Documents are in PDF format but may be available in alternate formats on request. Recent press releases are available on Global Newswire
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 )
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.