The Ontario government is proposing changes to the province’s workplace injury system that would increase income support for injured workers and update eligibility rules.
The proposal would raise Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) loss of earnings benefits to 90 per cent of a worker’s take home pay, up from the current 85 per cent.
Officials say the increase would mark the first major change to this level of support in nearly 30 years and is intended to help workers manage the rising cost of living while recovering from an injury.
The government also plans to update rules around age eligibility. Under the proposal, some workers who are injured on the job would be able to continue receiving benefits past age 65 if they had planned to keep working.
Officials say the changes reflect the reality that more Ontarians are remaining in the workforce later in life.
The proposed updates are part of a broader package of labour and economic measures the province says are aimed at supporting workers and improving financial security.
Supporters of the changes say increasing income replacement benefits could help reduce financial stress for injured workers and their families.
If passed, the changes would apply to eligible workers once the legislation is proclaimed.
Written by Joseph Goden
