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.
Letter to Minister on deeming and minimum wage (post Bill 148)
Given their many discussions with the Minister’s Office, ONIWG expresses disappointment at rejection of a proposed amendment to Bill 148…
Download Letter to Minister on deeming and minimum wage (post Bill 148)
Coalition letter re WSIB’s discrimination against workers with mental injuries
Letter by a coalition of injured workers, community legal clinics, private bar lawyers, and doctors calls on the Premier to take urgent action on the new WSIB policy on mental stress which will put workers with mental injuries in Ontario in a worse position than they have ever been…
Download Coalition letter re WSIB’s discrimination against workers with mental injuries
Submission re Bill 148 “Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017”
IWC supports Bill 148 as an important first step for vulnerable workers struggling with the effects of precarious and unstable work. The brief proposes solutions to addressing WSIB practice of deeming so injured workers with a permanent work-related disability will not be negatively impacted; and calls for an end to the incentive caused by ‘experience rating’ to hire temporary agency workers for dangerous work.
Download Submission re Bill 148 “Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017”