February is proving a busy month… On February 11th members of the Chinese Injured Workers Group (CIWG) were active participants in the Chinese New Year celebration organized annually by the Chinese Interagency Network of Greater Toronto’s Labour Committee. Two members acted as the Master of the ceremony, one member gave a solo presentation, with the Justice Singers also performing. For more information on CIWG, please contact Rebecca Lok at phone: (416) 461-2411 or email lokr@lao.on.ca. 
Next Tuesday (Feb. 28th) the 18th Annual RSI Awareness Day Conference asks “How’s Work Hurting For You?” Too many are still working in pain, what can be done to change that? Held on the last day in February – the only non-repetitive day on the calendar – the now International Day of RSI Awareness focuses attention on the long-lasting impacts of repetitive strain injuries (or musculoskeletal disorders), their prevention and compensation. Among featured speakers at the Toronto event – author/journalist Penny Kome and IWH researcher Peter Smith. Also on the agenda: updates on UFCW’s Altered Lives Project and OPSEU’s Hazard Identification Project; a discussion of the WSIB’s Better at Work philosophy, and how to get the fight for ergonomic regulations back on track. To register for the free conference contact rsiawareness@gmail.com. In Sudbury, OHCOW will also be offering an RSI Ergonomics webinar.
Just released! The February 2017 issue of the Justice for Injured Workers newspaper. Meet the Ontario Network of Injured Workers Group’s new executive; read ONIWG’s open letter to the Premier on the major barriers to a fair worker’s compensation system; why WSIB and government inaction on chronic mental stress claims is leaving injured workers in limbo; how healthcare workers stand with injured workers; the common goals injured workers share with the Fight for $15 and Fairness campaign; recent events and actions of groups around the province… and more. To order copies contact Peter Page, Coordinator (peter_page@hotmail.com)
Planning for the 2017 Justice for Injured Workers Bike Ride is now well under way. Starting May 24, the route will take the riders through southeast Ontario (Ottawa, Cornwall, Brockville, Kingston, Belleville, Cobourg, Oshawa) to Toronto and the Injured Workers’ Day rally outside Queen’s Park, Toronto, June 1st. Check out the many ways you can participate and support the Ride!
It is with deep regret we note the passing this month of Patricia O’Reilly , social justice warrior, community educator, lawyer and professor [see Brantford Laurier tribute, Brant News, Feb. 21]. A former staff member of Injured Workers’ Consultants Community Legal Clinic, Patricia was a tireless worker on behalf of injured workers’ rights – and will be much missed among the community as a Woman of Inspiration indeed.