On December 3rd, annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Thunder Bay & District Injured Workers Support Group will be holding a virtual media conference and hosting a gathering to share our stories, update the community of our activities to support injured and disabled workers and their families to secure their human rights and to make recommendations to create a more inclusive community….
Thunder Bay & District Injured Workers Support Group
1201 Jasper Drive, Unit “C”
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6R2
tbiwsg@gmail.com
Media Advisory
International Day for Persons with Disabilities
The Thunder Bay & Dist. Injured Workers Support Group will be holding a virtual media conference at 11 AM on Saturday December 3rd, 2022.
Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83135328381?pwd=d1JMTUh1YVMrbWdQZGFBQ0Q2SGo1Zz09
The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
On December 3rd, The Thunder Bay & District Injured Workers Support Group will be hosting a gathering to share our stories, update the community of our activities to support injured and disabled workers and their families to secure their human rights and to make recommendations to create a more inclusive community.
Thousands of injured workers in Northwest Ontario face depression, unemployment and family breakdown following a workplace injury or disease. They face many barriers in the community, family, and workplace. Many experience the negative stigma of being “an injured worker” – a drain on the system. And it’s getting worse.
According to Stats Canada, there are approx. 650,000 workers with a work acquired disability in Ontario. Almost half are forced into poverty.
“We need to restore the “Historic Compromise” struck over 100 years ago when workers gave up the right to sue for damages in return for compensation as long as the disability lasts. As many injured & disabled workers are falling deeper into poverty, depression and even suicide, its obvious the WSIB has reneged on that promise,” said Eugene Lefrancois, President, TB&DIWSG. “Now we see workers falling thru the cracks and are opting for Medical Assistance In Dying (MAID). Where is our social safety net now?”
For more information, contact Steve Mantis, TBDIWSG smantis@tbaytel.net 807-767-9633
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