Thursday, June 1, 2017 New Bill Proposes to Expand WSIB Coverage Proposal would add retirement homes, group homes, and home care News Cambridge, ON—CLAC applauds Ottawa South MPP John Fraser for introducing a bill today in the Ontario legislature that would expand mandatory WSIB coverage to retirement homes, group homes, and home care facilities. These workplaces were not included in the list of workplaces on Schedule 1 of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act. As a result, most workers in these important sectors are not covered by the public no-fault system if they suffer an injury while at work. “Workers deserve to have the comfort of knowing that if they get injured on the job that they will be taken care of,” says Hank Beekhuis, CLAC Ontario director. “Most private insurance does not provide the necessary accident insurance benefits and support. It can also leave workers without practical recourse or appeal options if they do not agree with a decision.” CLAC represents workers in retirement homes and home care and has been advocating to have these workplaces added to WSIB for many years. These workers are doing jobs similar to those in sectors that are covered by WSIB such as long term care. They face numerous health and safety risks in the workplace including risks associated with the fact that they are helping people who may not be in their best mental and physical state. CLAC has been involved with many challenging insurance claims that have caused hardship and suffering to those injured and their families. WSIB provides support to get workers back to work, and its coverage provides higher income support, benefits in the event of a second injury, better support for accommodations, and recognition of other income the worker may be missing out on because of an injury in another workplace. “It is important that workers be taken care of if they are hurt on the job and that they get the support they need to get back to into the workforce,” says Beekhuis. “In Ontario, WSIB is the best option. The higher benefit levels, full income support, and second injury coverage is critical for these workers who often work in multiple workplaces for wages that are on the lower end of the scale.” You might be interested in Strathcona Mechanical Workers Approve New Agreement with Wage and Scheduling Improvements 3 Jun 2026 Ready To Deliver 3 Jun 2026 The Miracle of Many Hands 2 Jun 2026 Velocity Mechanical Workers Secure New Contract with Wage and Benefit Improvements 1 Jun 2026