Recent documents are in both PDF and html formats but all may be available in alternate formats on request.
re consideration of the 2009 Report of the Auditor General on the WSIB Unfunded Liability
Submission notes the study cited by the A-G in referencing concerns about rising benefit costs is in fact a WSIB report, not one prepared by the independent Institute for Work & Health. Contrary to the report’s claims, data shows a dramatic decrease in the number of injured workers receiving any benefits for long-term injuries.
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Letter to Board President on the narcotics strategy
Letter to the WSIB President asks why the Board is refusing to respect the pain treatment their doctors prescribe and provides for no alternative therapy?
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Are oral hearings further threatened by the KPMG Value for Money Audit?
Letter strongly disagrees with KPMG Audit of the Appeal System Practice and Procedures suggestion that oral hearings, already undervalued, should be further restricted. The right to be heard by the decision maker is the most highly valued principle of natural justice; an oral hearing has a real value in reaching a fair and just result; […]
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Submission to the Standing Committee … on the Poverty Reduction Act
Group details the ongoing poverty faced by injured workers in its submission to the hearings of the Standing Committee on Social Policy on Bill 152. It also calls for restoration of funding to community groups to ensure their voice is heard.
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Submission on Bill 152, Poverty Reduction Act
Submission to the Standing Committee on Social Policy details how the workers’ compensation system relegates a substantial number of injured workers to poverty and welfare programs. IWC proposes how, with a few additions, the Bill could eradicate poverty among injured workers and contribute to the overall poverty reduction goal.
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Re Committee hearings on Bill 119, Workplace Safety and Insurance Amendment Act, 2008
Written submission to Standing Committee on Social Policy applauds Bill 119 as an important but small first step towards full coverage of all Ontario workers. Brief traces history of coverage review, addresses concerns of those opposed, including the myth of cheaper private insurance.
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Submission on Bill 187 interim policies – deeming adds insult to injury
Paper addresses the legislative history of Bill 187 with its original stated intent (to eliminate deeming); expansion of deeming in the subsequent draft policies by introducing the concept of “under-employment”; recommendations for a policy that complies with past practice, founding principles and current wording of the Act; call for Board research on employment outcomes after […]
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Submission re Consultation on Accreditation for Ontario workplaces
Submission suggests a separate agency, working in conjunction with the WSIB, would be a better forum to improve workplace health and safety. Brief makes concrete recommendations on program goals, means, and evaluation; includes cautions regarding the program’s relationship with return to work and experience rating programs.
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re: Bill 187 – workers’ compensation changes
Letter to Minister of Labour welcomes changes to deeming and cost of living but raises concerns it hopes will be addressed.
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Letter to the Minister of Labour re Bill 187
IWC offers comments and some questions on the amendments in Bill 187 to the workers’ compensation act, in particular: cost of living adjustments, deeming, and issues not addressed (time limits, temporary benefits, universal coverage, experience rating)
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