Injured workers gained the attention of the public Monday with the 34th annual December rally held in in Toronto and Thunder Bay, followed in the afternoon with the tabling of Bill 86 in the Legislative Assembly by MPP Lise Vaugeois (NDP- Thunder Bay-Superior North).
Co-sponsored by MPP Jamie West (Sudbury) and MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls), the Meredith Act (Fair Compensation for Injured Workers), 2025 / Loi Meredith de 2025 sur l’indemnisation équitable des travailleurs blessés is the result of a sustained collaboration with injured workers – notably the Ontario Network of Injured Workers Groups (ONIWG) – and advocates.
The proposed Act aims to “restore the principles and intentions” of the original workers’ compensation legislation of 1915. Based on issues identified by and the experiences of injured workers, the bill presents a comprehensive overhaul of the current system to ensure fair compensation as long as the work-related disability or illness lasts. Needed support and services would be provided through a system adequately funded by WSIB premiums, rather than placing the financial burden on the worker’s family and on the public.
In addition to compensation, the Act addresses rehabilitation and training, appeal processes, the administration and functions of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (to become the Workers’ Compensation Commission of Ontario) and the renamed Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal of Ontario.
“We need to reset the system, so it’s really there for workers when they need it most.” (Steve Mantis, Chair ONIWG Research Action Committee)
Bill 86 passed first reading in the Legislative Assembly December 8.
- Read full text of the bill and the Ontario New Democratic Party news release (Dec. 8) Justice for Injured Workers.