Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced that eligible businesses will receive a share of $2 billion in surplus funds returned by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). This marks the second time the WSIB has distributed a surplus, following a $1.2 billion rebate in 2022. To qualify, businesses must not have been convicted more than once under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act or the Occupational Health and Safety Act since 2020.
In addition to the surplus rebate, the WSIB will reduce the average premium rate for employers from $1.30 to $1.25 per $100 of insurable payroll, starting in 2025, saving businesses an estimated $150 million annually. This is the lowest rate in 50 years, contributing to cumulative savings of approximately $18.6 billion for businesses since 2017.
The province is also investing in workers’ health and safety, with $400 million earmarked for new programs focused on mental health, preventative care, and chronic injury recovery. This includes expanding WSIB’s mental health services through partnerships with 11 public hospitals and community-based providers across Ontario.
As part of ongoing efforts to support workers, the government is removing the $150 fee for apprentices taking their first Certificate of Qualification exam, reducing costs for those entering the skilled trades. Since 2019, this initiative has saved apprentices more than $330 each, putting nearly $3.6 million back into the pockets of approximately 11,000 workers.
Starting in 2025, the WSIB will also offer an additional $1,000 bonus to employers who implement a new health and safety action plan through its Health and Safety Excellence program. More than 4,600 businesses are currently enrolled in the program, which has already provided over $68 million in rebates, including $15 million in additional incentives for small businesses in 2023-2024.
These measures are part of a series of reforms outlined in the government’s Working for Workers Acts, aimed at building a stronger workforce and a more prosperous Ontario.
“Previous governments taxed the trades to the brink of extinction,” said David Piccini, minister of labour. “Our government recognizes that by putting more money back into workers’ pockets and promoting the trades as a viable career, we are building a stronger workforce. Keeping costs down for businesses and investing in workers’ occupational and mental health is key to building a stronger Ontario for everyone.”
Hey that great for them but how about the people that are on WSIB on long term with the cost of living housing food no medical plan any help coming there way
I agree, what about the injured worker. Should be getting full wages. I was making full wages now I have to go for a surgery due to work injury and won’t get full wages while I am recovering
I was injured in a live altering work accident in 2015 .I was in a dispute with WSIB and I was notified that if I was 30 years younger I would receive a larger settlement but because I was old and had no value.I started a case with Human rights tribunal and it was dismissed on the ground that I moved not true I lived in this house since 2013. I was told that WSIB is above the law because they are associated with the Canadian government.Ford and Trudeau are protecting criminals and Canadians have a right to know that are rights are being stripped away
It goes back to the business or the workers?
The businesses who pay the premiums for the workers.
The title is wrong. It appears that $0 are being returned to Ontario workers. is being returned to Ontario employers/businesses.
Mr Gord is boasting about WSIB 2 billion surplus to be shared for employers and businesses .does he care about the workers who come to work dangerous, dirty jobs and get injured while doing but get denied proper health care by the WSIB. Does canada have human rights, freedom or democracy? From what I have witnessed is double standard in the system when it is around migrant farm workers.
Mr Ford is boasting about WSIB 2 billion surplus to be shared for employers and businesses .does he care about the workers who come to work dangerous, dirty jobs and get injured while doing it but get denied proper health care by the WSIB. Does canada have human rights, freedom or democracy? From what I have witnessed is double standard in the system when it is around migrant farm workers.
I just retired from a factory after 28 yrs. The system seems extremely flawed. The way it works, as I understand it, if a worker is hurt and files a claim, the employers rates increase. So the company offers modified work instead of worker being off on WSIB. This seems reasonable for short term healing, but I cannot count how many times people with serious injuries come to the workplace and do absolutely nothing for 8 hrs. when they should be home recuperating; just so the company can save a few bucks. We’ve had people with bad back injuries taxied in twice a day to punch in and out, or needing walkers to get into the plant. Absolutely ridiculous! And if the workers refused to do it, WSIB denies the claim. We had employees who,literally,spent years doing nothing for their pay check. Very poor for the morale of the other employees.
This has nothing to do with workers. This is all about WSIB kickbacks to employers who actually fund WSIB. It’s just employers gifting themselves, no benefit to the worker, none. One of the more misleading headlines I’ve seen recently if I’m being honest. If this is Ford building a better Ontario for workers then we’re all screwed but hey that was already pretty obvious.
Not 1 penny will go to workers it’s for the employer. If a government is believing that the employee will share the wealth they are delusional. The headline says it is for the workers it’s another joke. A farce to believe the Ford government helps workers.
Had a bad at work in 1995 as a truck driver. Driver of the 4 wheeler lost all movement below his neck. His passanger died on scene and a 2year old survived. The truck driver was t-boned by the 4 wheeler going approximately 147km in a 50km. I was lucky to walk out muchless to be alive. The accident was in the news. Print and video. Yet, it took me 5years of fight to get onto wsib. The tool it took on me mentally and emotionally was excruciating. I was lucky at the time that my parents supported me. I turned 65 in 2023 and they dropped me. No mandatory retirement age in Canada and the insurance should cover to your death. Pension, all round cost of living is not viable. Yet! The higher ups make bonuses on movies not paid out. How is that right. Few years back before wsib moved to London they said they had a 6 billion surplus. So, who are they not paying and why do they make the injured work(my case) fight for 5yrs? Why such a hard time to get phyiso? WSIB said I’ll get worst. Had back surgery in 03 and even the surgeon screwed up and he didnt helped me after even though i had an MRI done and he totally disregared it. I complained to wsib and they didnt give a crap. But as I got worst, wsib made me jump through hoops for 1.5yrs
seeing Orthopedic surgeons. After that they told me they will move my diaaibility from 28% to 32% I’d asked when I can get phyiso. They then said I just reached a maximum recovery
level so I’d have to wait until I get worser. Yep! They are not
proactive. I suffer with the pain to this day without the help of wsib. I’m thankful that my partner for having extended care. Even WSIB employees have a hard time getting help. It’s like they are protecting the monies they collect to provide protection to workers so the top management can get their bonuses. Class action anyone!
What about the injuries workers who getting partial benefits. They are living In poverty. WSIB denied a lot of workers injury on the job. Come on Mr Forbes you need to do better for the people of Ontario who injury on the job.
What about the injuries workers who getting partial benefits. They are living In poverty. WSIB denied a lot of workers injury on the job. Come on Mr Forbes you need to do better for the people of Ontario who injury on the job.