Tewduda

Like many health care and support workers, Tewduda suffered a back injury while lifting a patient. In need of care herself and dealing with constant pain, she applied to the WSIB. The Board decided she could be retrained as a cashier. Her injury meant she was unable to work in this type of position, and as a permanently disabled worker, unlikely to be hired if fit to work. But under deeming, the Board proceeds as if jobs and are suitable and available – so her benefits were cut by the assumed wage from this non-existent job. Now unable to pay her rent on this minimal income, Tewduda faces the prospect of moving to a shelter but wants a better option for her family.