IWC news

IWC workshop to be held Monday, November 27th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. will focus on Deeming/Determining in Ontario and beyond. We will hear from experts and advocates about what to expect if you are on WSIB wage loss benefits and what kind of information to gather from your doctor. We will also will hear about a significant recent legal victory relating to the way migrant workers are deemed in Ontario.

The workshop will be delivered in-person and virtually (hybrid). Registration is required. You can register by clicking here or using this link: tinyurl.com/KYRNov27 .

Workshop will include:

• Review of recent workers’ compensation news stories
• Brief overview of deeming/determining policy and some tips on gathering medical information for an appeal
• Special guest: Maryth Yachnin (IAVGO Legal Clinic) to speak about a recent WSIAT Tribunal case relating to how WSIB deems migrant workers in Ontario

In person details:

IWC is located at 815 Danforth Ave suite 411, Toronto. We encourage participants to wear a mask throughout the workshop.

Note: The event will provide general information on how the WSIB works, and include a Q&A session. Due to time constraints and privacy concerns, we will not be able to discuss specific cases, but we will provide details on how you can receive one-on-one advice about your case if you need it.

Monday Sept. 4 at 9:30 sharp injured Workers will be marching on the Labour Day Parade again this year! Come join us! Meet us at the corner of University Avenue and Armoury Street, just south of Dundas Street. It’s where the Staples Store is – across the street from the Ministry of Labour.

March with us, even for a little distance if that works best for you. We are happy to have you! Please note, there will be a car to help those with mobility challenges..
This is a day of solidarity and unity with labour!

If you are not in Toronto, find out about a Labour Day parade in your area by going to https://canadianlabour.ca/events/labour-day-events-2023/

IWC makes recommendations to the Consultation on Changes to the ASD (Appeals Services Division) Practice and Procedures document, a consultation contemporaneous with the ongoing appeals consultation on the KPMG value for money report and the WSIAT consultation on its appeals process… The IWC submission focuses on the proposed change of the WSIB’s default hearing method, and recommends the Board adopt the the Appeals Tribunal’s  (WSIAT) new practice direction which uses oral hearings as the default, respects injured worker preferences and was developed based on the principles of administrative justice to ensure a fair hearing. Appendix: WSIAT new practice direction #5.

Read full submission

IWC Submission addresses the lack of true consultation with those most affected – injured workers – on the major changes proposed and erosion of the right to appeal, based on recommendations of the KPMG Value for Money Audit of the dispute resolution and appeals process. IWC presents lessons from past WSIB policy and reform consultations that show a way forward in establishing a credible process where the issues can be properly explored… Read full letter

Submission to the WSIB Chair underscores that the auditor’s findings that make a number of errors which demonstrate a lack of understanding of Ontario’s workers’ compensation system. If adopted, the recommendations will negatively impact injured workers’ access to justice – many of the most vulnerable injured workers won’t be able to appeal their decisions and will not receive full compensation under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act… read full letter

In an opinion piece “Injured workers under threat again” published in the Hamilton Spectator, IWC’s Chris Grawey joined John Bartolomeo (co-director, Workers’ Health & Safety Legal Clinic), Maryth Yachnin (lawyer, IAVGO Community Legal Clinic), Patty Coates (president, Ontario Federation of Labour) in detailing why consulting company KPMG’s recent Value for Money Audit on the WSIB’s appeal and dispute resolution systems “manufactures a crisis based on a lack of understanding of the law and WSIB processes.”

If the current recommendations are legislated by the government, injured workers and their legal representatives will face yet more barriers in seeking justice in workers’ compensation claims. Read full article.