THUNDER BAY and SUDBURY — Ontario NDP Shadow Minister for Labour, Jamie West (Sudbury), and Shadow Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, with responsibility for WSIB and Injured Workers, Lise Vaugeois (Thunder Bay – Superior North) are calling on the Ford government to address restrictive WSIB policies that are preventing workers from accessing benefits for chronic workplace stress, with most claims being denied
“This is yet another example of how badly WSIB has been managed under this government," said MPP West. "Frankly, Doug Ford loves a WSIB system that discourages workers from filing claims and overwhelmingly denies the support and compensation that injured workers and their families rely on to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table.
“These decisions are being made by Ford’s hand-picked WSIB leadership, the same leadership that is forcing mass-layoffs of their own employees and closing WSIB offices across Ontario. Instead of making it even harder for workers to access the support they need, Doug Ford and his Minister of Labour need to take responsibility and actually protect Ontario’s workers.”
"The WSIB denied 77 per cent of chronic mental stress claims between 2018 and 2025," said MPP Vaugeois. "In one case, a TTC worker subjected to racial abuse and verbal attacks was told by the WSIB that this is ‘a typical feature of employment.’ This is unacceptable.
"Now, under Bill 105, those previously approved for compensation for conditions like PTSD ― especially paramedics, firefighters, police, and first responders ― not only struggle to get coverage in the first place but will risk having it taken away from them down the line.
"Ontario deserves a government that actually works for workers, not just says it does. We need to pass the Meredith Act to return worker compensation to its original purpose: supporting those hurt on the job and protecting Ontario taxpayers from picking up the bill."