VAUGEOIS: Ford must do more to support injured and ill workers

QUEEN’S PARK — Ontario NDP Shadow Minister with responsibility for WSIB and Injured Workers Lise Vaugeois (Thunder Bay—Superior North) is calling on the Ford government to go further in ensuring a strong and robust WSIB system for all:

“While the latest changes from the Ford government open the door to more workers; many are still being excluded from any WSIB coverage whatsoever,” said Vaugeois. “Thousands of workers who have coverage are still living in poverty. Ontario's WSIB program needs to be reformed so that no injured or ill worker is left behind.

“On April 17, the Ford government will have the opportunity to vote in favour of Bill 86, the Meredith Act, and make comprehensive reforms to the WSIB program. They can stop the massive denial rates faced by workers injured or made ill on the job; end the practice of clawing back benefits based on phantom jobs; scrap the discriminatory age 65 cut-off; and restore loss-of-earnings rates from 85% to 90% so that workers are no longer forced into poverty.

“We don’t have to stop here. By passing the Meredith Act, the Premier has a chance to finally deliver for our province’s workers.”