Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Residential Care Workers Will Now Be Covered by Workplace Health and Safety Insurance

CAMBRIDGE, ON—CLAC supports the Ontario government for taking action to better protect workers in the residential care sector by expanding access to coverage through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).

This expansion will ensure that workers in retirement homes, group homes, and homecare settings have access to comprehensive, no-fault workplace injury coverage providing the support they need if they are injured on the job.

“Our primary responsibility is the well-being of those in our care,” says Carol Bartley Frey, a residential care worker and CLAC member. “This change provides greater assurance that our own health and safety will be protected in the event of a workplace incident. It represents a significant and positive advancement for workers across the sector.”

Residential care workers provide essential, hands-on support to some of Ontario’s most vulnerable residents. Their work is physically and emotionally demanding, often involving complex care needs and higher exposure to workplace risks. Ensuring these workers are properly protected is critical to supporting both their well-being and the stability of the care system.

WSIB coverage provides income replacement, healthcare benefits, and return-to-work support. It also offers important protections for part-time and multijob workers, helping to ensure they are not left without adequate support following a workplace injury.

“For the front-line caregivers to whom WSIB will now be extended, especially those holding down multiple part-time jobs, these benefits are not abstract,” says Ian DeWaard, CLAC Manitoba and Ontario director. “The introduction of WSIB coverage to these workplaces means real support for workers who, until now, were vulnerable to the economic ravages of lost-time injuries and occupational diseases.

“We are incredibly grateful to David Piccini, the minister of labour, immigration, training and skills Development, and the Doug Ford government for standing up for these workers across this province. This is the right outcome and a credit to the workers who persisted in bringing attention to this matter.”

CLAC members are also grateful to Ottawa South MPP John Fraser, who has been a strong and persistent advocate for this solution.

Residential Care Workers Will Now Be Covered by Workplace Health and Safety Insurance

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