Documents are in PDF format but may be available in alternate formats on request. Recent press releases are available on Global Newswire
ONIWG’s 2021 Injured Workers’ Day message to MPPs
No more back to business as usual! On the anniversary of Injured Workers Day, ONIWG calls on the Ontario government to finally take action and stand up for injured workers across this province. The COVID–19 pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated existing systemic issues that consistently place workers at risk of injury and death, and then leave them behind once they are injured at work…Submission to the CRPD for a General Comment on Article 27 (work & employment)
ONIWG’s comments to the consultation by the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities includes the need for follow-up reporting on employment outcomes of work injury compensation claimants with long-term work-acquired disabilities; humane & dignified treatment in the workers’ compensation system; recognition that income security for persons with work-acquired injury is a fundamental human right …
Download Submission to the CRPD for a General Comment on Article 27 (work & employment)
Deputation regarding Bill 238 (WSIB COVID relief)
Presentation to the Standing Committee on General Government by Injured Workers Community Legal Clinic on behalf of the OLCWCN addresses Bill 238 which caps WSIB premiums for large employers. Deputation proposes three better uses of a WSIB COVID relief bill that would help injured workers: presumption for frontline workers; a supplement to those with permanent impairments for additional COVID-related costs; eliminate deeming.
IWC Submission to Temporary Help Agency Consultation
Temp agency workers do the most dangerous work with the least protection and with lower wages and benefits. IWC urges the government to make client companies of temp help agencies rather than the agencies themselves liable for WSIB premiums based on injuries, accidents and deaths of their temp agency workers. As it stands claims costs metrics create a strong financial incentive for employers to contract out their more dangerous work. IWC also endorses recommendations in the joint submission of the Parkdale Community Legal Services (PCLS), Workers’ Action Centre (WAC) and Migrant Workers Alliance for Change (MWAC) to the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development’s Temporary Help Agency consultations
Download IWC Submission to Temporary Help Agency Consultation
IWC Submission to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy re Bill 161
IWC submission on proposed changes to legal aid in the omnibus Smarter and Stronger Justice Act addresses access to justice issues, decision-making authority, the role of community boards in determining pressing local needs, clinic funding …
Download IWC Submission to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy re Bill 161
ONIWG oral presentation on Bill 161
In oral presentation to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy on changes to the Legal Aid Services Act in Bill 161, Smarter and Stronger Justice Act, ONIWG speaks to concerns on the Bill’s language on purpose, issues of fee-for-service, loss of community control…
Letter to the WSIB President re: Black mental health and COVID-19
Letter to the WSIB President on the group’s support of the government’s Bill 178 which recognizes black mental health awareness specifically and that provision of health care service should be culturally appropriate. As such, WOI requests the WSIB to put together a task force mandated to take the necessary steps and begin the process of collecting race-based statistics.
Download Letter to the WSIB President re: Black mental health and COVID-19
Universal workers compensation coverage and the COVID pandemic
Many vulnerable essential service workers, not covered by workers’ compensation, are putting themselves at risk during the current pandemic. WOI endorses Maryam Nazemi’s Apr. 7 letter (attached) to the Premier calling for universal coverage.
Download Universal workers compensation coverage and the COVID pandemic
IWC letter re WSIB response to COVID-19 pandemic
IWC calls on the WSIB to take a proactive role to ensure the well-being of injured and ill workers during this critical time. This includes applying the precautionary principle by extending compensation to all workers who must be removed from the workplace and isolated due to work exposure to COVID-19, whether they become symptomatic or not; reviewing LOE decisions based on availability of suitable work; providing education and psychological support.
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 )