Ontario tabling legislation to expand WSIB coverage for care workers

The Ontario government is proposing legislation to strengthen workplace safety protections for care workers across the province.

Government officials say the refined safety protections will apply to an additional 29,000 frontline care workers with Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage extending to all privately owned residential care facilities, retirement homes and group homes.

In a press release, David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, expressed the need for this coverage.

“Every day, frontline care workers show up to support people who rely on them. They do this work with compassion and dedication, and they deserve to know they’ll be protected if something goes wrong. By extending WSIB coverage across the sector, we’re closing long-standing gaps and making sure no worker caring for others in these facilities is left without support when they need it most,” said Piccini.

If passed, this legislation would provide care workers in all privately operated care facilities the same protections as workers doing the same jobs in a publicly operated facility. Government officials say this is being done to “level the playing field.”

They add this legislation would improve safety outcomes and ensure consistent protections for all workers doing this type of work across the province.

Examples of workers eligible include personal support workers, registered nurses, social workers, occupational therapists and operations staff.

When asked about staffing concerns in health care facilities throughout Ontario, Minister Piccini said this expanded WSIB coverage creates a more attractive working environment.

“That’s something that these labour leaders and workers have been advocating for for so many decades … our historic investments in health care, it’s not going to be solved overnight. But it’s about rolling up our sleeves to build new hospitals, to expand care in the community, $1 billion extra for home care and care in the community,” said Piccini.

WATCH MORE: Stiles rallies against Ford in Hamilton as province-wide protests gain momentum