Ontario has proposed changes that would increase WSIB wage-replacement (LOE) benefits from 85% to 90% and extend LOE eligibility for workers who intend to work past age 65. If passed, these amendments may increase claim costs and premium pressure—making strong return-to-work programs even more important. Hicks Morley’s Stephanie Savoni outlines the amendments.
Practice Area: Workplace Safety & Insurance
Ontario Intends to Extend WSIB Coverage to More Frontline Workers
Ontario has announced it will table legislation that could extend mandatory WSIB coverage to workers in privately operated residential care facilities, retirement homes and group homes—expanding access to wage-replacement and health care benefits for more frontline staff. Stephanie Savoni provides an update on the proposed changes.
Year in Review: Notable Labour and Employment Law Decisions From 2025
Our annual Year in Review is here. In this article, Lesley Campbell, Ryan Freeman, Amanda Cohen, Rhonda B. Levy, and Owais Hashmi outline the most influential labour and employment decisions of 2025 and highlight two upcoming rulings that employers can expect to plan for the year ahead
Ontario’s Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 Receives Royal Assent
Ontario continues its “Working for Workers” initiative with Bill 30, introducing major updates for employers. Mari Maimets, Nadine Zacks and Daryl Seupersad outline the key changes introduced and highlight what employers should take note of to be prepared.
Summer 2025 Updates for Social Services Employers
It has been a few unsettling months, and it looks like there will be more to come. We hope that you are able to find some time this summer to relax and recharge. Before you do, we wanted to bring to your attention some developments that may be important for your social services organization in the hopes it will make managing workplace issues easier.
Ontario Introduces Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025
On May 28, 2025, the Ontario government introduced Bill 30, the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 (Bill 30). Bill 30 continues the province’s ongoing “Working for Workers” legislative initiative, proposing significant amendments to various employment-related statutes, including the Employment Standards Act, 2000, Occupational Health and Safety Act, and Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
Employers Take Note: WSIB Suspends Appeals and Extends Time Limits as Over 3,600 Unionized Workers Begin Rolling Strikes
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has suspended its appeals processes and extended objection time limits as over 3,600 unionized workers commenced rolling strikes on May 22, 2025, following failed contract negotiations with the Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU). The labour disruption has prompted significant operational changes affecting workplace parties seeking to challenge WSIB…
No Presumption Without Exposure: WSIAT Reverses WSIB Entitlement for Mesothelioma, Finding No Evidence of Asbestos Exposure in Caretaker Role
In a recent decision, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) found that a caretaker’s duties at a large public sector employer did not involve asbestos exposure.
Ontario Government Announces $11 Billion in Relief Measures for Workers and Businesses Amid Economic Uncertainty Due to U.S. Tariffs
On April 7, 2025, the Ontario announced approximately $11 billion in relief and support for workers and businesses to protect the province’s economy from economic uncertainty and the impact of U.S. tariffs.
WSIB Decision Determines Employer Not in Breach of Re-Employment Obligations After Terminating Employee Who Misrepresented Extent of Workplace Injuries
In a recent decision, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) clarified Policy 19-02-09, (Re-employment Obligations) (the Policy), which outlines conditions under which employers must re-employ workers who are unable to work due to work-related injuries or illnesses.