charges fees on a cost-recovery basis that reflect the true cost of providing public safety services.

As detailed below, after conducting a thorough fee review, TSSA has determined that an inflationary fee increase of 2.6% is necessary in two program areas to continue to cover the costs of operations in these sectors. There is no planned fee increase for other programs.

During 2021, TSSA managed successfully through pandemic lockdowns by reducing costs in line with reduced revenue and by providing the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development with support to help educate businesses on COVID-19 safety protocols.

Advisory councils were presented with each sector’s current financial position and provided with the rationale for proposed fee changes during meetings in the fall.

TSSA’s fee structure supports TSSA’s transformation to an outcome-based regulator by enabling TSSA to focus its resources on high-risk areas that pose the greatest threat to public safety, make further service improvements, and investigate and follow up on unlicensed owners and workers.

Inflationary Fee Increase of 2.6% for Two Program Areas

 

In response to inflationary pressures and to move closer to cost recovery in each program area, TSSA is implementing a 2.6% fee increase to all fees in the following two program areas, effective May 1, 2022.

Program	Inflationary Fee Increase
Boilers & Pressure Vessels / Operating Engineers	2.6%
Fuels	2.6%

No Fee Increase for Elevating, Ski and Amusement Devices Program
There is no planned fee increase for this year in the Elevating, Ski, and Amusement Devices program where current revenue is expected to cover costs.

Other Changes
TSSA has added two new fee categories for small and medium-sized marinas for the next fiscal year, effective May 1, 2022.

TSSA has also reduced the minimum fee payable for field approval of propane and natural gas appliances or equipment (other than mobile food service equipment) effective May 1, 2022.

What Can You Do to Minimize Your Fees?
In May 2021, TSSA implemented a new, streamlined fee structure that charges a fixed annual fee for licences, permits and registrations that includes all periodic inspections and one follow-up inspection (where applicable) as well as engineering fees that include associated inspections (where applicable). Customers who demonstrate a good safety record will avoid any charges for repeated follow up inspections due to non-compliance.

Customers can take the following steps to help ensure compliance with regulatory obligations and minimize costs:

• Remain compliant with safety regulations and codes
• Ensure workers have appropriate training and applicable certifications or licences
• Provide ongoing safety training and education for workers
• Ensure all required documentation is in order
• Provide the necessary support to facilitate the completion of field inspections
• Plan in advance to avoid additional fees for rush services

Looking forward, TSSA is starting to roll out industry compliance standards that will focus on high-risk hazards that have been identified through an analysis of historical inspection and incident data. The use of compliance standards will assist regulated parties in further understanding their obligations and ensuring public safety.

For more information and FAQs:
Visit www.tssa.org/fees or call TSSA at 1-877-682-8772.

Information about TSSA’s 2021 financial and operational performance can be found in the TSSA 2021 Annual Report.