June 1 will now be recognized as Injured Workers Day in Ontario and Sudbury MPP James West is to thank for it.
In a Dec. 12 news release, the local MPP and Ontario NDP labour critic announced the successful passing of the bill, which he said in a news release was 41 years in the making.
“In 1983, the provincial government committee was working on major changes to Ontario’s worker compensation system,” the release from West’s office states. ”At that time, more than 3,000 injured workers came to Queen’s Park to be heard. The committee responded by holding deputations on the front steps of the Legislature. That day was June 1, 1983, the very first unofficial Injured Workers Day.”
Since then, West said, June 1 has been an unofficial day to recognize injured workers. The passing of Bill 118 formalizes that, he said.
“When workplace injuries occur, it takes away so much more than just the ability to support yourself and your family financially,” West said in the release. "A workplace injury can steal a workers’ pride, their connection to the working community, and often their identity. It is for those reasons, and more, that setting aside a day to officially recognize injured workers and commit to addressing the impacts of workplace injuries is a significant step forward.”
In the same news release, Jessica Montgomery, president of the Sudbury & District Labour Council, said the bill is a reminder Ontario workers still lack fundamental protections.
"These fundamental protections should include: WSIB coverage for all workers regardless of status, unrestricted access to health care, a ban on deeming/phantom jobs, respect for medical professionals' opinions, and safeguards for older workers,” Montgomery said.
