In the midst of contentious debate in the Legislative Assembly, there was one issue all parties could agree on – the toll taken by repetitive strain injury and why we need RSI Awareness Day. Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn’s statement also addressed prevention and inspection measures being taken. The PC’s Garfield Dunlop also supported raising awareness of RSIs, noting they can lead to serious chronic pain, with confidence “they are recognized and protected by the WSIB”.
NDP Labour Critic Taras Natyschak acknowledged RSI Day founder Catherine Fenech (ONIWG Secretary) Referring to her and others’ experiences dealing with the injury and the Board, he called on the government to ensure the WSIB functions as it should. “If you don’t do anything soon, you’re going to have an RSI day every day, because the front lawn of the Legislature will be jam-packed with injured workers who are demanding justice…”