Activities - events

Check here for upcoming events of interest to injured workers...

November 18-20, 2010: OFL/ONIWG Health & Safety and Workers' Compensation Conference [Flyer]
Learn about the latest on the expert panel; strategies for dealing with difficult employers; the latest changes in the compensation system; and much more.... Further details to be announced soon.

November 17, 2010: ONIWG Annual General Meeting
Ontario Network of Injured Workers Groups holds its AGM and strategy session. More details to come.

September 6, 2010: Calling on injured workers to again join Toronto's Labour Day Parade
As usual we will be marching under the banner of "Justice for Injured Workers". This is an important time to say so, as the Government and WCB/WSIB have another priority - eliminating the "unfunded liability" which the public misunderstands as a "debt". It will be an important message to share with the many workers who will be marching on Labour Day.

When: Monday, Sept. 6th at 9.30 a.m.
Where: University Avenue, just south of Armoury Street (across from the Ministry of Labour, 400 University).

If you want to drive your vehicle in the parade, to transport injured workers who need help, please call Orlando Buonastella or Correen DiFlorio at IWC (416)461-2411)

August 10, 2010: Groundbreaking ceremony for the Milestones of Labour Injured Worker Monument
The Brampton-Mississauga & District Labour Council, representing more than 10,000 unionized workers, hosts a ceremony to begin work on a monument to honour Peel workers who have been killed or injured on the job. [Details of monument]

June 29, 2010: Workshop on workers' compensation in Ontario (with interpretation in Tamil)
Injured Workers' Consultants Community Legal Clinic presents a session on Ontario's workers' compensation system, what happens when you get hurt at work, common problems after work-related injury and where to get help. [Flyer - Tamil | English]

When: Tuesday, June 29th from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Where: Bridlewood Branch, Toronto Public Library (2900 Warden Ave.)

Newcomers are welcome; light refreshment will be served. Space is limited so please register with Bridlewood Branch at (416)396-8960 or Settlement Workers at (416)894-2988 or (416) 293-4565 ext 106.

June 18, 2010: RAACWI Community Forum on Adequacy of Benefits and Labour-market Earnings Post-Accident
Do workers compensation benefits cover the wages lost after injury or disease? Guest speaker: Emile Tompa, RAACWI academic lead.

When: Friday, June 18th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Injured Workers' Consultants, 815 Danforth Ave, Suite 411 (between Pape & Donlands subways)

Everyone is welcome! Free of charge. For more information or to register, please phone IWC at (416)461-2411 or email smantis@tbaytel.net

June 1, 2010: Injured Workers' Day [Flyer] | Vigil, May 31st [Flyer]
Join injured workers and labour for the 27th anniversary of Injured Workers' Day [read the history]. Bring a friend! Bring your family! Bring your union!

  • Stop the attack on long term disabilities and medical care for injured workers
  • Stand up for a better workers' compensation system
  • Sign the injured workers' petition to be handed to the Legislature

When: Tuesday, June 1st at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Queen's Park, Toronto - in front of the Ontario Legislative Assembly building (TTC subway: Queen's Park)

For more information, call IWC 416-461-2411, OFL 416-441-2731, IAVGO 416.924.6477 or TWHSLC 416-971-8832.

May 31, 2010: Injured Workers' Day Rally, St Catharines

When: Monday, May 31st at 4:30 p.m.
Where: 301 St Paul Street, St Catharines

Sponsored by the Ontario Network of Injured Workers Groups (ONIWG). For more information, call 905-934-6233 or email Bruce Allen ballen@cogeco.ca.

May 25, 2010: McMaster Teach-In - "Internal responsibility thirty years later: not yet healthy and still not safe"
The Labour OHCOW Academic Research Collaboration (LOARC) invites injured worker activists in the Hamilton and surrounding areas to attend an important teach-in. Share knowledge with other health and safety activists (researchers, workers, union representatives, and community) about health and safety concerns and strategize how workers can address today's challenges in preventing workplace injuries, fatalities and occupational disease.[More details]

When: Tuesday, May 25th from 9:00 - 4:00 (lunch provided)
Where: McMaster University, Degroote School of Business, Room 505
1280 Main St West, Hamilton, L8S 4L8

To register, please email Wayne Lewchuk at lewchuk@mcmaster.ca

May 20, 2010: RAACWI Community Forum on Labour Market Re-entry.

When: Thursday May 20, 2010 from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Where: Injured Workers' Consultants (815 Danforth Ave, Suite 411).

Special guest Ellen McEachen presents her Labour Market Re-entry (LMR) research study. LMR has been much criticized in the last few years and this research helps to shed a light on this process. We will also explore the alternatives. Everyone welcome! For more information or to register, please phone IWC at 416-461-2411 or email smantis@tbaytel.net

May 19, 2010: Injured workers' public meeting for Greater Toronto Region [Flyer]
After the release of the Auditor General report, the politics of workers' compensation is changing fast! Premier McGuinty and the WSIB want to "save" or "generate" $11 billion.
Does the government expect injured workers to pay again? Come for an evening of information and action. Let's discuss the issues and injured workers' response.

When: Wednesday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: OISE Building(Ontario Institute for Studies in Education), 252 Bloor St West, Room 2214 (by St. George Subway)

Sponsored by Ontario Network of Injured Workers' Groups, Toronto Injured Workers Advocacy Group, Bright Lights, Women of Inspiration, Chinese Injured Workers' Group, Latin American Women for Justice, IAVGO, Injured Workers' Consultants, Toronto Workers Health and Safety Legal Clinic.

April 28, 2010 (Wednesday): Day of Mourning - Ontario events
Since the Canadian Labour Congress initiated April 28th in 1984 as the national day of mourning, workers, their families and community partners have gathered on this day in Canada and in almost 80 countries around the world to remember those who have been killed on the job or died as a result of workplace diseases. Details on provincial events will be listed here as they become available:

  • Province-wide list of community events (compiled by the Workers Health & Safety Centre)
  • Toronto - Nathan Philips square, 100 Queen St West, at 12:00 noon (Toronto and York Region Labour Council - for information call 416-441-3663 or Enzo Mancuso at 416-522-2386) [Flyer]
  • Woodbridge - Woodbridge Memorial Arena, at 11:00 a.m. (call Toronto and York Region Labour Council for more information
  • Hamilton - Hamilton City Hall in front of the Monument to Workers , Bay W and Main St, at 10:30 a.m. (Hamilton & District Injured Workers' Group. For more information call 905-543-9090 )

April 20, 2010: Injured workers' petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario - download here

On June 1st, let's call on the government address workers' compensation concerns and ensure work-related injury and disease do not result in the poverty of injured workers... .

Please print it off and get as many signatures as you can. Then send the completed petitions before June 1st to Bryan Cook, Injured Workers Consultants, 815 Danforth Ave, Suite 411, Toronto, ON, M4J 1L2 416-461-241. Thank you!

March 16, 2010: Bright Lights meeting

When: Tuesday, March 16 at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Injured Workers' Consultants, 815 Danforth Ave, Suite 411, Toronto

Proposed agenda includes speeches from RSI Day, new developments at the Compensation Board (stormy weather ahead?), honouring the memory of Dr Jan Kryspin.

February 26, 2010: RSI Symposium - Making the case for RSI regulation, Toronto
According to the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board statistics, RSIs account for more than 50 per cent of all reported injuries. Workers in all sectors of the economy are developing these disorders. Equally troubling, the numbers of workers developing RSIs show no sign of declining. Beyond the numbers are the incalculable human and social costs of these painful, disabling injuries. Many workplaces have adopted ergonomic solutions aimed at preventing RSIs. Others have not. Injured workers, trade unionists and activists who share a common goal of eliminating RSIs agree ergonomic regulations and their enforcement must be part of any successful prevention strategy. Without them, workers, their families and their communities will continue to suffer.

When: Friday, February 26 from 10 a.m. - 3.30 p.m.
Where: CAW Local 112 Union Hall, 30 Tangiers Road, Toronto.

Symposium sponsored by The Ontario Federation of Labour, Toronto & York Region Labour Council, Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers, The Workers Health & Safety Centre & Injured Workers Consultants

Registration required - to register, send email to: Shan White admin@caw112.on.ca or by phone 416-635-5988 or Enzo Mancuso at enzo@whsc.on.ca or by phone 416-522-2386. Lunch will be provided.

February 8, 2010: RAACWI Community Forum on the recently released Auditor General's report - what it means for injured workers

When: Monday, Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: Injured Workers' Consultants (IWC), 815 Danforth Ave, Suite 411, Toronto (between Donlands-Pape subway stations)

A discussion of what the Auditor General says about WCB's unfunded liability in his 2009 report, and what his recommendations could mean for injured workers. Speakers from the injured workers' and labour movement, and the Auditor General's office have been invited. Join us with your questions. For further information, call IWC at 416-461-2411 or email smantis@tbaytel.net.

February, 2010: Speaker's School (Thunder Bay & District Injured Workers' Support Group). Although the Fall session is full, registration is now open for the next session. [Read the Information sheet for more details]

Where: Rm 17, Lakehead Labour Centre, 929 Fort William Rd, Thunder Bay P7B 3A6

Apply now - download the Application form and either mail it to the above address, email it to Robin Faye robin@tbayinjuredworkers.ca, or fax it to 807.622-7869. (Applications will be reviewed late January and applicants contacted)

January 14, 2010: RAACWI Community Forum on Knowledge mobilization - building public awareness through the media

When: Thursday, Jan. 14 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: Injured Workers' Consultants (IWC), 815 Danforth Ave, Suite 411, Toronto (between Donlands-Pape subway stations)

Gain a better understanding of the media in ontario - explore how we can get media attention for our issues and research - build skills in working with the media - have fun! Everyone is welcome - free of charge - refreshments served.

January 7, 2010: Vigil for construction workers

The group No One is Illegal-Toronto is organizing a vigil for four construction workers with precarious immigration status who fell to their deaths on Christmas Eve "in one of the worst workplace disasters that Toronto has seen in decades. The swing stage scaffolding they were working on broke into two pieces, plummeting the four workers over 13 stories to the concrete below at 2757 Kipling Avenue. A fifth man is in critical condition and will need medical attention for the rest of his life".

When: Thursday, January 7, 2010, 7pm - 8:30pm
Where: 2757 Kipling Avenue

Buses leave from 252 Bloor St West (closest subway: St George station) at 5:15 p.m. sharp. RSVP by Noon, Jan 6, migrantworkervigil@gmail.com

December 4, 2009: Christmas demo - Justice, not poverty, for injured workers [Flyer]

Join us in Toronto for the 18th annual injured workers' Christmas rally outside the Ministry.

When: Friday, Dec. 4 at 11 a.m.
Where: outside the Ministry of Labour, 400 University Avenue (just south of St Patrick subway station)

Refreshments to follow at the Health and Safety Legal Clinic. For further information, call the Ontario Network of Injured Workers' Groups at 906.662-7128 or Toronto Injured Workers' Advocacy Group members at 416.461-2411 ; 416.924-6477, or 416.971-8832. Everyone welcome! Let us know of other similar events in your community so we can share the news.

December 4, 2009: Open Public Forum on the Consequences of work injuries [Flyer]

When: Friday, Dec. 4 at 12:00 noon
Where: Lakehead Labour Centre, 929 Ft William Rd, Thunder Bay

Guests include MPPs Michael Gravelle and Bill Mauro. Activities include presentations from community groups, a panel discussion and a chance to have your say. And join us for a hot bowl of chili and a coffee. Everyone welcome! For more information call the Thunder Bay & District Injured Workers' Support Group 807-622-8897 - or email smantis@tbaytel.net or jmongraii@shaw.ca

December 1, 2009: Bright Lights meeting

When: Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Injured Workers' Consultants, 815 Danforth Ave, Suite 411

Find out what's new for injured workers (update on activities of workers, politicians and employers); prepare for the Christmas demo (and the IWC holiday party!)

November 30, 2009: RAACWI Community Forum on "Deeming" Injured Workers

When: Monday, Nov. 30 from 1-5 p.m.
Where: Injured Workers' Consultants (IWC), 815 Danforth Ave, Suite 411, Toronto (between Donlands-Pape subway stations)

A fun filled afternoon with skits, case examples, research and ideology. We will explore legal strategies and work together to find solutions. Everyone is welcome - free of charge - refreshments served. For more information or to register please phone IWC at 416-461-2411 or email smantis@tbaytel.net

November 19, 2009: "Carcinogens in the workplace - state of the art and future challenges" OCRC Research Day. The Occupational Cancer Research Centre brings together all those with an interest in workplace-related cancer to discuss topical issues such as shiftwork and nanotechnology.

When: Thu. Nov. 19 (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
Where: Great Hall, Hart House, University of Toronto, 7 Hart House Circle

For further information, please click here.

November 13-15, 2009: Worker's Compensation Symposium - Protecting vulnerable workers. OFL-ODRT is presenting panel presentations and workshops dealing with work disruption issues, preparing for Labour Market Re-entry, assessing the impact of Bill 187 as it relates to Workplace Safety and Insurance amendments and occupational disease claims for workers affected by plant closures and layoffs.

When: Fri. Nov. 13 (7 p.m.) - Sun. Nov. 15.
Where: Grand Hotel & Suites, 225 Jarvis St, Toronto

For further information or to register click here.

November 9-11, 2009: WorkCongress9 (Toronto) - Workers' Compensation in the Changing World of Work [Cancelled]

The ninth International Congress on Work Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation and Workers' Compensation is a forum for policy-makers, professionals, employers, labour leaders and scientific experts. As in previous congresses, the conference program will include an examination of disability compensation systems around the world.

When: Nov. 9 - 11
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto

October 28, 2009: Ontario Legislative Assembly - Questioning experience rating.
The NDP will be raising the issue of experience rating in the House during the morning Question period.

When: Wed. Oct. 28 (Question Period begins at 10:30 a.m.)
Where: Legislative Assembly (Queen's Park subway station)

Let's be in the gallery to support them! For further details on meeting times & obtaining passes, please contact your injured worker group or Laurie Hardwick at the OFL.

October 9, 2009: Bright Lights meeting

When: Friday, Oct. 9, beginning 10:00 a.m.
Where: Injured Workers' Consultants, 815 Danforth Ave, Suite 411 (between Pape and Donlands subway stations)

On the agenda - news from our friends; presentation on Dana Howse's survey on reporting injuries; Value for Money reviews of the appeal system and labour market re-entry; Awards Dinner information; Are injured workers being pushed to go from compensation to welfare? Discussion with Mary Marrone of the Income Security Legal Clinic

October 2, 2009: RAACWI community forum: WSIB finances - what does it mean for injured workers? What is the employer strategy?

When: Friday, Oct. 2, from 1-5 p.m.
Where: Injured Workers' Consultants, 815 Danforth Ave, Suite 411 (between Pape and Donlands subway stations)

John McKinnon will review the 2008 WSIB Annual Report and lead a discussion on how we might benefit from a more full understanding of the current situation. Everyone is welcome - free of charge. For more information, or to register please phone IWC at 416.461-2411 or email Steve at smantis@tbaytel.net

September 7, 2009: Labour Day parade - let's join the Steelworkers and march with thousands of Union workers in Toronto

When: Monday, Sept. 7, 9.30 a.m.
Where: University Ave, across from 400 University Ave (Ministry of Labour), in front of Staples (Business Depot) store on the southeast corner of University and Armory St

For those unable to walk the route, there MAY be room in the vans - please check at the meeting spot. Remember that if you come, you will get free admission to the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) so let all your family and children know about it! For further information, please call Correen or Orlando at the IWC office at 416.461-2411. Hope to see you there!

June 1, 2009: Injured Workers' Day - 26th anniversary [Flyer]
Join injured workers and labour - bring a friend, bring your family! Rally for a brighter future: Injury should not equal poverty

Toronto -
When: Monday, June 1 - Media conference, 9.30 a.m.; Rally from 11 a.m., Vigil overnight
Where: Ontario Legislature, Queen's Park (TTC subway stop - Queen's Park)
For more information, call IWC: 416.461-2411; IAVGO 416.924-6477; TWHSLC at 416.971-8832 or OFL: 416.441-2731.

St Catharines -
When: Monday, June 1, 4.30 p.m.
Where: Rally outside the WSIB, 301 St Paul St
Sponsored by ONIWG and the St Catharines & District Labour Council. For more information, call 905.934-6233

Thunder Bay -
When: Monday, June 1, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (formal proceedings 11.30 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
Where: Lakehead Labour Centre, 929 Fort William Rd
Special guest speaker: Hassan Yussuff (Sec/Treasurer Canadian Labour Congress). For more information, call 807.622-8897

Windsor -
When: Monday, June 1, Rally and BBQ - 4 p.m.
Where: CAW Local 195 on Central Avenue (across from Central Stamping)
For more information call Injured Workers Coalition 519.969-7237

London -
Media conference on poverty report.
For more information call 519.637-0882

May 14, 2009: RAACWI Community Forum
Join us for a discussion of recent 'economic arguments' against injured workers & how to respond to them - an analysis and discussion of employer arguments that the WSIB/WCB "cannot afford" cost of living and financial security for injured workers.

When: Thursday, May 14 at 1 p.m.
Where: Injured Workers' Consultants, 815 Danforth Ave, Suite 411, Toronto.

Everyone is welcome. Free of charge. For more information or to register please phone: IWC at 416-461-2411 or email smantis@tbaytel.net

May 11, 2009: Bright Lights meeting
We will need volunteers for June first, marshals, helpers, etc. as well as volunteers for the overnight vigil, now in its third year. This meeting is for ALL injured workers!

When: Monday, May 11 at 10 a.m.
Where: Injured Workers' Consultants, 815 Danforth Ave, Suite 411, Toronto.

Everyone is welcome. For more information please phone IWC at 416-461-2411

April 28, 2009: National Day of Mourning events for workers who have been killed, suffer disease or injury as a result of work. Click herefor a full list of events around the province (source: Workers Health & Safety Centre)

Toronto:
When: Tuesday, 12:00 noon
Where: Larry Sefton Park, Bay and Hagerman Streets (immediately behind Toronto City Hall)

For more information call the Toronto & York Region Labour Council at (416)441-3663

April 23, 2009: RAACWI Community Forum
Guest speaker Bonnie Kirsh, University of Toronto, will present some of her research on the stigma experienced by injured workers. Plus a Panel Discussion will be held on overcoming depression and making a difference.

When: Thursday, Apr. 23 from 1-5 p.m.,
Where: Injured Workers' Consultants, 815 Danforth Ave, Suite 411, Toronto.

Everyone is welcome. Free of charge. For more information or to register please phone: IWC at 416-461-2411 or email smantis@tbaytel.net

March 13, 2009: RAACWI Community Forum
Organized by the Research Action Alliance on the Consequences of Work Injury, the guest speaker at this event will be Peter Smith, IWH researcher. Peter will present some of his findings from the research on occupational health and safety risk factors, work injuries, and compensation after injury among recent immigrant workers in Canada.

When: Friday, Mar. 13 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: Injured Workers' Consultants, 815 Danforth Ave, Suite 411, Toronto.

Everyone is welcome. Free of charge. For more information or to register please phone: IWC at 416-461-2411 or email smantis@tbaytel.net

February 27, 2009: Repetitive Strain Injury Day
Come out to support International RSI Awareness Day. [Flyer]

When: Friday, Feb. 27 from 9.30 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.
Where: 31 Wellesley Street East, Toronto M4Y 1G7

Light lunch provided. Voluntary donations to the cause accepted at the door with thanks.

To register, contact rsiday@rsicanada.org or call 416-461-2411

February 27, 2009: 10th Annual RSI DayPlus Awareness Conference
Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (Sudbury) presents an update on issues surrounding repetitive strain injuries. Come in person or participate online. [Click here for full details]

When: Friday, Feb. 27 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Cambrian College e-Dome (1400 BarryDowne Rd; Sudbury)

Register online or for more information, contact Trevor Schell (705)523-2330 or 1-800-461-7120

January 29, 2009: Community Forum on Social Activism and the Injured Worker

  • How do you make political change?
  • How did injured workers win cost of living increases?
  • How did injured workers win an independent appeals tribunal?
  • What do you think needs to be changed now?
  • How can you make these changes?
  • Can injured workers make history once again?

Guest speaker - Robert Storey, McMaster University. Everyone is welcome - free of charge. (Event sponsored by the Research Action Alliance on the Consequences of Work Injury)

When: Thursday, Jan. 29 from 1 - 5 p.m.
Where: Injured Workers' Consultants (IWC), 815 Danforth Ave, Suite 411, Toronto

For more information or to register, please phone: IWC at 416-461-2411 or email smantis@tbaytel.net

December 4, 2008: 17th Annual Christmas demonstration [Flyer] [Message to the Minister]
What injured workers want - the elimination of "deeming" and "determining" full, permanent cost-of-living; the elimination of experience rating; coverage for all workers. Minister Fonseca has been invited...
Join us for good cheer and other surprises...lunch and discussion forum to follow nearby.

When: 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4
Where: Ministry of Labour, 400 University Ave. (just south of Dundas)

Contact: ONIWG (905)662-7128; Toronto Injured Workers' Advocacy Group members (416)461-2411, (416)924-6477, (416)971-8832

November 27, 2008: Bright Lights meeting - meet the Board Chair, Steve Mahoney
Let's make sure the current economic depression does not become an excuse to further deny the rights of injured workers. [Read their presentation]

When: Thursday, November 27 at 1:00 p.m. (note time change - afternoon meeting!)
Where: Injured Workers' Consultants, 815 Danforth Ave., Suite 411 (between pape & Donlands subway)

November 8, 2008: In memory of injured worker activist Joan Crevar
With great sadness, we note the passing Saturday of Joan Crevar, prominent long-time activist with the Hamilton Injured Workers Group and Ontario Network of Injured Workers Groups (ONIWG).

Donations in her memory can be made to ONIWG (c/o the ONIWG Treasurer, Karl Crevar, 500 Green Road, Unit 310, Stoney Creek, ON L8E 3M6) or to the Canadian Cancer Society.

November 7, 2008: Theodore Koinos honoured with the Eddie Cauchi award
Theodore Koinis was recognized at the annual injured workers awards held by the Toronto Workers' Health & Safety Legal Clinic and Labour Council. As a truck driver having "broken his back" delivering bread, the struggle to receive his just compensation led him to take up the fight on behalf of all injured workers - to be "in the face" of all those who make decisions that affect injured workers and their families. He keeps reminding them what it means to be an injured worker.
An honourary award was also presented to the family of Dan Ublansky, in tribute to his remarkable career as advocate for Ontario's injured workers.

October 17-19, 2008: Ontario Network of Injured Workers' Groups (ONIWG) Fall Conference - "Using Research to Make Change for the Injured Worker Community"

When: Friday - Sunday, Oct. 17-19
Where: Steelworkers Hall, 25 Cecil St, Toronto

[Registration form] ‌ [Reports]
Contact: Judy Kondrat, Community Legal Worker
Industrial Accident Victims Group of Ontario (IAVGO) (416) 924-6477 x 26 or 1-877-230-6311

October, 2008: Injured Workers' Speaker School
The Speaker School has had a successful year and will start again in October. Interested students are invited to sign up now as enrolment is limited due to space.

  • Learn about the history and principles of our compensation system
  • Learn about the history of the injured workers movement
  • Learn how to speak in public, to the media and to politicians - move from "venting" to "convincing"
  • Have fun while learning with other injured workers seeking positive change

When: 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. (approx.) one night a week for 12 weeks
Where: Injured Workers' Consultants, 815 Danforth Ave, Suite 411, Toronto (between Pape & Donlands subway)

Dinner and refreshments will be provided, along with T.T.C. fare. If you have questions about the classes or would like to sign up, please contact Orlando at (416)461-2411 or email him at buonasto@lao.on.ca

September 1, 2008: Labour Day parade!
Join the Injured Workers and Steelworkers for the annual Toronto Labour Day Parade.

When: Monday, Sept. 1 - 9.30 a.m.
Where: University Avenue in front of Staples, on the south east corner of University and Armory Street - across from 400 University Ave. (Ministry of Labour)
For more information, please call Correen or Orlando at IWC (416)461-2411. (...a reminder, those attending will get free admission into the CNE)

July 3, 2008: ARCH Disability Law Centre survey
The ARCH Disability Law Centre, a community legal aid clinic dedicated to defending and advancing the equality rights of people with disabilities, is conducting an overview of the barriers for people with disabilities at Tribunals in Ontario.

If you had or are waiting to have a Hearing and/or Mediation at the Social Benefits Tribunal, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal or the Landlord and Tenant Board and you have a disability, they need you to tell them about your experience at the above Tribunals by completing their confidential survey.
Your responses to questions in this survey will have a direct impact on making the justice system more accessible for people with disabilities.

To complete the survey, please go on-line to http://archdisabilityl.survey.sgizmo.com or phone Viktoria at ARCH Disability Law Centre Toll-free at 1-866-482-2724 or TTY at 1-866-482-2728.
The deadline to complete the survey is August 11, 2008.

June 5, 2008: Ron Ellis Award Dinner
The Workers' Compensation Section of the Ontario Bar Association will honour Steve Mantis of Kaministiquia, a longtime leader and grassroots organizer of Ontario's injured worker movement, with the Ron Ellis Award for excellence and outstanding contribution to workers' compensation. Read here the tribute prepared and delivered by Marion Endicott at the award.
Registration deadline: June 3 [Registration form]

When: Thursday, June 5, 2008
5.30 p.m. - Registration; 6.00 p.m. - Dinner, followed by Program "An evening with the adjudicators"
Where: OBA Centre, 200-20 Toronto St, Toronto

June 1, 2008: Injured Workers' Day Rally for Workers' Compensation Reform [flyer]

This Injured Workers' Day, will be the 25th anniversary of the day when over 3,000 workers gathered at the Legislative Assembly to participate in public hearings on workers' compensation and highlight the principle that injury should not mean poverty.

Join injured workers and their supporters and their families at a rally to make it clear to the Minister of Labour that having a disability should not equal poverty and to celebrate their work as a community. Injured workers will ask Minister Doug Duguid to:

  • Eliminate deeming
  • Provide full, permanent cost of living
  • Eliminate experience rating
  • WSIB coverage for all workers

When: Sunday, June 1st
Where: Ontario Legislature at Queen’s Park
Time: 11:a.m.

Invited Speakers:
Brad Duguid, Minister of Labour
Warren Smokey Thomas, President OPSEU
Laurie Hardwick, OFL Organization Services Director
Keith McMillan, CEP Health and Safety National Representative
Sari Sairanen, CAW Director of Health and Safety
Nancy Hutchison, USWA National Representative
Karl Crevar & Peter Page, Ontario Network of Injured Workers
Neekey Dalier, 13 Year Old Daughter of Injured Worker
[other labour representatives to be confirmed]

For more information call: Injured Workers Consultants: (416) 461-2411, OFL: (416) 441-2731, IAVGO: (416) 924-6477 , TWHSLC: (416) 971-8832

May 14, 2008: Opposition Day debate in the House on experience rating

Let's be there in the gallery! The debate begins around 3.15 p.m. so plan to arrive around 2.45 p.m. at Queen's Park to pick up a badge and get through security on the 4th floor. Go to the basement door just west of the main doors at the front of the building to register. If you want to pre-register to speed up the process, please send your name to Laurie Hardwick. And just a reminder - no T-shirts with slogans are allowed in the gallery.

Location: Legislative Assembly, Queen's Park (just north of Queen's Park subway station, University & College St)
Time: Wednesday, May 14, 2.45 p.m.
Contact: Laurie Hardwick Director of Organization Services, Ontario Federation of Labour. (416) 443-7657

April 28, 2008: National Day of Mourning

Join workers, families and communities across the country to honour workers killed or harmed as a result of work.

  • Check the Workers' Health & Safety Centre website to find an event near you

  • The Hamilton Injured Workers Group is making ribbons for this year's Day of Mourning ceremonies, April 28th. They aren't charging for them but do appreciate donations. You can order some by email at: hamiltoninjured.workers@on.aibn.com or phone 905-543-9090.

  • Join injured workers and their supporters at 2 Toronto events organized by the Toronto & York Region Labour Council:

    Toronto (Woodbridge)
    Location: Woodbridge Memorial Arena, 5020 Highway #7 [agenda]
    Time: 11:00 a.m.
    Guests: Linda Jackson, Mayor City of Vaughn
    Marcelo Puente, Musician
    Contact: Enzo Mancuso (416) 441-1939 x 3010

    Toronto (Downtown)
    Location: Larry Sefton Park, Bay & Hagerman Streets, Toronto [agenda]
    (Immediately behind Toronto City Hall)
    Time: 12:00 noon
    Contact: Labour Council (416) 441-3663

  • Ottawa & District Injured Workers Group and Unionized Building & Construction Trades Council memorial ceremony
    Location: Celtic Cross, the east side of the Rideau Canal Locks at the entrance to the Ottawa River. Enter through service road from St Patrick Street behind Major Hill Park.
    Time: 7 p.m.

  • Thunder Bay & District Injured Workers' Support Group will "honour the living, remember the dead"
    Location: Lakehead Labour Centre, 929 Ft William Road
    Time: service at 5 p.m. (light lunch to follow)
    For more information please call (807) 622-8897 or visit http://www.tbayinjuredworkers.ca

April 7, 2008: Taking action on cancer - an evening with Dr Devra Davis [Flyer]

Join the head of the Centre for Environmental Oncology and author of "The Secret History of the War on Cancer" to examine how exposures in the workplace and broader environment are contributing to the cancer epidemic - and what we can do about it. The event is sponsored by the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers, the Ontario Network of Injured Workers' Groups, labour and environmental organizations.

Time: Monday, April 7 2008, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Where: OISE Auditorium, 252 Bloor Street West
(between St George St and Bedford Rd)
Cost: Free
To request tickets, please call 416.510.8713 Ext. 0, or email info@ohcow.on.ca

February 29, 2008: Toronto RSI Awareness Day Symposium [Agenda]
The number of workers suffering repetitive strain injuries (also known as "work-related musculoskeletal injuries") is high and growing. Does Ontario's workers' compensation system help the injured worker? What ergonomic solutions should be legislated? How best to handle musculoskeletal injuries?

Time: Friday, 9 a.m. (all-day)
Where: 25 Cecil St, Toronto

Registration required - for further information contact Audrey Parkes (416-461-2411) or Enzo Mancuso (416-441-1939 ext.3010)

December 11, 2007: 16th Annual injured worker Christmas demonstration [Flyer]
Join injured workers to make it clear to the new Minister, Brad Duguid, that we demand:

  • The elimination of "deeming" and "determining"
  • Full, permanent Cost-of-living
  • The elimination of Experience rating
  • Coverage for all workers

Time:Tuesday, 11 a.m.
Where: 400 University Ave., Toronto (in front of Ministry of Labour building, just south of Dundas St)

For more information contact the Ontario Network of Injured Worker Groups (905-662-7128), Toronto Injured workers' Advocacy Group Members (416-461-2411), IAVGO (416-924-6477 or 416-971-8832)

ELECTION DAY - OCTOBER 10

Where does your candidate stand?
Now is the time to speak out strongly about problems in Ontario's workers' compensation system and ask the question : "what will you and your party do to address injured workers' issues?"

  • Contact your local candidates (click here to find those in your riding)
  • Here are some questions (with background information) to put to the candidate - at the door or public meetings
  • Bright Lights Injured Workers' Group letters to the Party leaders [Dalton McGuinty ‌ John Tory ‌ Howard Hampton]

October 2, 2007 : ONIWG Rally for deeming - Steve Peter's Office
The Minister of Labour Steve Peters promised to do away with deeming. He promised but he didn't deliver. Under new Board policies deeming will not be eliminated, only given a new name, and in fact be worse for injured workers. Call the Minister to account... [download flyer]

Time: Tuesday, 12.00 noon
Where: 445 Talbot Street, St. Thomas

A bus will leave from Injured Workers Consultants, 815 Danforth Avenue near Pape at 9:00 a.m. with a stop at the Industrial Accident Victims Group of Ontario, 489 College Street at 9:30 a.m. and then in the Morriston carpool area at the junction of Highways 401 and 6 around 10:30 a.m. To reserve your seat call Laurie Hardwick 416.443.7657 or lhardwick@ofl.ca

September 27, 2007 : Bright Lights meeting
Agenda: Report from Labour Day Parade; Speaker School; Award Dinner; Election campaign; New deeming policies; Problems with indexed benefits; Old Age Security deductions

Time: Thursday, 10 a.m.
Where: IWC, 815 Danforth Ave, Suite 411

June 1, 2007 : Injured Workers Day [Flyer ‌ Press release]
Join injured workers and their supporters for the 23rd anniversary of Injured Workers' Day on June 1, 2007 to highlight the principle that injury should not mean poverty and to celebrate their work together as a community. Key to this year's event will be presentations by Minister of Labour, Steve Peters and Chair of the WSIB, Steve Mahoney. The Minister of Labour, and the leaders of the Conservative and New Democratic Parties have been invited to tell injured workers their plans to restore the system to its important founding principles....

Time: Friday, 12.00 noon
Where: Queen's Park, in front of the entrance to the Legislative Assembly Building (just north of College and University; Queen's Park subway)

May 31, 2007 : Vigil for Injured Workers
A 24-hour vigil leading up to Injured Workers Day will be held outside the Ontario Legislature.

Time: Thursday, 12.00 noon - Friday 12.00 noon
Where: Queen's Park, in front of entrance to the Legislative Assembly building

May 15, 2007 : Injured Workers' Consultants annual general meeting
IWC invites members to set aside this date for the annual review of the clinic's activities and plans.
Special topic: Changes to the workers' compensation system introduced in the recent Ontario budget (Bill 187). Come to the meeting to discuss our response to these proposals on cost of living and on deeming. Tell us what you think.

Time: Tuesday, 6.30 p.m. - 8.45 p.m.
Where: IWC, 815 Danforth Ave, Suite 411

May 5, 2007 : "Easy Money" - a groundbreaking play created by Injured Workers Project about the experience of workers facing long-term disabilities and long-term disbelief. Presented as part of Mayworks Festival, Easy Money is a play about the experience and impact of workplace injury on workers and their families, presented by professional actors with sets, lights, music and rhythm, based on true stories of injured workers. Once they play the Board game, it’s a lose-lose situation with doctors, experts, forests of paperwork, oceans of grief and a grim apocalyptic sense of humour, as they chase the elusive coin of compensation.
For those in an organization in a position to buy a fundraising block of tickets--10 tickets for $300.00 please call Marion Endicott for details at 416-461-2411.
Otherwise it is pay what you can at the door (injured workers free), but please reserve your seat at easymoneyreserve@gmail.com. A reception will follow the performance with a cash bar.

Time: Saturday 8:00 p.m.
Where: Cecil Community Centre
58 Cecil Street ( 1 block south of College St, just east of Spadina)

May 4-6, 2007 : "Telling our stories, building bridges", ONIWG Conference

The Ontario Network of Injured Workers Groups (ONIWG) in partnership with the Injured Worker History Project joins with grassroots activists from injured worker groups, labour unions, legal clinics and community allies for two and a half days of skillbuilding, network building and strategy sharing.

Where: United Steel Workers Hall
25 Cecil Street, Toronto
Further information: ONIWG conference details and registration

April 27⁄28, 2007 : Day of mourning
Join the annual nationwide remembrance of workers killed or injured on the job, or those who have contracted illness through workplace disease.Because April 28 falls on a Saturday, some communities are holding their commemoration on the Friday

Toronto: Friday April 27, 12:00 noon, at Larry Sefton Park [northwest corner of Bay and Hagermann, behind City Hall]

York Region: Friday April 27, 11:00 a.m., at the monument to workers at the Woodbridge Memorial Arena [Highway 7 and Islington Ave.]

Click here for a listing of Day of Mourning events in Ontario

April 25-26, 2007 : Public hearings (Toronto) on Bill 187

Injured Workers Consultants makes its presentation before the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs on Thursday April 26, 10 a.m.

Click here for details on the bill and responses of the injured worker community

March 19, 2007 : Vigil at the Legislative Assembly, Queen's Park

Time: Monday. 12 noon - 2 p.m.
Where: Outside Queen's Park, north of the University-College corner, Toronto

Click here for full details.

February 28, 2007 : 8th Annual International RSI Awareness Day Conference, Toronto

Time: Wednesday. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: United Steel Workers Hall, 25 Cecil Street, Toronto (free parking) Spadina & College area

Click here for full registration details and agenda.

December 7, 2006 : Dignity - not poverty! 15th Annual X-mas Demonstration
[Flyer] Photos and video from the demo - courtesy of John Bonner.

Join us Thursday at 11:00 a.m. outside the Ministry of Labour, 400 University Ave, Toronto (just south of Dundas) for good cheer and other surprises. Minister Peters has been invited...Organized by the Ontario Network of Injured Workers' Groups and the Toronto Injured Workers' Advocacy Group.

June 1, 2006 : Injured Workers' Day

June 1st is a day of celebration for what injured workers can achieve if we work together, but it is also an opportunity to let the politicians know, that injured workers issues (including the repeal of Bill 99) are an election issue.  [Thunder Bay ‌ St Catharines ‌ Toronto ‌ Letter to the Premier]