With dozens of new MPPs at Queen’s Park and the PC government moving quickly to implement a dizzying array of changes – many of which will have direct negative consequences of marginalized and vulnerable people – injured workers have wasted no time getting out to introduce themselves to new MPPs and re-acquaint themselves with returning ones.
In the past two weeks alone, members of the Bright Lights, Women of Inspiration, and Chinese Injured Workers’ Group have visited 8 MPP offices, letting them know about the crisis situation facing injured workers, and asking for their support to achieve justice in the compensation system. The meetings have been focused on the demands of the Workers’ Comp is a Right and Real Healthcare campaigns, which injured workers from across Ontario have been steadily organizing around and building strength on.
Several MPPs enthusiastically agreed to read out the Workers’ Comp is a Right campaign petitions, and to do what they could to advance the campaigns’ goals in the Legislature. Others were new to the issues, but took the time to listen and learn. And injured workers will be heading back to some of the MPP offices in the near future, for longer meetings with the MPPs.
Injured workers are making their voices heard as part of the broad struggle for social justice that is ramping up in Ontario. Onwards!