Law Reform

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Bill 127 amendments to WSIA … a mixed bag

May 26, 2017

The government managed to sneak some changes to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act into this year’s Budget Measures bill, Bill 127 . The changes were buried in the very last schedule (Schedule 33) of the Act, which passed into law on…

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“Asbestos takes no prisoners”

May 7, 2017

Bill 88, Asbestos Use Prohibition Act 2017, introduced by MPP Robert Bailey, passed second reading in the House February 23 and was sent to the Standing Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly. Scheduled hearings for Bill 88 before the Legislative Committee…

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Ontario budget proposes changes to workers’ compensation act

April 30, 2017

This past Thursday the government introduced its Ontario Budget omnibus Bill 127 – Stronger, Healthier Ontario (Budget Measures) Act 2017. Among the proposed changes to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act in the bill (see Schedule 33) are measures to remove…

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OFL: Make it fair

January 25, 2017

The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) called on the government in its Jan. 18 submission to ongoing pre-budget consultations of the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs to create an economy that is fair, decent and equitable for all –…

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WSIA amendment introduced

December 13, 2016

The Legislative Assembly has now adjourned until Feb. 21 2017. Before the House rose, the Minister of Health and Long-term Care introduced amendments to various acts, including the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, in response to the federal Criminal Code legislation dealing…

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Around the provinces

November 22, 2016

A quick update on some current policy consultations and legislative reviews across Canada: Alberta – In November, the first comprehensive government review of the Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board in 15 years “found a system with delays and an overly aggressive emphasis on…

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The state of benefit adequacy

October 10, 2016

The U.S. Dept of Labor’s recent report asks the key question: “Does the Workers’ Compensation System Fulfill its Obligations to Injured Workers?” Although there are notable differences between the American and Canadian systems, the report sounds the alarm on concerns relevant also…

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Calling for changes in appeal time limits

June 19, 2016

In a letter to the Attorney of General and Minister of Labour, lawyers Michael S. Green, Ellen R. Lipes, Gary Newhouse and Peter Bird, call for reforms which, at a minimum, establish a single, long duration time limit in each WSIB…

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Before the Legislature adjourned

June 13, 2016

Injured workers, the WSIB and occupational safety were topics addressed several times this month in the Legislature before it adjourned on June 9th. June 1st (Injured Workers Day) in the Assembly saw Percy Hatfield (MPP Windsor-Tecumseh) challenge the government’s record on workers’…

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“The lowered flag is a powerful symbol of our respect”

April 22, 2016

Bill 180, Workers Day of Mourning Act, 2016 introduced by Percy Hatfield (MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh) and supported by all parties passed second reading April 7 (with a standing ovation) and is now waiting to be considered by the Standing Committee on the…

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