The provincial government intends to expand Workplace Safety and Insurance Board coverage to more employees.
The province intends to make it available to workers in privately operated residential care facilities, retirement homes and group homes.
Labour Minister David Piccini says it creates a level playing field.
“These changes would close long-standing coverage gaps across the sector, giving workers access to WSIB coverage like income replacement, healthcare and rehabilitation services, retraining and return to work supports, while providing employers a clear, consistent rules across the sector,” Piccini.
Piccini says since the nature of their work has changed over the years, so too should the coverage.
Unions are pleased with the province’s announcement.
President of SEIU Healthcare Canada, Tyler Downey, calls it a win that is more than a policy change.
“This is recognition of the dignity of care work, the value of those who do it, and the responsibility we all share to stand behind the people who spend their lives caring for others,” says Downey.
Piccini also sees the benefit helping with the recruitment and retention of employees.
“When you want to attract staff, and when workers go to work and roll up their sleeves every day, often dealing with some of our friends and neighbours with the most complex needs, when we say we have your back and you will have WSIB support, I think it does create a more attractive working environment.”
The province reports that approximately 165,000 workers in Ontario are employed in the nursing and residential care facilities sector.
Over 75% of employers in Ontario in most sectors are subject to mandatory coverage.
