Universal coverage
Although little has been done to develop workers' compensation coverage since its inception in 1915, Justice Meredith's foundational report states that his list was intended to be just a beginning step towards comprehensive coverage of Ontario workplaces. In 1996 the Jackson Report again called for expanded coverage; the Brock Smith Nov. 2003 report from the WSIB consultation and review of coverage recommended coverage of all Ontario's workers.
The extension of workers compensation coverage to include all workers in all workplaces in Ontario however has still not been achieved. The recently introduced Bill 119 is an important, if small, first step towards this goal.
- Injured Workers' Consultants. Submission
to the Standing Committee on social Policy re Bill 119.(November 17, 2008)
Brief supports the recommendations of two public consultations calling for universal coverage and rebuts concerns of those opposed. - Bill 119, Workplace Safety and Insurance Amendment Act, 2008
(Government Bill - Ontario Legislative Assembly. 39th Legislature, 1st Session)
Introduced October 28, 2008 by Peter Fonseca, Minister of Labour, this bill addresses mandatory coverage in the construction industry. Second reading debates October 29-30, November 3-6. Sent to Standing Comittee on Social Policy. Public hearings held in Toronto November 17-18.
Bill [pdf]| Debates | Background - Ontario Legislative Assembly :
Question to the Minister of Labour on the Brock Smith reportand extending coverage of workers' compensation. Andrea Horwath
/ Steve Peters. (December 7, 2006)
- Ministry of Labour news release on extending mandatory coverage in the construction industry (March 28, 2006)
- WSIB coverage consultations (2002)