Documents are in PDF format but may be available in alternate formats on request. 
Letter to WSIB President on COVID-19 impacts
ONIWG calls on WSIB to challenges injured workers face from social distancing & reduced access to treatment facilities, COVID-19 claims adjudication policy, financial stresses and deeming. (See also Mar. 25 letter to Premier on applying presumption of work-relatedness )Letter to Attorney General re concerns about changes to legal clinics in Bill 161
Letter outlines concerns on the new Legal Aid Services Act, including whether it will limit access to justice for the low income, see fees introduced, remove community control over legal needs …
Download Letter to Attorney General re concerns about changes to legal clinics in Bill 161
Submission to CPSO consultation on Third Party Reports and Medical Expert: Reports & Testimony
IWC submission draws attention of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) to confidentiality concerns regarding clinical notes and medical reports provided by physicians to the WSIB.
ONIWG Submission to UN CRPD
In “Deeming laws and practices as violations of the rights of people work-acquired disabilities in Canada”, its submission to the 22nd session of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ONIWG encourages the Committee to focus attention on Canadian workers’ compensation and the employment injury benefit systems which stigmatize and fail to ensure income security.
IWC Submission to the WSIB Operational Review
While addressing the Review focus on financial oversight, administration and efficiency, the IWC Submission asks the Reviewers also to consider the implications these high level issues have on the frontline experience of injured workers.
ONIWG letter of response to LAO Board on legal aid cuts
While appreciating the time and thought that went into LAO Chair Charles Harnick’s letter to ONIWG of July 5th, the ONIWG President responds to correct some inaccuracies. In particular, she notes that it underestimates the services provided by worker clinics to injured workers in both their local community and across the province who need legal assistance with workers’ compensation. It also fails to recognize the vital role these clinics play in providing support and education for vulnerable clients. The Board is again urged to restore funding to all specialty clinics.
Download ONIWG letter of response to LAO Board on legal aid cuts
Letter re WSIB draft policy 17-01-10 on marijuana for medical purposes
IWC’s letter regrets the Board’s lack of consultation in the development of the cannabis policy and identifies key concerns on its restrictions that should be further considered.
Download Letter re WSIB draft policy 17-01-10 on marijuana for medical purposes
Submissions to Parliamentary Committee pre-budget hearings, Dryden
Presentation by Steve Mantis to the Standing Committee on Finance & Economic Affairs pre-budget hearings addresses the growing income inequality, its negative impacts on a democratic society, and how austerity cuts have hurt injured workers. The attached supplementary submission discusses the development of a National Strategy on Disability and Work.
Download Submissions to Parliamentary Committee pre-budget hearings, Dryden
Deeming – a fair Ontario for injured workers?
ONIWG’s letter to the Premier follows up on questions on deeming raised with her during recent Town Halls by providing recent research on how severely injured workers are impacted by the WSIB practice of deeming.
ERWG Submission re Rate Framework Consultation
Submission focuses on the Temporary Employment Agencies policy which does nothing to further the workplace health and safety of temporary workers. Proposed measures means the use of temporary workers is still a way employers can avoid premium increases from their injuries, and therefore an incentive to give them the more dangerous tasks…Brief also addresses claims suppression, with Oct. 2015 submission appended.