Ontario to Table Legislative Changes Relating to Injured Workers

By: Rebecca Feldman

On November 8, 2023, the Ontario government announced its intention to introduce legislation that would include the following protections for injured workers:

• enabling “super indexing” increases to Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) benefits, which would allow for the creation of regulations that set out indexation increases above the annual rate of inflation
• lowering the duration of employment needed for firefighters and fire investigators to receive WSIB presumed compensation for esophageal cancer, prior to being diagnosed with same (from 25 years to 15 years)

The government also announced it will be launching consultations on a new job-protected leave for employees who are dealing with a critical illness, such as cancer. This new leave would match the length of the federal Employment Insurance sickness benefits (26 weeks).

The article in this client update provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. This publication is copyrighted by Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP and may not be photocopied or reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without the express permission of Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP. ?

Practice Areas: Employment Law, Workplace Safety & Insurance

Industries: Arts & Sports, Construction, Education, Energy & Utilities, Government Ministries & Agencies (Provincial), Healthcare, Hospitality & Gaming, Long-Term Care and Home Care, Manufacturing, Media & Communications, Membership Associations, Mining & Natural Resources, Municipalities & Municipal Agencies, Non-profit Organizations, Professional & Technical Services, Retail & Wholesale Trade, Social Services, Technology

Tags: Employment Standards Act, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)