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CANADIAN PUBLICATION MAIL SALES AGREEMENT #1685422
Focus on Medical Issues
This issue of our newsletter has a focus on the medical treatments,
programs and assessments that an injured worker may go through as part
of their recovery. As well, how these medical issues relate to their claim
with the Workers Compensation Boards.
This can be a complex and too often a controversial process where injured
workers and their lives get caught between various medical practitioners‟
opinions. Often, this process can result in conflicting opinions and
recommendations. Then who is the injured worker to believe and which
recommendation does he/she follow? And then, what impact will that have
on her/his future benefits and future health?
We have a chart starting on page seven that lays out the comparisons of
how this works across the country.
Also we have news on an exciting CIWA/ACVAMT project reaching out to
youth in our communities (see pg. 3 for more info). You may want to get
involved. As well, there are news and views from across the country so
please, read on.
We encourage you to write in to Highlights, with your story or
news in your area of Canada. The next issues will focus on
the Employer attack on Injured Workers‟ benefits.
Visit our Web-site at http://www.ciwa.ca
Table of Contents
CIWA/ACVAMT contacts ...................... 2
Youth Project ...................................... 3
News & Happenings ............................ 4
Rehab-(Physio vs Primary Caregiver)(Eng/Fr) . 5 - 6
Medical Issues ..................................... 7 – 9
Letters to Editor ........................... 10 – 11
CIWA/ACVAMT Info ........................... 12
Page 1
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
PLEASE HELP ………… S U B S C R I B E !
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Highlights is published 4 times per year
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Phone
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THANKS for Your SUPPORT!
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Newsletter Subscription:
Editor’s Note
This newsletter is for sharing and exchanging information. The views and opinions expressed here are those of
the individuals or groups making submissions. We take no responsibility for their accuracy or opinions.
PROVINCIAL REPS TO THE STEERING COMMITTEE
BC … Craig McLachlan, North Vancouver
COMPONET
SK ... Robert Lindsay, Regina
Western Injured Workers Society (SASK)
MB… Vincent Boyce, Winnipeg
Injured Workers Association of Manitoba
ON... Jessica Schmidt, Kitchener
Ontario Network of Injured Workers
Groups
QC... Liane Flibotte, Montreal
l’ATTAQ
NF... Patricia Dodd, St. John's
NLIWA
Phil Brake, Labrador City
USWA
NB... Wendy McGee, Saint John
St. John Labour Community Services Inc.
NS... Dave MacKenzie, Pictou County
YT… Robbie King, Whitehorse
Yukon Injured Workers Alliance
ADVISORS…
Andy King, U.S.W.A.
Orlando Buonastella &
Marion Endicott, Injured Workers Consultants
NATIONAL COORDINATOR …
Steve Mantis, Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
STAFF …
Melanie MacEachern, Executive Assistant
Monika Wiitala, Bookkeeper, Desktop Publisher,
Database
L’ALLIANCE CANADIENNE DES VICTIMES D’ACCIDENTS ET DE MALADIES DU TRAVAIL
MAILING ADDRESS:
CANADIAN INJURED WORKERS ALLIANCE
P.O. Box 10098
Thunder Bay, Ontario. P7B 6T6
Phone: 807-345-3429
Fax: 807-344-8683
Toll Free 1-877-787-7010
Page 2
email: ciwa@norlink.net
Web-site: www.ciwa.ca
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
CIWA/ACVAMT Youth Project
HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEWS?
We are pleased to announce that The Canadian Injured Workers Alliance has
now held 2 training sessions for the Youth Project in Ontario!
The first training session was held in Thunder Bay while the second session was
held in Orillia.
There was an awesome turnout of young folks and injured worker activists
from local groups across the province! In total, 38 folks attended the sessions.
Participation was extremely high and contributed greatly to the success of each
of the sessions! Thanks everyone for making Phase II of the project a great
success!
What was the main item on the agenda, you ask? Well, the main focus was
learning how to present a 45 minute workshop on Workplace Health and Safety
to youth. The workshop is interactive and includes a combination of skits, facts
and personal stories. And of course, getting to know each other was very
valuable! By sharing experiences and ideas and participating in a variety of exercises, folks learned more about each
other and their similarities and differences.
The result: By the end of the session, participants were quite comfortable with the workshop and the idea of
presenting it to youth! As well, folks learned from each other, built links and had FUN! In addition, many
injured workers left the session with a better understanding of how to reach out to young people and get them
involved in injured workers‟ issues.
BE A KEY PLAYER
Good News! Our funding to take the project across the country has been approved. As a result, we will soon be
holding a session in your area! If you are or someone you know is interested, contact your CIWA Provincial
Representative or CIWA directly on our toll free number at 1-877-787-7010.
Let’s try to get as many people involved as possible by spreading the word about the Youth Project to all
those we know!
Recommended Reading
“Fast Food Nation”, by Eric Schlosser
Houghton-Miffin (http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com)
Gerry Tremere suggests this is a great, great book. Every injured worker should read Chapter 8, “The Most
Dangerous Job”. An injured worker in Colorado won a $2,000,000 US lawsuit from a company that tried to deny him
WCB. The book deals with the abuses of our new age McJob economy. (He borrowed it from the Library)
Thanks to the Social Development Partnership Program of HRDC for the funding necessary to produce this newsletter.
Page 3
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
News & Happenings
COMPENSATION CLAIMS STALLED
Years of work on compensation claims for former
Owens Corning workers with lung cancer and other
illnesses is being stalled by the company, according to
the union representing workers. About 170 Workplace
Safety and Insurance Board claims opened in 1998,
can‟t proceed until the company supplies needed
information about the plant that made fibreglass
insulation. It closed about 10 years ago. During the
past two years, the union has assembled evidence
linking exposure to chemicals in the plant to lung
cancer and other respiratory illnesses. Information
needed by the WSIB to begin making decisions about
the claims should be easily available from the
company.
QUALITY OF LIFE, NUMBER ONE
ISSUE
OTTAWA,
Aug. 30/CNW/ - The Canadian Labour
Congress, has launched a series of initiatives designed
to place the standard of living and the quality of life of
working Canadians at the centre of public policy
making. Statistics gathered by the Canadian Labour
Congress show that working families in this country
have seen their wages stagnate or diminish through
the 1990‟s while the public services and social
programs that help maintain their quality of life have
been cut, privatized, deregulated or otherwise
curtailed.
Editor’s Note: Keep your eyes open for events in
your community
SOME ELIGIBLE WORKERS DON’T FILE COMPENSATION CLAIMS
Forty per cent of workers who are eligible for workers‟
compensation claims do not submit a claim. This
research was presented by Harry Shannon, Institute
senior scientist, at the 2001 Congress of Epidemiology.
The report was based upon a survey, sponsored by
the Canadian Policy Research Networks of 2,500
Canadian workers. Respondents were asked if they
had been injured at work in the past year. If the
injury required medical aid or time off work and/or a
change in job assignment, and whether they had filed
a workers‟ compensation claim. These and other
criteria were used to ensure eligibility for workers
compensation.
Just over 10 per cent of the respondents in this group
had been injured. But 40 per cent of those eligible to
claim had not done so, only 60 per cent had filed a
claim if their injury required medical treatment. 70 per
cent filed if they needed time off work, and 60 per
cent filed if their injury meant they needed to change
their work assignment.
The results will have implications for workplace and
public policies. It is important to ensure that those
workers who are entitled to receive benefits do so. In
addition, if workers are not making claims, treatment
costs are presumably being borne by the public health
care system.
Editor’s Note: We have heard this for many years.
It‟s good to finally get some research that proves it.
CHANGES CHART A NEW COURSE FOR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION SYSTEM
Taken from an Alberta Government press release.
ALBERTA
The changes to the Alberta WCB and the Appeals Commission will:
Increase the accountability of both the WCB and the Appeals Commission to Albertans, through the adoption
of an accountability framework audited by the Auditor General;
Improve the WCB decision-making process, by enhancing case management and case manager knowledge of
the workplace and communication with workers;
Increase the independence of the appeals system by separating the Appeals Commission and the Office of
Appeals Advisors from the WCB, with the Appeals Commission becoming a separate government entity
reporting to the Alberta Human Resources and Employment Minister, and;
Improve the appeals process by ensuring the sharing of information, recording hearings and implementing
timelines for decisions.
A new advisory body, the Workers‟ Compensation Authority, will monitor the implementation of the changes. The
Authority will also advise the Minister on the overall performance of the workers‟ compensation system.
Page 4
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Rehabilitation:
Physiotherapy verses Primary Caregiver/Specialist
The Western Injured Workers
Society (WIWS) (Sask.) is
receiving far too many complaints
from injured workers in regards
to the treatment received by their
rehabilitation therapy team.
All over Saskatchewan the WCB
is advertising in pamphlets, left at
doctors’ offices about early
intervention and an explanation
of how well WCB’s programs
work. These pamphlets say that
the physiotherapy team discusses
the program and treatment with
the injured worker’s primary
caregiver, and the primary
caregiver has the final decision on
the treatment plan. As well, the
physiotherapy team and primary
caregiver will work together and
stay in contact throughout the
treatment program.
What the WIWS has found out
from many injured workers and
many primary caregivers is that
this is not happening. The
primary caregiver is rarely
informed that the patient is
entering the treatment program.
We are also finding out that WCB
is forcing injured workers to enter
the program much too soon, in
many cases with further damage
to the original injury. For
example, we have injured
workers who were told by
specialists that they would be
needing surgery to correct their
problem, but when the injured
worker returns to his
physiotherapy treatment the
therapists tell the injured worker
that they don’t need surgery and
that most of the problem can be
worked out with therapy and that
99% of their pain is in their head.
These types of reports are actually
sent in to WCB.
When the treatment team is
questioned or challenged on the
issue or asked why the primary
caregiver hasn’t been informed,
the treatment team actually sends
the injured worker home. Then
they send a report to WCB stating
that the injured worker is not
cooperating in regards to
treatment. WCB then terminates
the injured workers’ benefits.
This rehabilitation program seems
to overrule the primary caregiver
and specialists, which we feel is
totally wrong. We see this
happening on a regular basis, just
another way for WCB to cut
injured workers off benefits.
When injured workers enter these
private clinics they are told to do
things like lift weights or do tasks
that are much too difficult for the
injured worker. This causes more
harm than good. Many primary
caregivers agree to this problem,
but again the treatment team
reports to WCB that the injured
worker isn’t trying hard enough
and now they think that the
injured worker has a mental
problem too. They then make an
appointment for the injured
worker to see a psychiatrist, just
to make things look even worse.
These therapists and treatment
teams should be held accountable
for the wrong and distasteful
things being done to injured
workers during the treatment
programs. The injured workers
are totally humiliated and made to
feel degraded, because of the
things they are asked to do or the
things said to them while in
treatment.
Take a look at all the private
physiotherapy clinics that have
started up. We know that WCB
has funded most, if not all of
these clinics with grants or
donating equipment to them.
WCB funds these clinics for a
reason. One reason only is a
scheme to force the injured
workers off of WCB benefits.
They are funding these clinics and
dictating how they want them to
run. Of course this is in WCB’s
best interest not the best interest
of the injured workers. We are
seeing the primary caregivers
feeling totally frustrated over
what is happening to their
patients.
Our understanding is that the
primary caregiver has final say in
what treatment the injured worker
will receive and if the primary
caregiver disagrees or thinks that
the treatment would do more
harm than good, then the
treatment team must accept the
primary caregiver’s decision, and
not overrule his decision to suit
WCB.
Page 5
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
La réadaptation :
le choix entre la physiothérapie et le principal soignant ou le spécialiste
La Western Injured Workers
Society (WIWS) (Saskatchewan)
reçoit beaucoup trop de plaints de
la part de victimes d’accidents et
de maladies du travail au sujet du
traitement donné par leurs équipes
de réadaptation.
Partout en Saskatchewan, la WCB
fait de la publicité dans des
brochures déposées dans les
cabinets de médecins au sujet de
l’intervention précoce et du bon
fonctionnement des programmes
de la WCB. Ces publications disent
que l’équipe de physiothérapie
discute du programme et du
traitement avec le principal
soignant de la victime du travail et
que le principal soignant a le
dernier mot quant au programme
de traitement à donner. Aussi diton que l’équipe de physiothérapie
et le principal soignant
travailleront ensemble et
demeureront en contact durant tout
le programme de traitement.
Ce que la WIWS a appris de la part
de plusieurs victimes d’accidents et
de maladies du travail, c’est que ce
n’est pas ce qui se passe. Le
principal soignant est rarement
informé que le patient entreprend
le programme de traitement.
Nous apprenons aussi que la WCB
force les victimes du travail à
entreprendre le programme
beaucoup trop tôt et que, dans bien
des cas, ceci cause d’autres
dommages à la lésion d’origine.
Par exemple, nous connaissons des
victimes du travail à qui des
spécialistes ont dit qu’elles
auraient besoin de chirurgie pour
corriger le problème; par contre,
quand la victime du travail
Page 6
retourne à son traitement de
physiothérapie, les thérapeutes qui
annoncent qu’elle n’a pas besoin
de chirurgie et que la plus grande
partie du problème peut être
résolue au moyen de la thérapie, et
que 99 % de la douleur réside dans
sa tête. Ce genre de rapport est
effectivement envoyé à la WCB.
Quand on questionne l’équipe de
traitement à ce sujet ou qu’on lui
demande pourquoi le principal
soignant n’a pas été informé, cette
équipe renvoie la victime du travail
à la maison. Ensuite, elle fait
parvenir un rapport à la WCB
déclarant que la victime du travail
ne collabore pas au sujet du
traitement. La WCB met alors fin
aux prestations de la victime du
travail. Ce programme de
réadaptation semble prévaloir
contre le principal soignant et les
spécialistes; nous croyons que cela
est tout à fait injuste. Nous voyons
cela se produire régulièrement; ce
n’est qu’une autre façon pour la
WCB de priver les victimes
d’accidents et de maladies du
travail de leurs prestations.
Quand les victimes du travail vont
à ces cliniques privées, on leur dit
de lever des poids ou d’accomplir
des tâches beaucoup trop difficiles
pour elles. Ceci cause plus de tort
que de bien. Plusieurs principaux
soignants sont d’accord au sujet de
ce problème, mais là encore,
l’équipe de traitement déclare à la
WCB que la victime du travail ne
fait pas assez d’efforts et qu’on
pense que cette personne a un
problème mental en plus. On
organise alors un rendez-vous avec
un psychiatre pour la victime du
travail, ce qui fait paraître la
situation encore pire.
Ces thérapeutes et équipes de
traitement devraient être obligés de
rendre compte pour les choses
injustes et désagréables faites aux
victimes du travail dans le cadre de
ces programmes de traitement. Ces
personnes sont complètement
humiliées et forcées à se sentir
méprisables à cause de ce qu’on
leur demande de faire ou des
choses qu’on leur dit lors des
traitements.
Considérez toutes les cliniques
privées de physiothérapie qui ont
été établies. Nous savons que la
WCB a financé la plupart sinon la
totalité de ces cliniques avec des
subventions ou par des dons en
équipements. La WCB finance ces
cliniques pour une raison. La seule
raison est de priver les victimes du
travail de leurs prestations. La
WCB finance ces cliniques et dicte
la façon de les exploiter. C’est clair
que ceci est dans le meilleur intérêt
de la WCB et non dans celui des
victimes du travail. Nous
constatons que les principaux
soignants sont très frustrés au sujet
de ce qui arrive à leurs patients.
Nous estimons que le principal
soignant a le dernier mot au sujet
du traitement que la victime d’un
accident ou d’une maladie du
travail doit recevoir et que si le
principal soignant est en désaccord
ou croit que le traitement fera plus
de tort que de bien, l’équipe de
traitement doit alors accepter la
décision du principal soignant et
non la renverser pour plaire à la
WCB.
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
PROVINCIAL COMPARISONS ON "MEDICAL ISSUES"
NF
1.
YES
NS
A)
NS
ON
SK
BC
YES
3.
YES
NB
QC
ON
MB
SK
AB
YT
BC
DOES THE WCB SEND INJURED WORKERS FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT?
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YT
On the advice of their medical personnel or of the treating Dr.
BC
The WCB in BC often imposes medical treatments, medical rehab programs, work conditioning/hardening programs
etc. under the threat of discontinued benefits against the advice of more qualified treating medical practitioners.
Furthermore, the WCB often delays recommended time sensitive medical treatments recommended by treating
medical practitioners including treating specialists pending approval by WCB Medical or Nurse Advisors who most
often never examine the worker.
NO
2.
PEI
IS THIS DONE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FAMILY (TREATING) DOCTOR (PRIMARY CARE GIVER)?
YES
Some times. At first it is done by a family doctor.
When the Board takes the initiative on sending a worker for treatment, in many cases the only way the family doctor
will be made aware of it is through the injured worker. The Board should be consulting the treating physician as it is
the treating physician who actually SEES the worker, not just information in a file.
It is suppose to be done through consultation with primary caregivers, but it never happens
Very rarely, most often this practice is in direct conflict with the family (treating) doctor (primary care giver)?
ARE FAMILY DOCTORS BEING OVERRULED BY WCB DOCTORS? BY PHYSIOTHERAPISTS? BY
CHIROPRACTORS?
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
NS
Doctors are quite frequently overruled by WCB doctors. They are also known to rule over physiotherapists, and
chiropractors.
NF
Most especially by Occupational Therapists functional capacity evaluations. The WHSCC, in policy, sets the
guidelines that they require, to access function to match to an occupation that WHSCC wants assessed to match the
worker. The result is then they reduce benefits or eliminate them, to the worker.
ON Yes, yes and yes. The Board will overrule a family doctor using arguments like "lack of objective findings", or
"inability to establish a causal link between the injury and the work history" etc. If a family doctor gives a worker an
expected recovery time of 8 weeks, and the worker's chiropractor gives an expected recovery time of 4 weeks, the
chiropractor‟s opinion will be given more credence as it is what the Board wants to hear. At times it seems like a
reverse auction: whoever bids "lowest", their opinion wins. Even Orthopaedic Surgeons and highly skilled Specialists
are being overruled by Board doctors.
SK
This is a very big problem is Saskatchewan.
YT
Sometimes. They seem to work in conjunction with one another.
BC
The practice of family doctors, a multitude of other treating medical professionals, including treating specialists with
the highest degree of respect and experience in their field being overruled by not only WCB „medical advisors‟ but
also WCB „nurse advisors‟ is so serious in BC that many medical professionals will refuse to treat injured workers
because of their disrespect and often distain for WCB practices related to medical decisions and treatments.
ARE INJURED WORKERS BEING SENT FOR VARIOUS MEDICAL/PHYSIO TREATMENT PROGRAMS AND
BEING INJURED?
PLEASE EXPLAIN ...
YES
YES
YES
YES
NF
Workers are being pushed beyond their physical limitations. The various medical/physio treatment programs are
determined to persuade the worker he/she can continue the program.
If the injured worker says he/she is finding the injury has flared up and they are worse, then the provider states ”well
that is to be expected” and the worker continues to worsen the injury, because most will listen to the professional
caregivers opinion.
If the worker complains of a problem area not related to the original injury, the WHSCC Dr. will not compensate as a
new injury because no new incident was reported. Also, they are being told by the WHSCC managers that they are
not co-operating or have refused to participate, and benefits are suspended.
NS
Some people are sent for work hardening and are pushed into strenuous programs.
ON This does occur. Workers are being injured in physiotherapy, and work hardening programs. When a worker is
being sent for Labour Market Re-entry training, often the training facility/workstation is so ergonomically
poor/incorrect that workers are developing injuries throughout their re-training.
SK
IW are forced to do more than they are capable of. Then it is reported that the IW is not cooperating.
YT
YES. We have a number of injured workers further injured at their respective treating facilities. Mostly due to over
exertion of the claimants injured areas.
Page 7
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
NF
NS
BC
4.
YES
5.
YES
6.
NO
7.
YES
PEI
NB
QC
ON
MB
SK
AB
YT
BC
Injured workers in BC are often prematurely forced into various treatment programs including work „conditioning‟ and
work „hardening‟ programs and not only suffering aggravation of the primary injury but too often resulting in new
more serious injuries.
IF THE WCB SENDS INJURED WORKERS TO A PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC OR ASSESSMENT, DOES THE WCB
SEND INFORMATION AHEAD OF TIME TO CHALLENGE THE CREDIBILITY OF THE INJURED WORKER
YES
YES
NS
Not sure, but this would not surprise anyone as they are capable of anything.
ON Background information is often sent in advance, or consultation may be done prior to the worker's assessment.
SK
All the time. Some very slandering statements are made about the IW and even their spouse.
BC
The WCB will often attempt to direct the outcome of outside assessments by providing selective information prior to
the process as well as making their expected outcome well known and have even been known to being suggestive
with respect to WCB favorable outcomes having an impact on client volume.
DOES THE WCB HAVE A SCHEDULE OF NORMAL HEALING TIMES FOR SPECIFIC INJURIES?
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE INJURED WORKER DOESN’T HEAL IN THE “NORMAL TIME”?
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
NS
As a rule, they are cut off their benefits and then they have to prove that they are not ready for return to work or
they return and are re-injured as they returned too early.
ON The worker's benefits may be reduced or suspended for failing to comply or co-operate in healthcare measures, or for
not following prescribed treatment.
NF
Benefits suspended, programs stopped.
SK
Their benefits are usually terminated and then the appeal process begins.
BC
The WCB follows a number of practices that result in decisions being made solely on the basis of „normally‟ expected
recovery times.
Most often the WCB imposes poorly planned, poorly implemented and medically dangerous rehabilitation and /or
return to work plans often resulting in re-injury and/or new injury.
DO EMPLOYERS SUPPORT AND FOLLOW THE PHYSICAL RESTRICTIONS PRESCRIBED FOR THE INJURED
WORKER? (WORKPLACE MODIFICATION)
NO
NS
Some do and some do not.
ON Under the Workplace Safety & Insurance Act, the employer has a duty to accommodate the worker. The only way
they can get out of it is to prove undue financial hardship. The employer is supposed to support and assist the
worker in returning to the workplace, however many workers find that the support is totally lacking.
SK
Some employees do.
YT
In some instances.
BC
Some employers do, both recognizing and respecting the benefits to both the employer and the worker but this is still
the exception rather than the rule. Unfortunately, programs and legislation which has helped to facilitate better
access and reintegration of injured and disabled workers back into the workforce are now threatened.
DOES THE WCB PUT INJURED WORKERS INTO RETURN TO WORK PROGRAMS TOO SOON AND SOME
INJURED WORKERS GET RE-INJURED ?
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
NS
More often, than not.
ON Recurrences are alarmingly high considering in Ontario the process is supposed to be Early and SAFE Return to Work.
BC
As described above
YT
Some workers experience a lot of pain, frustration and discomfort with the RTW programs.
8.
YES
DO YOU HAVE MEDICAL REVIEW PANELS?
NO
YES
NO
YES
ON The claims adjudicator has the ultimate power in deciding a claim. The claim is normally sent to the Sector Medical
Consultant to provide a medical opinion on the claim. The SMC reviews the information on file and renders his/her
opinion. The SMC's themselves are normally former or current MD's who are not specialized with occupational
related medical training. The SMC's are so overloaded with claims it is not surprising their opinions appear to be so
brief and uninformed.
BC
There is still the MRP as an avenue of appeal based on a doctors certificate of bona fide medical dispute, however
this is an avenue of resolution slated for the chopping block by the Liberal Government
a)
WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE? (THREE PERSON REPRESENTING IW, EMPLOYER?) HOW ARE THEY WORKING?
Page 8
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
NF
NS
NF
SK
BC
PEI
NB
QC
ON
MB
SK
AB
YT
BC
The Medical review consists of a WHSCC employed doctor reviewing the file &/or, sending the file to a Dr. contracted
by WHSCC to review. They never see the injured worker. They are usually General Practitioners doing the job of the
WHSCC to reduce and eliminate the Commissions financial liability. In our experience, the GP‟s are overriding the
Specialists i.e. Surgeons, orthopedic and other caregivers, no specialty background. They seem to work against the
worker. Their job is to render an opinion in favour of WHSCC, which is who is paying them.
2 doctors picked by IW, and 1 Chairman picked by WCB.
Three person panel, including a chair and with the injured worker and employer choosing one member each from a
provided list of specialists. There is mixed opinion as to the quality of decisions handed down through the MRP
process.
9.
YES
ARE PERMANENT FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENT ASSESSMENTS DONE BY WCB STAFF DOCTORS?
YES
NO
YES
YES
YES
NF
As well as Doctors on contract to do PFI Assessments for WHSCC.
ON When a worker is sent for the permanent impairment assessment, (in Ontario the PI assessment is known as a Noneconomic loss assessment = NEL), the WSIB sends out a roster list of MD's and the worker is given the opportunity
to select one from the list. They must select a doctor that the worker or anyone in their family has never seen. This
list contains many physicians, some of whom are "injured worker friendly", and some who are very anti-injured
worker. It is important that workers do as much research as possible when selecting the doctor.
BC
All PFI‟s are done by the WCB and in some regions this is combined with a computer assisted program relying on
electronic measuring devises, although still susceptible to human error (or manipulation), called ARCON, which also
generates a computer print out of the percentage of impairment.
10.
NO
IS AN INJURED WORKER ALLOWED TO HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE AT THEIR ASSESSMENT?
NO
YES
YES
Unsure
NS
They are not even allowed to have their spouse sit in.
NF
But we advise the worker to insist.
ON Although many injured workers are not aware of this.
SK
A lot of cases the IW doesn‟t know his or her rights, and without a rep WCB gets to snowball the IW.
BC
The official WCB line is „yes‟ however assessments have been cancelled when workers have asked to have a
representative present or the accompanying person has been refused access to the exam room etc.
11.
YES
DOES YOUR GROUP HAVE A POSITION ON THE ROLE OF WCB STAFF DOCTORS?
WHAT IS IT?
YES
YES
NO
NS
Incompetent. For your assessment, in their office they are equipped with a little hammer, a piece of cotton batten, a
measuring tape, and a stick pin. In 10-15 minutes, your assessment is done. The reports from your two or three
specialists, and your family doctor are not even considered. It‟s a one man show. If you don‟t like it, you have the
right to appeal. Isn‟t this a great system?
NF
They are biased, not independent because of WHSCC being their Employer.
ON The position of the Ontario Network of Injured Workers Groups is that the Board should acknowledge and consider
the recommendations of the injured workers treating physicians (family doctor, specialists etc.), and not rule solely
based upon the opinion of the Board doctor.
BC
The general consensus in BC is that medical staff at the WCB for the most part is biased, unprofessional, often
arrogant, and displays an alarming level of incompetence and /or negligence in the decisions they render.
Therefore given the clear documented history of the irresponsible, incompetent, negligent and biased conduct of
WCB medical staff in BC and the obvious inability of administration to appropriately manage a credible, competent
and professional medical division, the WCB should be prohibited from direct involvement in the medical treatment and
/ or decision making process and be required to rely on the clearly more qualified, professional, and credible medical
community outside their corporately motivated control.
YT
Only to complain and point out the incorrectness of his findings to the External Appeal Commission.
Page 9
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Injured Workers Day – June 1, 2001 - RALLY
Queen’s Park – Toronto, ON
Hundreds of injured workers and supporters from the province of Ontario, gathered for the rally, filling the streets in
front of Queen‟s Park in Toronto. They were expressing opposition to the government‟s proposed mega-tribunal for
appeals. The government has now withdrawn the proposal!
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editors, Writers and Readers of this Publication:
Picture this, if you may, please:
You are an average person, a typical Canadian, with
reasonable dreams that you work hard for, knowing
that you have to – not having been born rich. You‟ve
worked most of your adult life – proud to be neither a
bum nor a parasite. You are a productive member of
society.
You are happy that your country is a progressive, welldeveloped country that takes care of its citizens
through structures and systems that protect
democracy and human rights. You enjoy peace of
mind, believing that come what may, you have
institutions to turn to should misfortunes arise.
Little by little you watch your dream taking shape,
becoming reality.
Then, one fine day, you meet an accident.
Immediately, you get help, as you knew you would.
After medical tests, treatments, surgery, and more
medical tests, however, your doctors tell you that you
can‟t get back to your job, your injury is irreversible
Page 10
and permanent. You‟re afraid, worried about your
family, stressed by both your pain and insecurity about
the future. You think you‟ve hit bottom, but find out
that you‟re wrong – for this is just the beginning of the
decline.
Amazed and baffled, you watch how medical results
are brushed aside, your pension is cut, you watch your
savings dwindle, and you starve. Just when you need
help the most, help is withdrawn. You can‟t figure it
out – all you‟re asking for is delivery of a promise, i.e.
that there could be positive life after an injury for a
Canadian citizen. You‟re willing to be re-trained for a
more suitable job, but apparently you‟re useless for
anything or anyone else, useless and helpless.
You feel like a dead horse being beaten.
You look around you, in real time and in the net. You
find so many others – hundreds, thousands of people
suffering like you are – permanently injured workers
left out in the cold by the institution that was
supposedly established for the insurance of workers.
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Or, was it after all, established for business and
government to protect each other – at the expense of
injured workers?
of the permanently disabled workers they‟re supposed
to protect. I assure you that mine is not an isolated
case, nor is this the plight of just a few people.
Stress after painful stress, you watch not just your
future slipping away, but your present. How has your
life suddenly become like a nightmare? How can you
suddenly have nothing, as though you had been idle
all your life? My mistake, even your past has been
erased!
Please help me get back my life, and my faith in our
country and institutions. Help others like me.
Meanwhile, pray hard that this doesn‟t happen to you.
I dare anyone to do some objective investigative
journalism about the WCB‟s abuse and mistreatment
Reinier J. Kanis,
My personal story can be viewed at www.bcwcb.com
Truly yours,
Dear Editor
Hi. I injured my back in Nov/99. Since that time I
have had nothing but problem after problem with
WSIB. Last week I drew the line. I had been having a
lot of problems with the medication that I was on. My
doctor sent me to a shrink to see what medication
may be causing the problem. The psychiatrist‟s
diagnosis was that my depression was caused by all
the pain I am in, and that the combination go hand in
hand.
In May this year, I started school at Algonquin, in
Smiths Falls. I was at a point where I was feeling
good, and very relaxed. After about 3 days of school
the seating was very poor and my pain elevated
twofold.
I called my worker at NRCS, and informed her that I
needed a proper chair. She informed me that WSIB
only approved an Obus Form and that I should try
that. I told the administrator at school, and she said
don‟t bother. We don‟t have a chair here that the
Obus Form will fit into, and the only answer would be
a proper chair.
When I told my worker at NRCS, she said that she
would have to take it up with my WSIB Adjudicator. It
took about a month, but the chair was finally
approved. During the course of that month, my back
worsened to the point that I was doing my school
work at home. This is where my problem with
medication began.
Last week my doctor switched my Zoloft medication
with something else. I asked to use the doctor‟s
phone to call WSIB for their approval of the new
medication. I spoke to the NCM, and she was her
usual happy self (if you know what I mean). She was
asking questions when she started to say something,
and stopped. She continued asking questions, and
also talked to the doctor. When she was done, she
asked that I call her after my appointment. I wanted
to know why, and asked what was on her mind. She
blurted out “It looks like we‟re funding a depression
problem not a lower back pain problem.”
I was shocked at what I heard. She let me go, but
still asked that I call her back. I hung up the phone
and burst into tears, and told the doctor what she
said. He couldn‟t believe it, and immediately said that
this was going into his report and tried to calm me
down.
I left his office and headed to my girlfriend‟s to call her
back, I was still crying and in disbelief. I called the
NCM back, and she again came right out with
repeating her same statement, without beating an
eyelash. I let her know my displeasure and told her
that her comment was very unprofessional.
I then called the doctor back, and I let him know what
she again said, and he was adding it to his report. I
also informed my Pain Management Doctor, and the
head doctor on my case. They all couldn‟t believe it.
I also called a Supervisor at WSIB. I informed her of
the adjudicator‟s comment and had a good talk. I felt
relieved that something would be done on Monday.
When I spoke with her again on September 27, she
seemed to be siding with the NCM. When I brought
up the need of a proper chair at school, and that I
wouldn‟t have the backpeddle in my back pain, she
came right out and said “Get over it.”
I have had it, I am calling a lawyer on Friday, and it‟s
time I looked out for me. The sad thing is, I still have
the same pain I‟ve had since November 1999, and if
someone had done their job right, or timelier, I would
not have all these problems.
Sincerely,
Doug Ouimet
Editor’s Note: We get letters like this almost every
day. We need to all work together to end this
unnecessary suffering!
Page 11
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Our Goals
CIWA/ACVAMT
Is about
To work towards a just
SUPPORT
We are a national network of
injured worker's groups (IWG's)
and we exist to strengthen and
support the work of local and
provincial IWG's across
Canada.
INDEPENDENCE
We believe that injured workers
should be in control of their own
destinies & Injured Workers
Groups must be democratically
controlled by injured workers.
PARTNERSHIPS
We believe that we can best
assist these objectives by
providing training and
educational resources in
partnership with provincial or
territorial organizations of injured
workers and the trade union
movement at all levels.
INFORMATION SHARING
We believe that by sharing our
stories and our experience we
can learn from each other and
become better educated and
exert more control over our
lives.
system of compensation,
rehabilitation and reemployment in all of
Canada.
To provide a national forum
for debating issues
concerning injured workers
at national conferences and
board workshops.
To gather and share
information with groups
across Canada.
To improve the
Occupational Health &
Safety of workers across
Canada.
To identify and make
available, educational and
training resources produced
by the union movement
and other agencies, that
focus on organizing and
maintaining effective
injured worker groups.
To enhance the local base
of the injured workers
movement through all our
activities.
To form partnerships that
will achieve common goals.
Publications
Available
The VOICE OF INJURED WORKER
PLAIN TALK
HOW TO IMPROVE RELATIONS
BETWEEN INJURED WORKERS &
ORGANIZED LABOUR
REPORT ON RELATIONS WITH
LABOUR SESSION AT CIWA
NATIONAL CONFERENCE, REGINA
1992
RETURNING TO WORK
VOC REHAB & RE-EMPLOYMENT
FROM THE INJURED WORKER'S
PERSPECTIVE
INJURED WORKERS … ON THE
MOVE
COMING TOGETHER
VIDEOS & WORKBOOKS
SURVIVORS, 1997
TOGETHER WE CAN WIN, 1997
PEER HELPER TRAINING MANUAL,
2000 - "PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE"
LE COMBAT QUOTIDIEN DES
VICTIMES DU TRAVAIL, 1999
To find out more, please contact us at:
CIWA/ACVAMT
P.O. Box 10098
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6T6
Ph: 807-345-3429
Fx: 807-344-8683
Toll Free: 1-877-787-7010
Web Site: www.ciwa.ca
Connect with an injured workers group near you.
Check out our web site at: www.ciwa.ca
and click on "Who to Contact"
OR
Call our office at (807) 345-3429 or Toll Free at 1-877-787-7010
This Newsletter is intended to share information of interest to injured workers, union activists and their supporters.
It provides a forum for sharing our experiences - so we can learn from each other - in order to improve the lives of
injured and disabled workers and the system that is there to assist them.
Please help - by sharing your story with us.
Printed by CUPE 87 / Imprimé par le SCFP 87
Page 12
�
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Title
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Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Dublin Core
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CIWA Highlights Newsletter Fall 2001
Description
An account of the resource
Articles about medical issues- changes to the Workers' Compensation System; "Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy verses Primary Caregiver/Specialist"; "Provincial Comparisons on 'Medical Issues'"; Injured Workers Day, June 1, 2001 Rally [photo]. Update on the Youth Project; Letters to the Editor.
Creator
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CIWA
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2001
Format
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PDF
Language
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English, French
Type
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Text
Subject
The topic of the resource
Labour and Labour Unions
-
https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/b561d6fe21422899768a1351ced3ca11.pdf
00a6ffd7a9ee7249676926aa3f40655c
PDF Text
Text
CANADIAN PUBLICATION MAIL SALES AGREEMENT #1685422
Focus on Employer’ Attack
This issue of our
Also we have news on an exciting CIWA/ACVAMT project reaching out to
youth in our communities (see pg. 3 for more info). You may want to get
involved. As well, there are news and views from across the country so
please, read on.
We encourage you to write in to Highlights, with your story or
news in your area of Canada. The next issues will focus on
the Employer attack on Injured Workers‟ benefits.
Visit our Web-site at http://www.ciwa.ca
Table of Contents
CIWA/ACVAMT contacts ...................... 2
Youth Project ...................................... 3
News & Happenings ............................ 4
Rehab-(Physio vs Primary Caregiver)(Eng/Fr) . 5 - 6
Medical Issues ..................................... 7 – 9
Letters to Editor ........................... 10 – 11
CIWA/ACVAMT Info ........................... 12
Page 1
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
PLEASE HELP ………… S U B S C R I B E !
Name:
________________________________
Date:
Organization:
________________________________
Address:
________________________________
Highlights is published 4 times per year
________________________________
Injured Worker/Unemployed
$ 5.00 __________
Postal Code
________________________________
Individuals
$ 10.00 __________
Phone
________________________________
Organizations
$ 15.00 __________
Fax
________________________________
Donations
$
__________
E-Mail
________________________________
Total
$
__________
Web Site
________________________________
THANKS for Your SUPPORT!
________________________________
Newsletter Subscription:
Editor’s Note
This newsletter is for sharing and exchanging information. The views and opinions expressed here are those of
the individuals or groups making submissions. We take no responsibility for their accuracy or opinions.
PROVINCIAL REPS TO THE STEERING COMMITTEE
BC … Craig McLachlan, North Vancouver
COMPONET
SK ... Robert Lindsay, Regina
Western Injured Workers Society (SASK)
MB… Vincent Boyce, Winnipeg
Injured Workers Association of Manitoba
ON... Jessica Schmidt, Kitchener
Ontario Network of Injured Workers Groups
QC...
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS…
NF...
NATIONAL COORDINATOR …
LAB
Patricia Dodd, St. John's
NLIWA
Phil Brake, Labrador City
USWA
NB...
NS... Dave MacKenzie, Pictou County
YT… Robbie King, Whitehorse
Yukon Injured Workers Alliance
President
Secretary
Treasurer
Phil Brake
Rob Lindsay
Patricia Dodd
ADVISORS…
Andy King, U.S.W.A.
Orlando Buonastella &
Marion Endicott, Injured Workers Consultants
STAFF …
Melanie Smith, Executive Assistant Monika Wiitala,
Bookkeeper, Desktop Publisher, Database Manager
L’ALLIANCE CANADIENNE DES VICTIMES D’ACCIDENTS ET DE MALADIES DU TRAVAIL
MAILING ADDRESS:
CANADIAN INJURED WORKERS ALLIANCE
P.O. Box 10098
Thunder Bay, Ontario. P7B 6T6
Phone: 807-345-3429
Fax: 807-344-8683
Toll Free 1-877-787-7010
Page 2
email: ciwa@norlink.net
Web-site: www.ciwa.ca
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
CIWA/ACVAMT Youth Project
HAVE YOU HEARD …..?
We are pleased to announce that The Canadian Injured Workers Alliance has
now held ____________training sessions for the Youth Project in Ontario and
British Columbia!
The first training session was held in Thunder Bay, Ontairo
The second session was held in Orillia, Ontario
The third session was held in B.C.
There was an awesome turnout of young folks and injured worker activists
from local groups across the province! In total, 38 folks attended the sessions.
Participation was extremely high and contributed greatly to the success of each
of the sessions! Thanks everyone for making Phase II of the project a great
success!
What was the main item on the agenda, you ask? Well, the main focus was
learning how to present a 45 minute workshop on Workplace Health and Safety to youth. The workshop is interactive
and includes a combination of skits, facts and personal stories. And of course, getting to know each other was very
valuable! By sharing experiences and ideas and participating in a variety of exercises, folks learned more about each
other and their similarities and differences.
The result: By the end of the session, participants were quite comfortable with the workshop and the idea of
presenting it to youth! As well, folks learned from each other, built links and had FUN! In addition, many
injured workers left the session with a better understanding of how to reach out to young people and get them
involved in injured workers‟ issues.
BE A KEY PLAYER
Good News! Our funding to take the project across the country has been approved. As a result, we will soon be
holding a session in your area! If you are or someone you know is interested, contact your CIWA Provincial
Representative or CIWA directly on our toll free number at 1-877-787-7010.
Let’s try to get as many people involved as possible by spreading the word about the Youth Project to all
those we know!
Recommended Reading
“Fast Food Nation”, by Eric Schlosser
Houghton-Miffin (http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com)
Gerry Tremere suggests this is a great, great book. Every injured worker should read Chapter 8, “The Most
Dangerous Job”. An injured worker in Colorado won a $2,000,000 US lawsuit from a company that tried to deny him
WCB. The book deals with the abuses of our new age McJob economy. (He borrowed it from the Library)
Thanks to the Social Development Partnership Program of HRDC for the funding necessary to produce this newsletter.
Page 3
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
News & Happenings
DO YOU KNOW OF YOUNG WORKERS
Who Died as a Result of Their Work?
The Friends of the Quilt Committee has been looking for names of young workers (ages 15-24) who have been
injured or killed on the job. These names are included on the Quilt For Life, a quilt mural being created by visual
artist, Laurie Swim. This quilt was support to be completed in November 2001. The finished work will tour across the
country during the next two years.
The CAW Newsletter November/December 2001 invites you to be part of this exciting and worthwhile project. You
can spread the word about this Quilt, invite others to contact the Friends of the Quilt Committee to share their story,
making financial or in-kind donations, or even volunteer to help construct the quilt.
For more information, contact Laura Pascoe at the Workers Health and Safety Centre at 416-441-1939, 1-888-8697950, laura@whsc.on.ca
Page 4
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
WHAT’S A GOOD JOB?
The Importance of Employment Relationships
The Canadian Policy Research Networks recently released a study by Graham Lowe and grant Schellenberg on what it
is that makes a „good job.‟ Typically „good jobs‟ have been associated with so-called standard, full-time jobs and „bad
jobs‟ with contingent types of employment such as temp work, part-time jobs or self-employment. The study seeks to
flesh out our understanding of employment relationships from workers‟ actual experience.
The authors define employment relationships in terms of their legal basis and in terms of four social/psychological
components: trust, commitment, influence, and communication. Their conclusion is that “not all non-standard jobs
involve week employment relationships. Nor do standard jobs necessarily guarantee strong employment
relationships.”
This study merits serious attention from trade unionists as it offers new insights about the nature of both standard
and non-standard work. For instance, many temporary help agency workers consider themselves to be permanent
employees by virtue of their relationship with an agency. As a result, there could be as many as 50 per cent more
temp workers out there than typically thought. In a different vein, the study shows what many already suspected:
12 per cent of self-employed individuals have a “high overlap with paid employment – they could be „disguised
employees‟.”
The study fleshes out the legal arrangements governing employment. For instance, while virtually all unionized
workers have a written contract, less than one-half of non-unionized workers have only a verbal agreement with their
employer.
While some conclusions of the study will be self evident to most, i.e. the strength of individuals‟ appreciation of their
job largely reflects the environment in which they work, that a healthy and supportive work environment is the most
important factor in creating „robust‟ employment relationships, that organizational change, such as downsizing and
restructuring, is associated with reduced levels of trust, commitment and worker influence, the study contains many
findings that might be useful for both organizing and negotiation purposes.
Page 5
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
ROTATING SHIFTS HURT WORKER
Michelin man suffered a „disabling‟ ailment
Shift work that results in badly disrupted sleep
patterns and leaves workers unable to function safely
is a compensable workplace injury, a Nova Scotia
Page 6
Workers‟ Compensation Board appeals tribunal has
ruled.
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Employer’s Attack
Strong words ... however, in the opinion of workers
injured on the job, these words are not strong enough.
Workers' Compensation is a mandatory, employer
financed, no-fault insurance system which was
designed to provide benefits to workers for workplace
injuries and diseases. The fundamental principles of
Workers‟ Compensation legislation were established by
The Meredith Royal Commission in 1913.
These principles, which were incorporated into all
provincial Workers'
Compensation legislation, have been grossly
misunderstood, misrepresented and distorted to the
benefit of employers.
Following are a few examples of such manipulation of
a system that was created to benefit both the
employers and the employees.
Security of payment: Many employers, across the
country, work to ensure that claims are not accepted.
Often, they do so by trying to prove that some preexisting condition is at fault. If you are active in
sports, hobbies or work around the house, the
employer frequently tries to link the injury to those
activities instead of work duties. Commonly,
applications for compensation are being denied and
delayed as the worker is considered guilty until s/he
proves him/herself innocent. Most importantly, many
employers are lobbying intensively that "benefit of
doubt" not be given to the worker.
No-fault system: With the "historic compromise",
workers gave up their right to sue the Employer in
exchange for fair compensation. No longer is this nofault system stable or an option for many workers.
The erosion of workers‟ rights, mainly the right to fair
compensation, may be directly related to the demands
of many employers to have less responsibilities placed
upon them and to employers attempts to deny
workers of their financial and moral rights.
Employer funded collective liability: "The sins of the
past and the present" have a lot of employers fighting
with all their might because they don't want a
collective liability fund. They only want to pay for their
own costs.
Administration by an independent agency: A number
of employers want independent investigators and
believe that management should be given these
responsibilities because employers don't trust the
Board. As such, the employers attack is directed at
the worker to avoid their liability and their
accountability.
Injured workers can not sue their employers: This
practice was supposed to benefit employers and
workers to avoid years of court cases & the costs
associated with that process. Today, giving up the
"right to sue" by the employee is not considered to be
in the best interest of the worker.
The employers attack is real, and it is believed to be
destructive to the healthy functioning of our society.
The employers attack is making a mockery of the Nofault system that was put into place to help and to
protect workers and employers. Today, workers
across the country would certainly oppose giving up
the right to sue, if we were considering an alternative
system!
Editor’s Note: …………………..
Page 7
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Employer’s Attack (continued)
In order to report to our readers on the subject of “Employer‟s Attack” for information on each of our provinces, we
asked our Steering Committee members the following questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What are employers demands regarding Workers Compensation?
How do they promote their demands, do they have a strategy? For example, do they use other Provinces as
examples? Please explain.
How does the Government respond to the demands of employers?
Are employers successful in having their demands implemented? If yes, what are the issues?
How is the injured worker movement responding in each province?
These are the responses we received:
British Columbia
Northwest Territories / Yukon
In the Yukon, many employers are demanding that Workers‟ Compensation reduce assessment rates, create stricter
benefit payments to injured workers and employ an advocate for employers. In order to promote their demands,
employers use other provinces as examples. When we (injured workers and activists) point out that the Yukon is the
smallest jurisdiction in the country and that problems in other provinces are not necessarily applicable here, our
comments fall on deaf ears.
Employers‟ tactics are working because, unfortunately, the government listens to their demands. Here, the
government is a member of the Chamber of Commerce which we feel is grossly out of line!!! On the other hand, they
are not a member of the Yukon Federation of Labour.
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Ontario
Employers have many demands regarding the current compensation system in Ontario. The main issues appear to be
economically driven, for example, encouraging the Board to reduce employer premium assessment rates.
Employers also target entitlement issues, and more recently, early and safe return to work issues as well. The
strategy used by employers in seeking their demands is apparent both directly and indirectly. Employer
representatives meet with the WSIB (WCB) and Provincial Government on a regular basis to discuss and promote
their issues.
Another strategy is reflected in the rising number of employers who challenge and contest entitlement or related
decisions in a worker's claim. As a counter-attack, the Ontario Network of Injured Worker Groups continues to meet
Page 8
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
at bi-annual stakeholder meetings with the WSIB, where employer stakeholders are also present. ONIWG also meets
with the management of the WSIB to promote the interests of the injured worker community. ONIWG continues to
lobby both the WSIB and the Provincial Government in its efforts to achieve a fair and just system for all injured
workers in Ontario.
Lobbying comes in many forms, ranging from public demonstrations, letter-writing campaigns, petitions, and bringing
forth awareness to the issues affecting injured workers. The demonstration of June 1st, 2001 regarding the
Government's proposed Mega-Tribunal is a great example of how effective injured workers are when united and
working together to achieve a common goal. As a result of the demonstration, the Provincial Government pulled back
on the issue.
Quebec
LES EMPLOYEURS ATTAQUENT!
Des paroles dures… cependant, de l‟avis de travailleuses et de travailleurs blessés au travail, ces paroles ne sont pas
assez dures.
L‟indemnisation des travailleurs et travailleuses est un régime d‟assurance sans égard à la responsabilité, obligatoire
et financé par le patronat, qui a été conçu pour indemniser les salariés subissant des accidents et des maladies au
travail. Les principes fondamentaux de la législation sur l‟indemnisation des travailleurs et travailleuses ont été établis
par la commission royale Meredith en 1913.
Ces principes, qui ont été intégrés à toutes les législations provinciales d‟indemnisation des travailleurs et
travailleuses, ont été mal compris, déformés et dénaturés de façon éhontée au profit des employeurs.
Voici quelques exemples de pareille manipulation d‟un régime qui a été créé pour profiter tant au salariat qu‟au
patronat.
Garantie de paiement : Plusieurs employeurs au pays s‟efforcent pour que les réclamations ne soient pas acceptées.
Souvent, ils font cela en essayant de prouver qu‟une quelconque condition préexistante est en cause. Si vous êtes
actif ou active dans les sports, dans les loisirs ou dans les travaux à la maison, l‟employeur essaiera souvent de lier la
lésion à ces activités plutôt qu‟aux tâches professionnelles. Il est courant que les demandes d‟indemnisation soient
refusées ou retardées parce que le travailleur ou la travailleuse est considéré-e coupable jusqu‟à ce que cette
personne prouve son innocence. Mais surtout, plusieurs employeurs exercent des pressions intenses pour que le
« bénéfice du doute » ne soit pas accordé à l‟employé-e.
Régime d‟indemnisation sans égard à la responsabilité : Dans le cadre de ce compromis historique, le salariat a cédé
son droit de poursuivre le patronat en justice en échange d‟une juste indemnisation. Ce régime sans égard à la
responsabilité n‟est plus stable ni une option pour plusieurs salariés. L‟érosion des droits des travailleurs et
travailleuses, notamment le droit à une indemnisation équitable, peut être liée directement aux requêtes de plusieurs
employeurs d‟avoir moins de responsabilités qui leur soient imposées et aux efforts d‟employeurs de priver les salariés
de leurs droits financiers et moraux.
Responsabilité collective financée par l‟employeur : « Les torts du passé et du présent » font que beaucoup
d‟employeurs se battent de toute leurs forces parce qu‟ils ne veulent pas de fonds de responsabilité collective. Ils
veulent payer seulement pour leurs propres coûts.
Administration par un organisme indépendant : Nombre d‟employeurs désirent des enquêteurs indépendants et
estiment que cette responsabilité devrait échoir au patronat parce que les employeurs ne font pas confiance à la
Commission. Ainsi, l‟attaque de l‟employeur est dirigée à l‟employé-e afin que l‟employeur ne soit pas responsable.
Les victimes d‟accidents et de maladies du travail ne peuvent pas poursuivre leur employeur : Cette pratique était
censée profiter aux employeurs comme aux employés afin d‟éviter des années de litige devant les tribunaux ainsi que
les coûts afférents. De nos jours, céder « le droit de poursuivre en justice » par l‟employé-e n‟est pas considéré être
dans le meilleur intérêt du travailleur ou de la travailleuse.
Page 9
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
L‟attaque de l‟employeur est réelle et elle est considérée comme dévastatrice pour le bon fonctionnement de notre
société. L‟attaque du patronat bafoue le régime d‟indemnisation sans égard à la responsabilité qui a été institué pour
aider et protéger employeurs et salariés. Aujourd‟hui, les travailleurs et travailleuses d‟un bout à l‟autre du pays
s‟opposeraient certainement à l‟abandon du droit de poursuivre en justice si un autre régime d‟indemnisation devait
être envisagé!
Newfoundland
The 2000 Annual Report from Workplace Health, Safety & Compensation presented to Government, documents for
that year, Long-term disability caseload -2,561, Short-term claims - 6,541, Health Care Only Claims - 6,306 and
Accepted Fatality Claims -38. Conclusive proof that our workers are under attack… and with Governments consent!
Employers demand that assessment rates be lowered, that it is a disincentive because of the "high cost of doing
business here". They compare this province with other provinces that have lower premiums & lesser claims. They
insist that Case Managers at the Commission are not trying rigorously to "reduce and eliminate the financial liability to
the Employer". Blame is cast on the workers; they are not co-operating with their recovery or they are not trying
hard enough to get better. The worker is at fault for even having an accident and the burden on employers is the
workers' fault. They want lesser claims accepted and want the workers rights taken away.
They plead ignorance to Occupational Health & Safety procedures and Legislation. Justice and fairness is not an
option if you can't go back to work 100%. Once damaged, workers are no longer valued by their own employer, who
would prefer to send injured workers elsewhere to look for work. They expect & demand more investigation and
surveillance of the worker and not of the accident. It is not about prevention of an accident but covering it up.
The Injured Workers Movement is a volunteer, unfunded effort and we lobby Government and Workers compensation
to recognize that this employer strategy of attack is destroying lives, families and society. The bottom line: profits
are their priority!
Labrador
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Page 10
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Our Goals
CIWA/ACVAMT
Is about
To work towards a just
SUPPORT
We are a national network of
injured worker's groups (IWG's)
and we exist to strengthen and
support the work of local and
provincial IWG's across
Canada.
INDEPENDENCE
We believe that injured workers
should be in control of their own
destinies & Injured Workers
Groups must be democratically
controlled by injured workers.
PARTNERSHIPS
We believe that we can best
assist these objectives by
providing training and
educational resources in
partnership with provincial or
territorial organizations of injured
workers and the trade union
movement at all levels.
INFORMATION SHARING
We believe that by sharing our
stories and our experience we
can learn from each other and
become better educated and
exert more control over our
lives.
system of compensation,
rehabilitation and reemployment in all of
Canada.
To provide a national forum
for debating issues
concerning injured workers
at national conferences and
board workshops.
To gather and share
information with groups
across Canada.
To improve the
Occupational Health &
Safety of workers across
Canada.
To identify and make
available, educational and
training resources produced
by the union movement
and other agencies, that
focus on organizing and
maintaining effective
injured worker groups.
To enhance the local base
of the injured workers
movement through all our
activities.
To form partnerships that
will achieve common goals.
Publications
Available
The VOICE OF INJURED WORKER
PLAIN TALK
HOW TO IMPROVE RELATIONS
BETWEEN INJURED WORKERS &
ORGANIZED LABOUR
REPORT ON RELATIONS WITH
LABOUR SESSION AT CIWA
NATIONAL CONFERENCE, REGINA
1992
RETURNING TO WORK
VOC REHAB & RE-EMPLOYMENT
FROM THE INJURED WORKER'S
PERSPECTIVE
INJURED WORKERS … ON THE
MOVE
COMING TOGETHER
VIDEOS & WORKBOOKS
SURVIVORS, 1997
TOGETHER WE CAN WIN, 1997
PEER HELPER TRAINING MANUAL,
2000 - "PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE"
LE COMBAT QUOTIDIEN DES
VICTIMES DU TRAVAIL, 1999
To find out more, please contact us at:
CIWA/ACVAMT
P.O. Box 10098
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6T6
Ph: 807-345-3429
Fx: 807-344-8683
Toll Free: 1-877-787-7010
Web Site: www.ciwa.ca
Connect with an injured workers group near you.
Check out our web site at: www.ciwa.ca
and click on "Who to Contact"
OR
Call our office at (807) 345-3429 or Toll Free at 1-877-787-7010
This Newsletter is intended to share information of interest to injured workers, union activists and their supporters.
It provides a forum for sharing our experiences - so we can learn from each other - in order to improve the lives of
injured and disabled workers and the system that is there to assist them.
Please help - by sharing your story with us.
Printed by CUPE 87 / Imprimé par le SCFP 87
Page 11
�
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Title
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Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Dublin Core
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CIWA Highlights Newsletter Spring 2002
Description
An account of the resource
Articles about CIWA/ACVAMT Youth Project with workshop on Workplace Health and Safety to youth; "What's a good job?- The Importance of Employment Relationships"; "Employer's Attack" -Workers' Compensation across the provinces.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
CIWA
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2002
Format
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PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Subject
The topic of the resource
Labour and Labour Unions
-
https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/2f4a52e198aca5a657b3a812475fa096.pdf
9632a7caed36d306aa2b4c6de9cec948
PDF Text
Text
CANADIAN PUBLICATION MAIL SALES AGREEMENT #1685422
Duty To Accommodate
Re: Human Rights Tribunals
Unions And Employers
We are starting to see a very serious trend regarding lack of employer concern for employees,
and fair treatment in regard to Duties to Accommodate. Over the past decade we have seen
many employers not looking after their employees by not accommodating them back into the
work force. Society has always placed the responsibility of Duty to Accommodate, solely on the
employer. I believe that Unions need to be held dually responsible, and ensure that their
members are properly represented.
An example of how responsibilities should be placed on unions as well as employers, is
witnessed in the DECISION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS TRIBUNAL, October 10, 2003 according to
Section 28 (2) of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code (―Code‖) and the Duty to
Accommodate in the workplace, in the case of Gary Wayne Kivela vs. the Canadian Union of
Public Employees (CUPE) Local 21 and the City of Regina, in the.
Both parties were held responsible, the employer, for not accommodating; and the union for
non-representation. The award for damages to the employee by the Tribunal’s Decision will
cost the employer and the union a tremendous amount of money now in the future.
Some unions even tell their members that they are not obligated to represent employees
regarding WCB CLAIMS. This issue must surely also come also under non-representation.
Employers and unions must realize from the outcome of this Human Rights Tribunal that they
are both responsible for ensuring that the injured worker or anyone with a disability must be
represented and accommodated in returning the individual back into the work force. We
understand that there are already three more possible human rights cases in the process, in
the Province of Saskatchewan alone.
Empowered with the confidence that proper union representation is available for members, a
much stronger, productive, and united force in the workplace would exist.
Robert Lindsay
Table of Contents
CIWA/ACVAMT contacts ....................................... 2
Special Appreciation.............................................. 3
Healthy Workplaces .............................................. 4
Study on Charitable Fundraisers ............................ 5
Short Stats ........................................................... 6
Eye Exercises ........................................................ 6
Bridging the GAP ................................................... 7
C.I.W.A./ACVAMT Activities ............................... 8 - 9
Miscellaneous .......................................................10
WorkSafe .............................................................11
CIWA/ACVAMT Info ............................................. 12
Page 1
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
PLEASE HELP ………… S U B S C R I B E T O D A Y !
Name:
________________________________
Date:
Organization:
________________________________
Address:
________________________________
Highlights is published 4 times per year
________________________________
Injured Worker/Unemployed
$ 5.00 __________
Postal Code
________________________________
Individuals
$ 10.00 __________
Phone
________________________________
Organizations
$ 15.00 __________
Fax
________________________________
Donations
$
E-Mail
________________________________
Total
Web Site
________________________________
THANKS for Your SUPPORT!
________________________________
Newsletter Subscription:
$
__________
__________
Editor’s Note
This newsletter is for sharing and exchanging information. The views and opinions expressed here are those of
the individuals or groups making submissions. We take no responsibility for their accuracy or for their opinions.
PROVINCIAL REPS TO THE STEERING COMMITTEE
VOLUNTEER BOARD OF DIRECTORS…
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS…
BC ... Lee Harrison, Surrey, BC
President
Secretary
Treasurer
AB… Gerry Gray, Red Deer
SK ... Robert Lindsay, Regina
Western Injured Workers Society (Sask.)
Phil Brake
Rob Lindsay
Vincent Boyce
ADVISORS…
Andy King, U.S.W.A.
Orlando Buonastella &
Marion Endicott, Injured Workers Consultants
MB… Vincent Boyce, Winnipeg
LAB
Phil Brake, Labrador City
NS...
Dave MacKenzie, Pictou County
PEI ... Leonard J. Crawford, Summerside
STAFF…
Monika Wiitala, Bookkeeper, Desktop Publisher,
Database Manager, General Office Person
L’ALLIANCE CANADIENNE DES VICTIMES D’ACCIDENTS ET DE MALADIES DU TRAVAIL
MAILING ADDRESS:
P.O. Box 10098
Thunder Bay, Ontario. P7B 6T6
Phone: 807-345-3429
Fax: 807-344-8683
Page 2
CANADIAN INJURED WORKERS ALLIANCE
email: ciwa@vianet.ca
Toll Free 1-877-787-7010
Web-site: www.ciwa.ca
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Special Appreciation
Donation of Air-Miles
From: Mr. Tom White
We would like to express our sincere appreciation and thanks to Mr. Tom White in
Labrador – Newfoundland, for his generous donation of air miles to our organization.
This donation enabled five of our Steering Committee members as well as one staff
person to meet in Vancouver, BC. Each year our Steering Committee meets in
different cities across Canada and invites local injured worker groups to attend
workshops specially designed to answer any questions which they may have
regarding our organization or organizing their own group.
CIWA is a national organization that exists to strengthen and support the work of
local, provincial and territorial injured workers’ groups across Canada. We believe
that we can best assist in these objectives by providing training and educational
resources in partnership with provincial or territorial organizations of injured workers
and labour organizations.
Recently with the help of injured workers and youth, we developed a project called
the Youth Project. The Youth Project was created to increase awareness of
occupational health and safety and to reduce the incidence of workplace injury and
disease among young workers. In addition, the project aimed to increase the
involvement of young people in community-based injured workers’ organizations.
Once again, a big thank you to Mr. Tom White for his
very generous donation.
Page 3
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Are Healthy Workplaces more
productive?
De milieux de travail sains sont-ils
plus productifs?
Friday, June 6, 2003 – Are healthy workplaces
more productive? It would certainly be hard to
argue the converse.
Le Vendredi, 6 juin 2003 – Des milieux de travail sains
sont-ils productifs ? Il serait certes difficile de soutenir le
contraire.
Intuitively, there have to be benefits from
ensuring a healthy workforce and a healthy
workplace. But, as with all population health
matters, it isn’t so easy to quantify the impact on
output of a dollar spent on improving working
conditions. Nor is it easy to determine how much
of the benefit accrues to the employer, to the
individual, and to society as a whole. And that, of
course, raises the question of who should be
responsible for ensuring a healthy workplace.
Intuitivement, s’assurer que la main-d’œuvre est en santé
et que les milieux de travail sont sains doit sûrement
présenter des avantages. Mais, comme c’est le cas de
toutes les questions relatives à la santé de la population, il
n’est pas facile de chiffrer l’impact sur la production d’un
dollar dépensé pour améliorer les conditions de travail. Il
n’est pas facile non plus de déterminer la proportion de
l’avantage qui est dévolue à l’employeur, à l’employé et à la
société dans son ensemble. Pour cette raison, on peut se
demander à qui devrait revenir la responsabilité d’assurer
un milieu de travail sain.
Email News received from:
―e-network‖ <e-network@lists.cprn.org>
In a recent report prepared for Health Canada,
Work Network Research Associate, Graham Lowe,
explores the relationship between workplace
health and productivity. He tackles two questions
from an interdisciplinary perspective:
What work environment and organizational
factors improve workers’ health and wellbeing?
Are organizations that promote good health
for their employees more productive?
Lowe’s message for employers: workplace
wellness programs can yield cost savings and
productivity payoffs.
But he also points to the public policy interest in
workplace health. Healthy work environments
contribute to the well-being of workers and to
economic performance. They also reduce the
overall costs of both public and private health
care. Lowe concludes that governments must
treat health, employment and economic issues as
related policy spheres.
For plenty of other interesting related material
(all downloadable), and a weblog on high quality
work that is updated daily, visit the Web site of
The Graham Lowe Group at:
www.grahamlowe.ca
Page 4
Email News received from:
―e-network‖ <e-network@lists.cprn.org>
Dans un rapport récent préparé pour Santé Canada,
Graham Lowe, associé de recherche au Réseau de la maind’œuvre, analyse les liens qui existent entre un milieu de
travail sain et la productivité. Il aborde deux questions dans
une perspective interdisciplinaire :
Quels sont les aspects du milieu de travail et les
facteurs organisationnels qui contribuent à améliorer la
santé et le bien-être des travailleurs ?
Les organisations qui font la promotion de la bonne
santé de leurs employés sont-elles plus productives ?
Le message de Lowe pour les employeurs : les programmes
de mieux-être en milieu de travail peuvent entraîner des
réductions de coûts et des gains de productivité.
Mais il souligne aussi l’intérêt que la santé en milieu de
travail soulève pour les politiques publiques. Des milieux de
travail sains contribuent au bien-être des travailleurs et à la
performance économique. Ils permettent aussi de réduire
les coûts d’ensemble des régimes publics et privés de soins
de santé. Lowe conclut que les gouvernements doivent
considérer la santé, l’emploi et les questions économiques
comme des domaines de politiques connexes.
Pour de nombreux autres travaux d’intérêts connexes (tous
téléchargeables) et un relevé de travaux de haute qualité
qui est mis à jour quotidiennement, visitez le site Web «
The Graham Lowe Group » à l’adresse :
www.grahamlowe.ca
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
The following is a condensed news release concerning highlights of a study released March 24, 2003 by the Canadian
Policy Research Networks (CPRN) and the Association of Fundraising Professions (AFP). The study is the first to
assess the working conditions, standards and professional concerns of fundraisers across Canada. A Power Point
presentation of the highlights is available on the CPRN and AFP Web sites at www.afpnet.org.
Study on Canadian Charitable Fundraisers – A First
March 24, 2003 – Toronto, ON – Professional fundraisers
are the key to the future success of Canada’s non-profit
sector. Canadians have come to rely on non-profit
organizations to deliver an increasing range of essential
goods and services. At the same time, public sector
cutbacks have left the non-profit sector facing increasing
demand with diminished resources. This leaves nonprofit organizations more dependent on fundraising than
ever before.
Despite this, we know very little about the professionals
charged with generating non-profit resources. A new
study by the Association of Fundraising Professionals
(AFP) and the Canadian Policy Research Networks
(CPRN) addresses that knowledge gap. AFP hopes to
use the data collected in the study to promote the
critical importance of the non-profit sector in Canada.
The survey was conducted through the support of the
AFP Foundation for Philanthropy – Canada, AFP
International Headquarters, AFP Greater Toronto
Chapter, AFP Calgary Chapter, The Hospital for Sick
Children Foundation, DVA Navion, Ketchum Canada Inc.,
Anne Moore & Associates and an anonymous donor.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
represents more than 26,000 members in 170 chapters
throughout Canada, the United States and Mexico,
working to advance philanthropy through advocacy,
research, education, and certification programs. The
Association fosters development and growth of
fundraising professionals and promotes high ethical
standards in the fundraising profession.
For more information visit www.afpnet.org
CPRN is a national not-for-profit research institute whose
mission is to create knowledge and lead public debate
on social and economic issues, important to the wellbeing of Canadians, in order to help build a more just,
prosperous and caring society. For more information visit
www.cprn.org
For more information on this study, contact:
Joyce O’Brien, Senior Director of Public Affairs, AFP,
Tel: (800) 666-3863 x 457, Email: jobrien@afpnet.org
or
Peter Puxley, Director of Public Affairs
E-mail: ppuxley@cprn.org Website: http://www.cprn.org
600-250 Albert St
Ottawa, Ontario
Tel: 613 567-6665 // Fax: 613 567-7640
Join e-networks, CPRN's weekly news service: http://www.cprn.org/cprn-e.html
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS - Useful Information
Volunteer Lawyer Service
This project is funded by the Government of Ontario,
Ministry of Citizenship – Voluteer@ction.online Program.
This is the first web site in Canada dedicated solely to
pro bono legal services. It is an outreach tool for small
and medium sized communities and provides more
efficient and timely delivery of pro-bono services in
Ontario.
http://volunteerlawyers.org/online/index.html
Charitable Status and Political Activities
The United Way has published a Bulletin that explains
the CCRA’s (Canada Customs and Revenue) Policy
Statement that many activities previously deemed
political, will now be considered charitable. For more
information, contact: Bill Morris of United Ways of
Ontario, Manager, Government Relations, at:
800-307-8528, or 416-359-2051 or email:
bmorris@uwgt.org
or see
Information Circular 87-1, Registered Charities Ancillary and Incidental Political Activities. A link
to HRDC/CCRA policy on Charities and Political Activities.
http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/E/pub/tp/ic87-1/ic87-1e.html
Page 5
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Statistics to make you
and think:
1. According to the International Labour Organization, every year around two million
workers die because of their jobs.
2. Every single day of the year, more people die at work than died in the terrorist attacks
of September 11,th, 2001
3. Each year there are about 17,000 lost time injuries due to falls in the workplace.
4. “Same level falls” like slips and trips account for 65% of all fall-related injuries.
5. Falls from heights that range from a few centimeters to 120 stories account for 34% of
work-related deaths that occur in Ontario.
Eye Exercises: Give these a try. They will certainly help!
From The Doctor's Office - Shaelyn Osborn, D. C. | Editor
http://www.brantcountyhealth.org/doctors_office.cfm
*Changing Focus
Hold a magazine or book as close to your eyes as
possible without the print becoming blurred. Focus
on the words for 15 seconds. Then, look at an object
at least 10 feet away and focus on that. Refocus on
the magazine; then refocus again on the distant
object. Repeat five times. This exercise helps build
stamina so you don't experience eye fatigue as often
when working on close tasks.
*Eye "Push Ups"
Hold a pencil at arm's length in front of your face.
Slowly move it toward your nose, holding your focus
at the same spot on the pencil. The objective is to
bring the pencil to the tip of your nose before you
see a double image of the pencil. This exercise
strengthens the "convergence ability" of your eyes
(that is, the ability of both eyes to aim at the same
task), which helps prevent eyestrain and may
eliminate the "floating print" that can occur when
your eyes are tired.
*Eye rolls
Close your eyes. Slowly roll your eyes in a complete
circle; then move them from left to right. Repeat this
exercise three times. This improves blood and
oxygen flow to your eyes.
*Palming & Cupping
Note: If you wear contact lenses, remove them
before trying this exercise. Close your eyes. Place
the base of your palms over your eyes and press
gently for a few seconds. Then cup your hands and
place them over your open eyes. Look into your
cupped palms as you slowly breathe in and out
through your nose for 30 seconds. This exercise
relaxes tired eyes.
*Blinking or Yawning
Both actions produce tears to help moisten and
lubricate the eyes.
Unicity.com
Page 6
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
“Bridging the GAP”
Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) has just release it’s second edition of ―Bridging the GAP‖. This is a
directory which highlights and contains up-to-date and brief information on how to access a broad range of programs
and services of the Government of Canada, which enable Canadians with disabilities to participate fully in the
economic and social life of Canada.
The information is organized by categories such as accessibility, education, employment, employment and income
supports and transportation. Information on these programs and services is also available at www.pwd-online.ca.
The following is a sample from a guide we received from the Government of Canada which is also available on the
Internet at: www.service-canada.gc.ca. This guide is intended for any entity that speaks or writes displays about
issues that affect persons with disabilities and asks that respectful terms and images are used.
A Way with Words and Images
Suggestions for the portrayal of persons with
disabilities
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca
INSTEAD OF …
Using images that
isolate or call special
attention to persons
with disabilities
unless appropriate to
the subject matter.
Using actors or
models without
disabilities to
represent persons
with disabilities.
Always depicting the
super-achieving
individual to
represent all persons
with disabilities.
Birth defect,
congenital defect,
deformity
Blind (the)
Visually impaired (the)
Cripple, crippled,
lame
PLEASE USE …
Use images that show
persons with disabilities
participating in society.
Use actors or models with
disabilities to portray
persons with disabilities.
Whenever possible, the
typical individual who has a
disability.
Person born with a
disability, person who has
a congenital disability
Person who is blind, person
with a visual impairment
Person with a disability,
person with a mobility
impairment, person who
has a spinal cord injury,
arthritis, etc.
Le pouvoir des mots et des images
Conseils généraux pour une représentation adéquate des
personnes handicapées
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca
ÉVITER D’EMPLOYER
OU DE DIRE
UTILISER OU DIRE
Se server d’images qui
insolent ou qui attirent
l’attentino sur les
personnes handicapées,
sauf lorsque ces images
conviennentau sujet traité.
Faire apel à des acteurs ou
à des modèles non
handicaps pour
representer des personnes
handicapées.
Toujours représentter les
personnes handicaps
comme des <<superhéros>>.
Le vieillard, le vieux
Utiliser des images qui montrent les
personnes handicapées participant à
la sociétè.
Une anomalye une
informité ou une
malformation congénitale
Un aveugle, un handicapé
visuel
Un infirme, un invalide, un
estropié
Demander à des acteurs ou à des
modéles handicpés de jouer les
roles des personnes handicpées.
Décrire si possible, une personne
ordinaire qui est handicapée.
Personnes âgées
Des adjectives comme fragile, senile
ou faible projettent une image
negative des personnes âgées et
elles ne devraient pas être
employées.
Personne né avec une déficience,
personne handicapée depuis sa
naissance
Personne aveugle, personne ayant
une déficience visuelle
Personne handicapée, personne
ayant un handicap moteur,
personne ayant de l’arthrite ou une
lesion de la moelle épiniére, etc.
Page 7
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
CIWA/ACVAMT Current Activities
Internet
Fortunately, we were able to secure funding through the
HRDC, ―Summer Career Placement Program‖ to hire a
summer student to work on the website this year.
Check out some new looks on our site at www.ciwa.ca.
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee met in Vancouver, BC, from
April 29th to May 5th, 2003.
Thanks to a donation of Air Miles, Travel Miles from Mr.
Tom White from Newfoundland, we were able to cover
practically the entire travel costs for this meeting.
Round Table Project on Safe & Timely
Return to Function/Return to Work
CIWA has been actively participating on the Advisory
Committee in a ―Round Table Project‖. The committee
is made up of representatives from federal and provincial
governments, the medical community and labour market
sectors. The project focuses on ―Safe & Timely Return
to Function, Return to Work‖. The vision of the Round
Table Project Stakeholders is ―To improve the systems
that help people with illness, injury or disability from any
cause, develop and secure their social, personal and
economic self-sufficiency and to help stakeholders in the
field identify and overcome barriers together.‖
In addition to meeting in person this year, the
Executives of the Steering Committee meet on a regular
basis via conference call, to review financial statements
and discuss ongoing issues, on-going activities, and to
review the direction of CIWA. Sub-committees also
meet on a regular basis to review the progress of their
plans and goals.
Through CIWA’s participation in the Round Table
discussions, we were asked to actively participate in the
advisory committee, and to direct the future
development of the project. It is important that we
become more involved in this project.
The Steering Committee will meet in the fall sometime
and will make plans for the next physical meeting
(location, agenda, etc).
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance/ACVAMT attended
the Canadian Pain Summit in Ottawa in November of
2002. This summit was organized by the Canadian
Consortium on Pain Mechanisms, Diagnosis and
Management, working with the Canadian Pain Society.
The consortium is a group of researchers from across
Canada representing basic, clinical and social sciences,
which was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health
Research to further develop pain research.
Youth Project
We are continuing research and proposal writing to
continue and expand on the Youth Project. We are
hoping to train more folks across the country. Many
people, who were not able to attend the previous
sessions, expressed a great interest in the project.
If you are interested in becoming involved in our future
Youth Project, please let us know by contacting the
office at 1-877-787-7010 or by emailing us at
ciwa@norlink.net
Chronic Pain Summit
CIWA is in the process of partnering with the Canadian
Pain Society in establishing a Canadian Pain Network.
This consortium is holding follow-up meetings with
stakeholder groups, and pursuing initial funding
opportunities for its current work, another summit, and
the Canadian Pain Network through the 2003 Network of
Centres of Excellence Program.
The reason they want to create a Canadian Pain
Network is:
- Canadians suffer unnecessary pain.
- Pain is under-researched and under-treated.
- Pain has enormous impact on individuals, families,
society and the economy.
Page 8
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
CIWA/ACVAMT Current Activities (Continued)
The consortium would see that the Canadian Pain
Network would:
- Stimulate multidisciplinary work and streamline the
links among researchers, health professionals, the
public, government and industry;
- Formalize the dissemination of new knowledge, and
allow assessment of the impact of knowledge
translation;
- Streamline the process of translating knowledge to
the marketplace for innovative products and services
aimed at reducing pain and its impact;
- Solidify the base of evidence needed for effective
treatment, good policy decisions and productive
future research; and
- Focus on training future generations of highly
qualified personnel.
We are very excited about this project and look forward
to this partnership.
Coming Together
CIWA believes it needs to increase its membership and
this can partly be accomplished through a follow-up of
the Coming Together Project. CIWA continues to work
on developing a second component to the Coming
Together Project.
CIWA has submitted a proposal in June, to the Canada
Volunteerism Initiative. We are hopeful in receiving
funding for this proposal, a pilot phase entitled: ―Conflict
Resolution that works!‖ This project was developed with
the objective of seeing the development, testing and
evaluation of conflict resolution tools and a training
program with a focus on building inclusive organizations
that reflect the diversity of their communities. We will
use an interactive approach, using plain language
principles in order to engage local volunteers who may
have low literacy comprehension.
In order to accomplish the goal of helping injured worker
groups to develop and become strong, we plan to
coordinate activities such as meeting with local injured
worker groups, holding press conferences and local
events when traveling to other organized activities, such
as our Steering Committee meetings. Organizations in
Prince Edward Island and Alberta have both expressed
interest in becoming more involved in our organization.
Strengthening Relationships With
Organized Labour
We continue to work towards developing a strong
relationship with organized labour in order to help create
a better relationship with injured workers and injured
worker groups.
CIWA has been invited to attend spring & winter schools
hosted by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) for a
number of years now. Recently, two of our
representatives attended CLC training sessions in Nova
Scotia and British Columbia.
CIWA is proud to take part in these events and to be
present at the forefront of advocating for injured and
disabled workers along with the CLC. CIWA is pleased
that CLC is making injured workers issues a high priority.
This illustrates that CIWA does have an impact on the
labour community and the awareness of injured and
disabled workers issues.
One of our representatives has also recently attended a
meeting of the Canadian Labour Congress –
Occupational Health, Safety & Environment (CLC –
OHS&E) and WCB Committee. The CLC has secured
land in Ottawa, to build a monument commemorating
April 28th National Day of Mourning in memory of lives
lost due to workplace accident or occupational disease.
The CLC is planning a mid term conference in October
which our board members will be attending as well.
The session attended in Nova Scotia was a ―Think Tank‖
on ―Return to Work‖. Representatives from across the
country shared experiences and strategies to reemploy
injured and disabled workers.
A man knocked on the pearly gates of heaven, his face was ragged and old.
St. Peter asked “What have you done to gain admission to the fold?” The
man replied, “I’ve fought for many years with the WCB.”
The gate swung open wide, St. Peter rang the bell. “Come in” he said,
“you’ve had your share of hell.”
Page 9
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Miscellaneous
Web Sites of Interest
London Occupational Safety & Health
Centre
A United Way funded agency, is a community
based, non-profit resource centre and library.
Their aim is to prevent— and help people
recover from— workplace injuries. Every person
has the right to a safe and healthy workplace.
Find out about the student teaching project.
Read about the young worker who died after
falling 6 metres from a steel beam on July 31,
2003. www.losh.on.ca
Community Legal Education Ontario
CLEO is a community legal clinic that produces
clear language material for people with low
incomes. Main topics include social assistance,
landlord and tenant law, refugee and
immigration law, workers' compensation,
women's issues, family law, employment
insurance and human rights.
www.cleo.on.ca
United Ways of Canada
"To improve lives and build community by
engaging individuals and mobilizing collective
action." www.unitedway.ca
March of Dimes of Canada
Serving Canadians with physical disabilities.
Promoting programs, advocacy, research and
prevention.
Find out about the new “Disability Travel
Card”. It provides identification to a person with
a permanent disability allowing an
accompanying adult attendant to travel at no
cost.
http://www.esmodnc.org/marchofdimesc
anada.htm
National Fibromyalgia Association
This site has excellent links to all kinds of
resources for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain
across Canada, Internationally,and in the
USA.
http://www.fibronorth.com/links.html
Page 10
Survivor Support on Enablelink
Visit EnableLink to connect with electrical burn survivors and
those who treat or support them.
www.enablelink.org
International RSI Awareness Day
Visit this web site to find out about RSI Awareness Day, held
on the last day of February, it is the only "non-repetitive"
day on the calendar and is officially observed on February
29th. http://www.ctdrn.org/rsiday
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
CCOHS promotes a safe and healthy working environment by
providing information and advice aobut occupational health
and safety. Visit: www.ccohs.ca
Work Smart Ontario
Visit: www.worksmartontario.ca
For more informative links check out our web site, or check
this site from Paul Marxhausen, who is with the University of
Nebraska-Lincoln. http://eeshop.unl.edu/rsi.html
The Court Challenges Program of Canada
This is a national non-profit organization which was set up in
1994 to provide financial assistance for important court
cases that advance language and equality rights guaranteed
under Canada's Constitution.
The Program has a volunteer Board of Directors responsible
for making sure the administration of the Program runs
smoothly. In addition, there are specialized, independent
panels to make decisions as to which cases or projects will
be funded and in what amounts. The Language Rights Panel
and the Equality Rights Panel are made up of experienced
and knowledgeable individuals with a history of involvement
in equality or language issues and community organizations.
You can find more information on-line about the Court
Challenges Program of Canada at: www.ccppcj.ca
“Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for
a day. Teach him to fish and he’ll
eat for a lifetime.”
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Inner Strength
If you can start the day without caffeine or pep pills,
If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with
your troubles,
If you can eat the same food everyday and be
grateful for it,
If you can understand when loved ones are too busy
to give you time,
If you can overlook when people take things out on
you when, through no fault of yours, something goes
wrong,
If you can take criticism and blame without
resentment,
If you can face the world without lies and deceit,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
If you can do all these things..................................
Then you are probably the family dog.
Important Dates To Remember:
FEBRUARY 28, 2004
- RSI AWARENESS DAY
APRIL 28, 2004
- NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING
(20TH ANNIVERSARY)
JUNE 1, 2004
- INJURED WORKERS DAY (Ontario)
workSafe An information email received fro Simon Hardman simon@binarylogic.biz
One way to Combat Repetative Strain Injuries.
on
Web Site: www.binarylogicgroup.com
The worksafe programme from Binary Logic monitors your computer related work pattern and decides when a break
is required by using a real time analysis engine. It measures work input of both keyboard and mouse usage and is
not merely based on a time out system. The engine is tuned as closely to the human body as practicably possible,
whilst utilizing Einstein’s theory of special relativity.
The software monitors and shows the users strain, based on current and previous computer usage. This is partly
based on the individual user settings of how frequently RSI strain is suffered, and the speed of their recovery. The
programme identifies exercise movies with a brief description of the movement required to ease the strain.
make-your-business-work-software.com
Last fall we received some information on a software program that helps people who are experiencing discomfort
working at the computer. It works by running in the background of the operating system, neutralizing an irritating
inaudible noise in the microprocessor at the heart of the computer. The following is an excerpt from their web-site
about their program. Here's what Beta testers reported:
•
•
•
•
•
Increased task performance and overall productivity
Increased clarity of mind and ease when focusing on work
Increased satisfaction and comfort while working on the computer
Decreased eye strain and relief from upper body tension (including wrists and fingers)
Decreased fatigue for working as long as they want on the computer
How can a software program do this?
The software program works with the microprocessor at the heart of your computer to neutralize an inaudible noise
found in man-made electricity. The chaotic influence is instantly transformed into an orderly influence so you can
get more done on your computer. So far everyone who has tried this software has found it indispensible for working
on the computer.
Page 11
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Our Goals
CIWA/ACVAMT
Is about
SUPPORT
We are a national network of
injured worker's groups (IWG's)
and we exist to strengthen
and support the work of local
and provincial IWG's across
Canada.
To work towards a just
INDEPENDENCE
We believe that injured
workers should be in control of
their own destinies & Injured
Workers Groups must be
democratically controlled by
injured workers.
PARTNERSHIPS
We believe that we can best
assist these objectives by
providing training and
educational resources in
partnership with provincial or
territorial organizations of
injured workers and the trade
union movement at all levels.
INFORMATION SHARING
We believe that by sharing
our stories and our experience
we can learn from each other
and become better
educated and exert more
control over our lives.
system of compensation,
rehabilitation and reemployment in all of Canada.
To provide a national forum
for debating issues
concerning injured workers at
national conferences and
board workshops.
To gather and share
information with groups
across Canada.
To improve the Occupational
Health & Safety of workers
across Canada.
To identify and make
available, educational and
training resources produced
by the union movement and
other agencies, that focus on
organizing and maintaining
effective injured worker
groups.
To enhance the local base of
the injured workers
movement through all our
activities.
To form partnerships that will
achieve common goals.
Publications
Available
The VOICE OF INJURED WORKER
PLAIN TALK
HOW TO IMPROVE RELATIONS
BETWEEN INJURED WORKERS &
ORGANIZED LABOUR
REPORT ON RELATIONS WITH LABOUR
SESSION AT CIWA NATIONAL
CONFERENCE, REGINA 1992
RETURNING TO WORK
VOC REHAB & RE-EMPLOYMENT
FROM THE INJURED WORKER'S
PERSPECTIVE
INJURED WORKERS … ON THE MOVE
COMING TOGETHER
VIDEOS & WORKBOOKS
YOUTH PROJECT MANUAL, 2002
SURVIVORS, 1997
TOGETHER WE CAN WIN, 1997
PEER HELPER TRAINING MANUAL,
2000 - "PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE"
LE COMBAT QUOTIDIEN DES VICTIMES
DU TRAVAIL, 1999
To find out more, please contact us at:
CIWA/ACVAMT
P.O. Box 10098, 1201 Jasper Drive
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6T6
Ph: 807-345-3429
Fx: 807-344-8683
Toll Free: 1-877-787-7010
Email: ciwa@vianet.ca
Web Site: www.ciwa.ca
Connect with an injured workers group near you.
Check out our web site at: www.ciwa.ca and click on "Who to Contact"
OR
Call our office at (807) 345-3429 or Toll Free at 1-877-787-7010
This Newsletter is intended to share information of interest to injured workers, union activists and their supporters.
It provides a forum for sharing our experiences - so we can learn from each other - in order to improve the lives of
injured and disabled workers and the system that is there to assist them.
Please help - by sharing your story with us.
Printed by CUPE 87 / Imprimé par le SCFP 87
Page 12
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
CIWA Highlights Newsletter Winter 2003/2004
Description
An account of the resource
Articles about the Duty To Accommodate re: Human Rights Tribunals for Unions and Employers, Provincial Reps to the Steering Committee, special appreciation for donation from Mr. Tom White. Email news for the question "Are Healthy Workplaces more productive?" Condensed news release on the study on Canadian Charitable Fundraisers. Update of non-profit organizations, statistics for injured workers, eye exercises. Review of publication "Bridging the Gap", suggestions for the portrayal of persons with disabilities, CIWA/ACVAMT Current Activities, website suggestions, important dates.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
CIWA
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2003, 2004
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
CIWA Highlights Newsletter Winter 2003/2004
Description
An account of the resource
Articles about the Duty To Accommodate Re: Human Rights Tribunals for Unions and Employers; email news- "Are Healthy Workplaces more productive?"; research from "Study on Canadian Charitable Fundraisers"; response to Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) "Bridging the GAP". Special appreciation to Mr. Tom White for donation; useful contacts for non-profit organizations; eye exercises; language suggestions for the portrayal of persons with disabilities; injured workers statistics information; current CIWA/ACVAMT Activities; websites of interest.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
CIWA
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2003, 2004
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Subject
The topic of the resource
Labour and Labour Unions
-
https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/bfa8d995b00f89981abda56a895838b3.pdf
a76bc0913d108d6cf06c927dcef3606c
PDF Text
Text
CANADIAN PUBLICATION MAIL SALES AGREEMENT #1685422
YOUTH PROJECT
FOLLOW-UP MEETING
Toronto, ON - March 20 – 21, 2004
The Board of Directors of the Canadian Injured Workers Alliance through the help of
additional funding was able to have a very much needed follow-up meeting with some
of the Youth that took part in our Project called: “The Youth Project”.
This meeting took place in Toronto, Ontario, in March 2004, and we are very pleased
with the outcome and results of this meeting. We would like to thank HRDC for this
special opportunity that would not have otherwise been possible.
Please find a report written by Rob Lindsay, in relation to this special follow-up
meeting inside this issue on page 5.
Table of Contents
CIWA/ACVAMT contacts ....................................... 2
Special Appreciation.............................................. 3
Thank You page .................................................... 4
Youth Project, cont’d ............................................. 5
CIWAY Board of Directors ...................................... 6
Cdn Survey on Youth Health & Safety ..................... 6
Day of Mourning Article by Tara Dorval ................... 7
USWA Policy Convention Article .............................. 8
C.I.W.A./ACVAMT Activities ........................... 8, 9, 10
Miscellaneous .......................................................11
CIWA/ACVAMT Info ............................................. 12
Page 1
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
PLEASE HELP ………… S U B S C R I B E T O D A Y !
Name:
________________________________
Date:
Organization:
________________________________
Address:
________________________________
Highlights is published 4 times per year
________________________________
Injured Worker/Unemployed
$ 5.00 __________
Postal Code
________________________________
Individuals
$ 10.00 __________
Phone
________________________________
Organizations
$ 15.00 __________
Fax
________________________________
Donations
$
E-Mail
________________________________
Total
Web Site
________________________________
THANKS for Your SUPPORT!
________________________________
Newsletter Subscription:
__________
$
__________
Editor’s Note
This newsletter is for sharing and exchanging information. The views and opinions expressed here are those of
the individuals or groups making submissions. We take no responsibility for their accuracy or for their opinions.
PROVINCIAL REPRESENTATIVES OF CIWA/ACVAMT
VOLUNTEER BOARD OF DIRECTORS…
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS…
BC ... Lee Harrison, Surrey
President
Secretary
Treasurer
AB… Gerry Gray, Red Deer
SK ... Robert Lindsay, Regina
Western Injured Workers Society (Sask.)
MB… Vincent Boyce, Winnipeg
NS...
Dave MacKenzie, Pictou County
PEI ... Leonard J. Crawford, Summerside
Rob Lindsay
Lee Harrison
Vincent Boyce
ADVISORS…
Andy King, U.S.W.A.
Orlando Buonastella &
Marion Endicott, Injured Workers Consultants
STAFF…
Phil Brake, National Coordinator
Monika Wiitala, Office Manager
SUMMER STUDENTS…
Tara Dorval, Youth H&S Research Assistant
Greg Berry, Web Master
L’ALLIANCE CANADIENNE DES VICTIMES D’ACCIDENTS ET DE MALADIES DU TRAVAIL
MAILING ADDRESS:
P.O. Box 10098
Thunder Bay, Ontario. P7B 6T6
Phone: 807-345-3429
Fax: 807-344-8683
Page 2
CANADIAN INJURED WORKERS ALLIANCE
Toll Free 1-877-787-7010
STREET ADDRESS
1201 Jasper Drive
Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6R2
email: ciwa@vianet.ca
Web-site: www.ciwa.ca
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Special Appreciation
April 28, 2004
To Labour Organizations
Who helped with attendance of our Youth
members at the Day of Mourning
Ceremonies in Ottawa, Ontario
We would like to express our sincere appreciation and thanks to the following:
Western Injured Workers Society
Labrador West District Labour Council
Regina Outside City Workers, Local 21
USWA
USWA, Labrador Local
These donations enabled three of our board members of the Canadian Injured
Workers Alliance Youth (CIWAY) to attend the ceremonies along with three Board
Members of the Canadian Injured Workers Alliance (CIWA). This event was hosted
by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), at Queen’s Park in Ottawa on April 28,
2004.
CIWA is a national organization that exists to strengthen and support the work of
local, provincial and territorial injured workers’ groups across Canada. We believe
that we can best assist in these objectives by providing training and educational
resources in partnership with provincial or territorial organizations of injured workers
and labour organizations.
Once again, a big thank you to these organizations for their
very generous donations.
Page 3
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Century Farm Waterfront
Cottages
Point Prim, Prince Edward Island
Thank you for your wonderful hospitality during our meeting in June.
We experienced a wonderful atmosphere which allowed our Board
meetings and AGM to run smoothly.
Our Volunteers
Thank you to all those who volunteer their time for our organization.
Thanks to the Board of Directors of CIWA.
Thanks to all the Youth who attended our meeting in Toronto in
March, and created the Youth Division of CIWA. Thanks for all the
work you have been, and will be putting into the
research and development of this division.
Canadian Labour Congress
For your generous offerings of inclusion in all your activities.
The scholarships provided for the Winter and Summer schools
available for two regions of the country.
The Health & Safety Conferences which we participate in, such as the
one coming up in November 2004 in Montreal, Quebec.
In general, we thank you for your commitment to injured and disabled
workers’ groups, their members, and your support for workers’ rights
and issues.
Page 4
HRDC
Thank you for providing the Operational Funding required to continue
maintaining and managing our organization for yet another term.
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
YOUTH PROJECT
FOLLOW-UP MEETING
Toronto, ON - March 20 – 21, 2004
(Continued from Cover Page)
This is a brief report of the ―Youth Project
Follow Up Meeting” that was held in Toronto,
Ontario. We wanted to find out from the youth
what worked and what didn't work from the
training they received for our Youth Project—
which took place between 2000 and 2002—in
order to come up with solutions for improvements
on their future presentations.
When the youth were consulted about their
experiences with the Youth Project, we found
there was an overwhelming concern for the
apparent lack of funding and physical support
that is imperative for the mobilization of the
youth initiative.
The youth were asked to break up into groups
and come back with a 45 minute presentation on
how things worked and how things didn't work,
and to also come back with some concrete
solutions on how and what we need to do to
improve the situation and presentations. They
were also asked to present a 15 minute skit
related to their concerns, regarding the
importance of a safe and healthy workplace.
Throughout the day we assisted the groups with
their presentations and ensured that they were
hard at work. Not to our surprise, the youth
worked very hard at getting their presentations
and skits perfected for March 21st, the
presentation date. Many of them worked right
through into the evening to get it done. It was
just amazing to see the vigour they put forth into
their work. This was the same interest they had
exhibited in the projects they had participated in
before.
On the morning of the 21st of March, everyone
met and discussed how they were going to do the
presentations. In addition, two of the youth
spoke about different issues with regard to the
importance of this project, which was absolutely
wonderful.
The presentations began and it was
overwhelmingly amazing to see the work and
interest that these young people had taken in the
cause. The most important issue that came out of these
presentations was that they all recognized the importance
of a safe and healthy workplace. Perhaps the most
encouraging feedback was the inherent willingness and
motivation the youth expressed about proactively doing
something to ensure that all workers across Canada have
fair access to a safe and healthy workplace.
Furthermore, to our pleasant surprise, the youth stated that
they wanted to become part of CIWA, and that they wanted
to create their own division within CIWA! They had decided
to form their own organization called: “Canadian Injured
Workers Alliance of Youth – CIWAY”.
They held elections and formed their own Board of
Directors, which includes a President, Vice President,
Secretary, Treasurer and Board Members.
They ensured that their Board of Directors was set up to
represent all provinces that were in attendance, and to
work on having complete provincial representation in the
near future. Currently, CIWAY has representation in the
Yukon, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, P.E.I.,
Labrador & Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia.
Their dedication was apparent when they worked at it until
10:00 P.M. that evening to make sure they had everything
in place so they could commence their quest to start
working towards a safe and healthy workplace for all-especially youth.
This was a great achievement for these youth, as they see
the need for such an organization to be in place for the
youth all across Canada—educating, sharing information
and working with each other in regards to O.H.&S. They
want to develop a newsletter geared towards youth,
develop a special youth web site, and complete projects in
the future to continue training youth about their rights and
their responsibilities in the workplace.
They recognized that they would not have been able to
accomplish what they did without the support of CIWA,
HRDC, and, of course, the donations from labour.
CIWA is also very proud to be able to report back to HRDC
the excellent outcome of a well organized project that they
had sponsored, and hope that they too would be very
proud of the outcome.
Page 5
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
CIWAY – Canadian Injured Workers Alliance of Youth
BOARD OF DIRECTORS – MARCH 2004
BOARD MEMBERS / Provincial Reps
ANDREW BACCHUS
Toronto, ON
PRESIDENT
TARA DORVAL
Thunder Bay, ON
VICE PRESIDENT
DUSTIN EASTMAN
Regina, SK
SECRETARY
JULIE SHOEMAKER
TREASURER
JESSICA BELANGER
Sommerset, MB
Winnipeg, MB
DAWN HAMILTON
Labrador City, NF
PAIGE MOORE
Montague, PEI
AMANDA PERREAULT
Brampton, ON
DEAN RUDD
Whitehorse, YT
LILI TRINH
Toronto, ON
SCOTT WOLBAUM
Regina, SK
JAMIE WOODHOUSE
Winnipeg, MB
For information on how to contact any of the above provincial representatives, please contact the office located in
Thunder Bay, Ontario at 807-345-3429, or toll free: 1-877-787-7010, fax: 807-344-8683, email: ciwa@vianet.ca or
visit our website at www.ciwa.ca
Canadian survey on youth health and safety in the
workplace
Received from Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia, Shelley Rowan, Director, Communications:
FOR PREVENTION, YOUTHS NEED MORE INFORMATION AND TRAINING
HALIFAX, Oct. 15 /CNW/ - Young workers ask for more information and training about health and safety at work.
Compensation boards and commissions will meet with employers and educators, workers associations and unions
representatives to take action about the poor health and safety situation of youth at work.
"The young workers surveyed consistently showed a definite lack of training in the workplace. Only 13% of all youth
respondents say they recall receiving information about workplace health and safety from schools. Even if young
workers surveyed do not seem as concerned about dangers and injuries as older workers (12% vs. 24%), many
report that they would take action if they felt threatened by unsafe working conditions but would not necessarily
discontinue working. The Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada will meet with board
and commission's partners to discuss the issue of health and safety of young Canadian workers at its
2nd public forum that will take place in Montreal on October 26-28, 2004.
For further information and interviews: Shelley Rowan, Director,
Communications, Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia, (902) 491-8105,
shelley.rowan@wcb.gov.ns.ca
Page 6
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
National Day of Mourning
May 28th, 2004 - 20th Anniversary
By Tara Dorval, President CIWAY
From Australia to Taiwan, many countries around the
world have named April 28th the official marker of
Workers’ Memorial Day—a day that recognizes those
who have been injured or killed as a result of
hazardous workplace environments.
In Canada, this day of commemoration is widely
known as the National Day of Mourning. Thus, on
April 28th of every year, nearly the entire globe
reserves this universal day to ―mourn for the dead and
fight for the living.‖ Ever
since the Canadian Labour
Congress first incited the Day
of Mourning as a period of
remembrance in 1984,
memorial ceremonies have
been honoured around the
world to provide a forum for
change, and unite people in
a moment of silence.
Sponsored in
partnership by the Canadian
Labour Congress, the Ottawa
& District Labour Council,
and the Ottawa & District
Injured Workers’ Group,
Ottawa held one such ceremony on April 28th—the 20th
anniversary of the National Day of Mourning. Several
members of the freshly formed youth division of CIWA,
known as the Canadian Injured Workers Alliance Youth
(CIWAY), attended this ceremony. They held their
own CIWAY banner high and proud, so everybody in
attendance could see that youth are visibly concerned
and conscientious citizens, too. A ceremonial wreath
was placed at the foot of the National Monument out
of respect for those workers who have died from
occupational hazards and diseases.
Rob Lindsay, the President of CIWA, and Tara
Dorval, the President of CIWAY, addressed the
audience about the urgency and commitment to keep
occupational health and safety issues affront in the
public eye, so that safety initiatives will remain
engaged and proactive rather than reactionary and
stagnant. All those who spoke or listened that day
had reached a consensus that many of the injuries and
fatalities that occur in the workplace are not just
accidents, but, nonetheless, preventable crimes of
negligence.
It was the first
time that a Youth
organization in support of
injured workers rights, had
attended the National Day
of Mourning ceremonies in
Ottawa—at the forefront of
the service. Everybody
from all walks of life who
were there, including
mourning families and
supportive friends, union
representatives, social
advocates, the media, and
politicians along with leftwingers and centres, had
taken notice of CIWAY due
to this exposure. In fact, many of the speakers
proceeding after Rob and Tara soon acknowledged the
presence of youth in the movement of worker health
and safety, and most importantly, recognized that
young workers are the most at-risk demographic for
workplace injury and death.
As a result, the 2004 National Day of Mourning
in Ottawa has opened up many eyes and minds to the
concerns of young worker safety. This is imperative
for active change to be implemented in the crusade for
workers rights—the rights of those who come from all
walks of life, and finally, those of all ages.
Page 7
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
CIWA/ACVAMT Current Activities
CLC Winter Schools
- Harrison Hotsprings - Abbotsford, BC
- CAW H&S Centre, Port Elgin, ON
Board of Directors Meetings
- January 2004, Edmonton, AB
- March 2004, Toronto, ON
- June 2004, Point Prim, PEI
AGM
-
June 2004, Point Prim, PEI
Formation of Youth Division of CIWA
- at Board meeting and Youth Project follow-up
meeting in Toronto, ON – March 2004
Day of Mourning Ceremonies – April 28, 2004
- Ottawa, ON
USWA Steelworkers of America Policy
Convention – April 21 – 25, 2004
- Vancouver, BC
CLC 2nd National Disability Rights Conference –
November 11-14, 2004
- Montreal, QC
Alberta Workers’ Health Centre – “A Global
Workplace: Challenges & Strategies for
Occupational Health & Safety” Conference –
October 2004
- Banff, AB
Round Table Project – September 2004
- Toronto, ON
UNITED STEELWORKERS’ OF AMERICA
POLICY CONVENTION
APRIL 21 – 25, 2004, VANCOUVER, BC
CIWA was invited to the Steelworkers’ of America
Policy Convention held in Vancouver, BC, April 21 – 24,
2004. Phil Brake, our new National Coordinator,
Robert Lindsay, our new President, and myself Lee
Harrison, BC Representative and Secretary attended
the Convention.
We had the opportunity to set up our information
booth. Many people attended the Convention, and we
were well received. CIWA was recognized by many of
the delegates. We handed out many information
pamphlets. Interest was shown in our completed
project reports, videos, resources, and copies of our
Newsletters. We all had the opportunity of meeting
the outgoing USWA National Director, Lawrence
McBrearty. Ken Neumann was sworn in as the new
USWA National Director and Steve Hunt is the new
District 3 Western Canada Director.
I appreciated the opportunity of meeting with the
USWA. We are pleased that they continue to support
CIWA in our efforts to assist Injured and Disabled
Workers’ across Canada.
Lee Harrison, Secretary
BC Representative
Steve Hunt
New District #3
Western Canada Director
Lawrence McBrearty
Retiring National Director,
USWA
Ken Neumann
New National Director,
USWA
Page 8
Robert Lindsay
President, CIWA Addressing the Convention
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
CIWA/ACVAMT Current Activities
INTERNET
Our web site provides an open forum and easy access
to information for clients on a truly global basis—24
hours a day and seven days per week. Information
available on the site and referral links provide clients
with access to information they require in order to
develop and pursue a plan of action in managing
injuries and disabilities. Clients are able to discover
service providers situated locally, and obtain direct
contact information for our office.
Internet based communication has also enhanced the
effectiveness and information flow amongst the
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance’s Board of
Directors. This permits Board members to function
across the vast distances between the Provinces and
Territories within which they live.
A successful funding application through the HRDC,
―Summer Career Placement Program‖, allowed for the
hiring of a student to upgrade and maintain our
website once again this year. Greg Berry has given
our web site a whole new refreshing look. Please
check it out at www.ciwa.ca.
Our Youth Page was revised, copies of Canadian
Injured Workers Alliance newsletters posted to the
site, as well as various other enhancements to website
functionality. The site was also updated with all
current information from our databases.
The forum page allows persons to post their
experiences as well as view other’s stories, and
request others for their input.
INFORMATION & REFERRAL
Referral services are constantly provided to injured
workers, injured worker activists, organizations, and
the media. Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
responds to information requests via telephone, email,
fax, and office walk-ins.
Information and referral services are a key element of
our mission, and a valued service to those who contact
us seeking information and resources. Clients have
sought and received information on a wide variety of
topics including Worker’s Compensation issues,
ergonomics in the workplace, and Health and Safety
matters among others.
Frequently, clients who contact us exhibit effects of
emotional upset and stress. These clients may be
attempting to deal with substantial changes in both
their work and home lives, in addition to serious
financial impacts associated with work related injuries.
The appropriate aid that these individuals require will
therefore stem from one or all of the following classes
of referral:
1) Case Management
Assistance of managing claims, completing
reports, obtaining required documentation,
acquisition of medical documentation,
understanding claim determinations, appeals
processes.
2) Emotional Support
Assistance to the injured or disabled worker and
the immediate family in dealing with change,
adjustment, depression, stress, anxiety etc.
3) Medical Support
Obtaining diagnosis, treatment, therapy.
Counseling on alcoholism, substance abuse.
4) Financial Management
Adjusting to income changes, debt consolidation,
credit counseling, and financial solvency issues.
As part of our referral process, we give individuals the
opportunity ―to tell their stories‖ and be heard. Clients
need a source to turn to where their voices will be
heard, and where they can discover new directions to
apply their energies in an applicable effort to resolve
troubling issues.
In 2003, Canadian Injured Workers Alliance was an
instrumental aid in the intervention and referral of a
client that prevented the potential suicide of an injured
worker whose emotional condition had reached a
critical state. As a result, this individual was able to
obtain the supports he needed to address both the
emotional and practical issues of the crises he was
enduring.
Page 9
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
ROUND TABLE
CIWA continues to be actively involved on the Advisory
Board with the Round Table Project. Another meeting
is scheduled for September 2004, in Toronto, Ontario.
BUILDING INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
One of the key barriers to the effective governance
and communication of local organizations is conflict
within the group, and/or conflict with related groups in
the community.
CIWA submitted a proposal in March 2004 to HRDC,
Social Development Partnerships Program (SDPP-D).
We are hopeful in receiving funding for this proposal, a
pilot phase thus titled: ―Building Inclusive
Communities‖ (formerly known as ―Conflict Resolution
that Works!‖).
This project is about helping injured and disabled
workers, who volunteer in local self-help/advocacy
groups, to increase their effectiveness and involve
more people in the social change process towards
inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of
Canadian life.
STRENGTHENING RELATIONSHIPS WITH
ORGANIZED LABOUR
CIWA has attended spring & winter schools hosted by
the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), for a number of
years now. Most recently, CLC afforded us the
opportunity for two of our representatives in two
regions to attend CLC Winter School training sessions
in Ontario and British Columbia.
The Canadian Labour Congress is hosting it’s 2nd
National Disability Rights Conference in November,
2004, in Montreal, Quebec, titled ―Doing MORE –
Moving FORWARD‖, where CIWA will also have
representatives attending.
If you are interested in attending this conference, the
registration fee is $250.00, and the deadline to
register is October 12, 2004. For more information
contact their office at:
Ph: 613-521-3400, Ext. 202
Fx: 613-521-3959
Email: women&hrights@clc-ctc.ca
The CLC has purchased land in Ottawa to build a
monument commemorating April 28th, National Day of
Page 10
Mourning, in memory of lives lost due to workplace
accident or occupational disease. CIWA was very
proud to be part of the Ceremonies taking place in
Ottawa along side the CLC for the National Day of
Mourning on April 28, 2004.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The CIWA Board of Directors has held their regular
board meeting in Point Prim, PEI, in June, 2004. In
addition to the regular Board meeting, CIWA also had
it’s AGM and invited injured worker groups from that
area to attend.
The Executives of the Board of Directors meet on a
regular basis to review financial statements and
discuss ongoing issues. Sub-committees also meet on
a regular basis to review plans and goals for CIWA.
The CIWA Board of Directors will meet again in the fall
sometime via conference call to continue to direct the
organization and review its goals, activities and current
activity progress.
CHRONIC PAIN
Our volunteer board members have been actively
researching and in contact with the Canadian Pain
Coalition, developing partnerships, and developing a
study on the causes and effects of chronic pain.
CIWA has been invited by members of the medical
community to form part of a coalition to increase
awareness of the importance of finding solutions for
persons suffering from this disease. Chronic pain
occurs in the early stages following an injury.
Understanding, preventing, and treating debilitating
and persistent pain associated with an injury can
factor on whether or not an injured person will
develop chronic pain. Persons suffering from chronic
pain become powerless and feel that they have no
control over what is happening to them, as it drains
away their strength, independence and happiness.
The Chronic Pain Conference, focused on the
importance of Peer Support sessions. Representatives
from injured worker groups in attendance
acknowledged that peer support actually reduced the
risk of chronic pain, as persons related their pain and
experiences with each other.
Find out more at: www.curepain.ca
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Miscellaneous
Recommended Internet site
–
–
–
The new Office of the Worker Adviser Web site is ―Live‖.
Check it out at: www.owa.gov.on.ca http://www.owa.gov.on.ca
It has an abundance of useful resources on-line such as sample letters for appeals, how to acquire a copy of
your file through the Freedom of Information Act, and links to sites such as the Workplace & Insurance Act
(Ontario).
PIPEDA – Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act
-
-
This is the federal legislation that applies to organizations as of January 1, 2004.
PIPEDA establishes outcomes regarding the collection of personal information in the course of commercial
activities. The legislation affects the type of personal information that is collected and how it is maintained,
used and disclosed.
The Coalition of Ontario Voluntary Organizations is partnering with Capacity Builders to develop training
sessions to help not-for-profit organizations understand and comply with the Act. Are you interested?
Contact: Joan M. Christensen at the Coalition of Ontario Voluntary Organizations, Toronto, ON Ph: 416-7841420 / Fx: 416-256-3021 / Email: general@covo.on.ca or visit their website at www.covo.on.ca.
Summary information about the Act for Non-Profit organizations is also available at
http://garberconsulting.com/nonprofit_news_03_12.htm. It is the site of Nathan Garber & Associates
Consulting & Training for the Not-for-Profit Sector. It also contains a lot of other interesting information for
non profits.
Bill No. 20 – Workers’ Compensation Act (NS). – Chronic Pain
-
-
An Act to Amend Chapter 10 of the Acts of 1994 – 95 of the WC Act, and Chapter 7 of the Acts of 1996, of
the Occupational Health & Safety Act, Bill No. 20 as was introduced on October 16, 2003 regarding the
Workers’ Compensation Act of Nova Scotia.
The Supreme Court of Canada’s ruling on October 3, 2003 regarding Chronic Pain establishes it to be a
compensable injury.
Chronic Pain is defined in S. 10A of the Workers’ Compensation Act as follows: ―Chronic Pain‖ means pain:
a) Continuing beyond the normal recovery time ….
b) disproportionate to the type of personal injury that precipitated, triggered, or otherwise predated the pain,
and includes chronic pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, myofacial pain syndrome, and all other like or related
conditions, unless significant, objective, physical findings at the site of the injury indicate the injury has not
healed.
For more information on the Supreme Court of Canada Decision of October 3, 2003 visit the Court Challenges
Program at http://www.ccppcj.ca or contact the office of the Canadian Injured Workers Alliance.
Bill C-45 – Employers’ Criminal Liability in Health and Safety Issues
-
Canada now holds employers criminally liable for health and safety issues which cause harm to workers,
―Sending the Boss to Jail‖ is now possible under Bill C-45.
12 years ago, the lobbying efforts of then-leader of the NDP, Alexa McDonagh and the labour movement,
especially the CLC and the Steelworkers, finally forced the federal government to take action by enacting
legislation as a result of the Westray tragedy in Nova Scotia.
Bill C-45, The ―Westray Bill‖ received Royal Assent in November 2003, and took effect March 31, 2004.
Page 11
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Our Goals
CIWA/ACVAMT
Is about
SUPPORT
We are a national network of
injured worker's groups (IWG's)
and we exist to strengthen
and support the work of local
and provincial IWG's across
Canada.
To work towards a just
INDEPENDENCE
We believe that injured
workers should be in control of
their own destinies & Injured
Workers Groups must be
democratically controlled by
injured workers.
PARTNERSHIPS
We believe that we can best
assist these objectives by
providing training and
educational resources in
partnership with provincial or
territorial organizations of
injured workers and the trade
union movement at all levels.
INFORMATION SHARING
We believe that by sharing
our stories and our experience
we can learn from each other
and become better
educated and exert more
control over our lives.
system of compensation,
rehabilitation and reemployment in all of Canada.
To provide a national forum
for debating issues
concerning injured workers at
national conferences and
board workshops.
To gather and share
information with groups
across Canada.
To improve the Occupational
Health & Safety of workers
across Canada.
To identify and make
available, educational and
training resources produced
by the union movement and
other agencies, that focus on
organizing and maintaining
effective injured worker
groups.
To enhance the local base of
the injured workers
movement through all our
activities.
To form partnerships that will
achieve common goals.
Publications
Available
The VOICE OF INJURED WORKER
PLAIN TALK
HOW TO IMPROVE RELATIONS
BETWEEN INJURED WORKERS &
ORGANIZED LABOUR
REPORT ON RELATIONS WITH LABOUR
SESSION AT CIWA NATIONAL
CONFERENCE, REGINA 1992
RETURNING TO WORK
VOC REHAB & RE-EMPLOYMENT
FROM THE INJURED WORKER'S
PERSPECTIVE
INJURED WORKERS … ON THE MOVE
COMING TOGETHER
VIDEOS & WORKBOOKS
YOUTH PROJECT MANUAL, 2002
SURVIVORS, 1997
TOGETHER WE CAN WIN, 1997
PEER HELPER TRAINING MANUAL,
2000 - "PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE"
LE COMBAT QUOTIDIEN DES VICTIMES
DU TRAVAIL, 1999
To find out more, please contact us at:
CIWA/ACVAMT
P.O. Box 10098, 1201 Jasper Drive
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6T6
Ph: 807-345-3429
Fx: 807-344-8683
Toll Free: 1-877-787-7010
Email: ciwa@vianet.ca
Web Site: www.ciwa.ca
Connect with an injured workers group near you.
Check out our web site at: www.ciwa.ca and click on "Who to Contact"
OR
Call our office at (807) 345-3429 or Toll Free at 1-877-787-7010
This Newsletter is intended to share information of interest to injured workers, union activists and their supporters.
It provides a forum for sharing our experiences - so we can learn from each other - in order to improve the lives of
injured and disabled workers and the system that is there to assist them.
Please help - by sharing your story with us.
Printed by CUPE 87 / Imprimé par le SCFP 87
Page 12
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
CIWA Highlights Newsletter Summer 2004
Description
An account of the resource
Articles about the followup to a Youth Project, a survey on youth health and safety in the workplace, the 20th anniversary of the National Day of Mourning. CIWA current activities. A thank you letter for labour organizations that donated and helped CIWA with the Day of Mourning celebrations in Ottawa. Information about the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, Bill 20 and Bill C-45.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
CIWA
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Subject
The topic of the resource
Labour and Labour Unions
-
https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/a726cdf6e285fc22255d30fcbaeecb28.pdf
a76fba59bdd82206ed74cf8beacca7d3
PDF Text
Text
CANADIAN PUBLICATION MAIL SALES AGREEMENT #1685422
Severance Pay - Law Overturned:
Disabled workers must get same compensation !
Employment Standards Act (ESA) section violates charter of rights !
In a ruling hailed as a major milestone, Ontario’s highest court has struck
down part of a law that allows employers to deny severance packages to
disabled workers who can no longer continue in their jobs.
Read more on page 8
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
(AODA) 2005
Replaces: Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA) 2001 /
The ODA was often maligned for its lack of teeth. Now broader disability
legislation has been passed by Dalton McGuinty’s government – May 10/05.
In 2001, the Ontarians with Disabilities Act was passed. Advocates quickly
dismissed it as a piece of legislation which was largely ineffective.
In October, 2004, Dalton McGuinty’s government proposed new legislation
to replace the Ontarians with Disabilities Act. This new act, known as the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), is described as
strong, effective and comprehensive and will lead to significant changes in
barriers faced by people with disabilities in Ontario.
Read more on page 9
Table of Contents
CIWA/ACVAMT Contacts ...................................... 2
CIWAY Contacts, Thanks, Interesting Web Sites ..... 3
CIWA/ACVAMT Activities .....................................4, 6
Activités CIWA/ACVAMT ......................................5, 7
CPP/LTD/WCB Benefits/Pensions ............................ 6
Severance Pay Law Overturned .............................. 8
Indemnité de depart – Loi annulée ......................... 9
OFL/FOL Day of Mourning Statistics .......................10
Statistiques sur le jour de deuil FTO.......................11
Chronic Pain .........................................................10
Douleur chronique ................................................11
Ontarians with Disabilities – Act 2 ..........................13
Ergonomic Issues – Ontario Workplaces .................13
WCB is Failing Injured Workers..............................14
Events To Remember........................................... 14
Miscellaneous .......................................................15
Congratulations ! ..................................................15
CIWA/ACVAMT Info ..............................................16
Page 1
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
PLEASE HELP ………… S U B S C R I B E T O D A Y !
Name:
________________________________
Date:
Organization:
________________________________
Address:
________________________________
Highlights is published 4 times per year
________________________________
Injured Worker/Unemployed
$ 5.00 __________
Postal Code
________________________________
Individuals
$ 10.00 __________
Phone
________________________________
Organizations
$ 15.00 __________
Fax
________________________________
Donations
$
E-Mail
________________________________
Total
Web Site
________________________________
THANKS for Your SUPPORT!
________________________________
Newsletter Subscription:
__________
$
__________
Editor’s Note
This newsletter is for sharing and exchanging information. The views and opinions expressed here are those of
the individuals or groups making submissions. We take no responsibility for their accuracy or for their opinions.
PROVINCIAL REPRESENTATIVES OF CIWA/ACVAMT
VOLUNTEER BOARD OF DIRECTORS…
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS…
BC ... Lee Harrison, Surrey
President
Secretary
Treasurer
SK ... Robert Lindsay, Regina
Western Injured Workers Society (Sask.)
MB… Vincent Boyce, Winnipeg
NS...
Dave MacKenzie, Pictou County
PEI ... Leonard J. Crawford, Summerside
Rob Lindsay
Lee Harrison
Vincent Boyce
ADVISORS…
Andy King, U.S.W.A.
Orlando Buonastella &
Marion Endicott, Injured Workers Consultants
STAFF…
Phil Brake, National Coordinator
Monika Wiitala, Office Manager
L’ALLIANCE CANADIENNE DES VICTIMES D’ACCIDENTS ET DE MALADIES DU TRAVAIL
MAILING ADDRESS:
P.O. Box 10098
Thunder Bay, Ontario. P7B 6T6
Phone: 807-345-3429
Fax: 807-344-8683
.
Page 2
CANADIAN INJURED WORKERS ALLIANCE
Toll Free 1-877-787-7010
STREET ADDRESS
1201 Jasper Drive
Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6R2
email: ciwa@vianet.ca
Web-site: www.ciwa.ca
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance of Youth (CIWAY)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS – MARCH 2004
PRESIDENT
TARA DORVAL
VICE PRESIDENT
DUSTIN EASTMAN
SECRETARY
JULIE SHOEMAKER
TREASURER
JESSICA BELANGER
Thunder Bay, ON
Regina, SK
Sommerset, MB
Winnipeg, MB
BOARD MEMBERS / Provincial Reps
ANDREW BACCHUS
Toronto, ON
DAWN HAMILTON
Labrador City, NF
PAIGE MOORE
Montague, PEI
AMANDA PERREAULT
Brampton, ON
DEAN RUDD
Whitehorse, YT
LILI TRINH
Toronto, ON
SCOTT WOLBAUM
Regina, SK
JAMIE WOODHOUSE
Winnipeg, MB
For information on how to contact any of the above provincial representatives, please contact our office in Thunder
Bay, Ontario at 807-345-3429, or toll free: 1-877-787-7010, fax: 807-344-8683, email: ciwa@vianet.ca or visit our
website at www.ciwa.ca
Informative Websites to Check Out:
Office of the Worker Advisor
www.owa.gov.on.ca
www.owa.gov.bc.ca
Contains info such as:
- workers self help kit
- how to obtain the WSIB Policy Manual
Check for an office in your province by changing the two
letters in the website address to your own.
Association Xpertise Inc
www.axi.ca
johnhennessyfoundation.com
Contains info such as:
- Specializing in Non-Profit Info
- how to keep groups (non-profit) organized
- various rules & regulations to follow
On December 5, 2004, Grettie Hennessy’s only son and child, John
Hennessy-Moore, 18 years old was killed when the pipe system he was
working on that was not properly bolted and/or clamped down, moved off
the I-Beam’s and struck John in the face and head, at a Husky Energy
Plant in Lloydminster, SK. This web site and the John Hennessy
Workplace Head Injury Foundation, was developed with a mission to
improve the quality of life for survivors of traumatic workplace head
injuries, serious brain damage and their families.
CIWA is very pleased to say thank you to HRDC – Social Development Partnerships Program
(SDPP) and the Office for Disability Issues, for the approval of funding through the
“Organizational Capacity Building” support program for a three year term.
This funding enables CIWA to continue providing valuable services and support to injured and
disabled worker’s groups and individuals, and is, to a large extent, contingent upon their
continued support of our organization. In part, this funding also provides the support required to
publish this newsletter.
Page 3
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
CIWA/ACVAMT Activities
CLC Winter Schools - 2005
- Harrison Hotsprings - Abbotsford, BC
- CAW H&S Centre, Port Elgin, ON
- Best Western, North Bay, ON
Board of Directors Meetings
- February 2005, Calgary, AB
Day of Mourning Ceremonies – April 28, 2005
- Various activities across Canada
INTERNET
CCOH&S Convention, March 2005
- Toronto, ON
Round Table Project – 2005
- Toronto, ON
CLC H&S Committee Meeting, March 2005
- Ottawa, ON
Chronic Pain Meeting, May 2005
Halifax, NS
CLC Winter School
We are hopeful in receiving funding once again
through the HRD Summer Experience Program to be
able to hire a Summer Student to help with our web
site development and updates.
The following is a report we received from the
President of the Hamilton & District Injured Workers
Group, Peter Page, who had attended the Winter
School in Port Elgin, Ontario.
For a number of years now, our Summer Students
have assisted in creating, developing and updating our
site. Each year different parts of our site take on a
new look or feature, depending on the creativity and
skills of the individual that we engage services with.
―My one week course at Port Elgin’s CAW training
complex was quite educational and therapeutic. Being
that I am an injured worker and have been out of the
workforce since 2002, one can be nervous about reentering the working community, but I survived due in
part to the friendly and welcoming environment
fostered by the staff.
INFORMATION & REFERRAL
Our predominant tool of communication for
information and referral continues to be via the
internet. Whether individuals find and access our
direct website through a search engine, or by word of
mouth, we constantly receive requests from injured
workers, their friends or relatives for information or
direction on who to contact or where to go for
assistance with their claim file.
Because of the many injured worker groups that exist
throughout Canada, we are usually able to refer them
to someone within a close proximity to where they
reside.
The existing constant need for referral is endlessly
apparent as too many persons injured in the
workplace are unaware of the resources available to
them or the problems and complications that could
arise once they are injured or acquired a workplace
related disease.
Page 4
The course I chose was EFFECTIVE
COMMUNICATIONS and MEDIA SKILLS. This course I
felt would be helpful in my duties as President of the
Hamilton & District Injured Workers Group. Our class
learned public speaking and dealing with media, and
overcoming stage fright.
The whole experience was fun and educational and I
would recommend the school to anyone who wants to
improve old skills and learn new ones.
I would like to thank the Canadian Labour Congress,
Canadian Injured Worker Alliance and the Ontario
Network of Injured Worker Groups for this wonderful
opportunity and hope that the scholarship continues.
Many injured workers need support in rebuilding their
lives, so keep up the good work and remember there
is strength in numbers.
Peter Page, President HDIWG‖
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Activités CIWA/ACVAMT
Écoles d’hiver du CTC - 2005
- Harrison Hotsprings - Abbotsford, C.-B.
- Centre SS TCA, Port Elgin, Ont.
- Best Western, North Bay, Ont.
Réunion du conseil d’administration
- Février 2005, Calgary, Alb.
Cérémonies du Jour de deuil national – 28 avril
2005
- Différentes activités au Canada
Congrès du CCHST, mars 2005
- Toronto, Ont.
Projet de table ronde – 2005
- Toronto, Ont.
Réunion du comité SS du CTC, mars 2005
- Ottawa, Ont.
Réunion sur la douleur chronique, mai 2005
Halifax, N.-É.
INTERNET
École d’hiver du CTC
Nous espérons recevoir du financement encore une
fois par l’entremise du Programme expérience été, de
la DRH, afin de pouvoir embaucher un ou une stagiaire
d’été qui verra à développer et à actualiser notre site
web.
Voici le rapport que nous avons reçu de la part du
président du Hamilton & District Injured Workers
Group, Peter Page, qui a assisté à l’école d’hiver à Port
Elgin (Ontario).
Il y a déjà quelques années que des stagiaires d’été
nous aident à créer, mettre au point et actualiser notre
site. Chaque année, différents volets de notre site
changent d’allure selon la créativité et l’habileté de la
personne embauchée.
INFORMATION et AIGUILLAGE
Notre principal outil de communication pour
l’information et l’aiguillage continue d’être Internet.
Que l’on accède à notre site web directement ou par
un moteur de recherche, ou que l’on entende parler de
nos services, nous recevons constamment des
demandes de la part de victimes d’accidents et de
maladies du travail, ou de la part de leurs parents ou
amis, au sujet de l’endroit où s’adresser pour obtenir
de l’aide au sujet d’une demande d’indemnité.
Compte tenu des nombreux groupes de victimes
d’accidents et de maladies du travail au Canada, nous
sommes normalement en mesure de diriger ces
personnes vers un ou une responsable proche de leur
lieu de résidence.
Il y a un réel besoin d’aiguillage permanent parce que
trop de personnes victimes d’un accident ou d’une
maladie du travail ignorent les ressources mises à leur
disposition ou les problèmes et complications qui
pourraient découler d’un accident ou d’une maladie du
travail.
« Mon cours d’une semaine au complexe de formation
des TCA à Port Elgin a été une expérience éducative et
thérapeutique. Je suis une victime du travail hors du
marché du travail depuis 2002 et j’étais nerveux au
sujet de la réintégration de ce marché; mais j’ai
survécu à cela grâce en partie à l’ambiance amicale et
chaleureuse créée par le personnel.
Le cours que j’ai choisi a été EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA SKILLS. J’ai déterminé que ce cours
me serait utile en tant que président du Hamilton &
District Injured Workers Group. Notre classe a appris
des notions sur la façon de parler en public, de traiter
avec les médias et de surmonter le trac.
Cette expérience dans son ensemble s’est avérée
amusante et éducative. Je recommande cette école à
quiconque désire améliorer ses connaissances et en
acquérir de nouvelles.
Je désire remercier le Congrès du Travail du Canada,
l’Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de
maladies du travail et Ontario Network of Injured
Workers Groups pour cet excellent cours; j’espère que
les bourses seront maintenues. Plusieurs victimes
d’accidents et de maladies du travail ont besoin de
soutien pour refaire leur vie; donc, continuez votre bon
travail et rappelez-vous que l’union fait la force!
Peter Page, président du HDIWG «
Page 5
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
ROUND TABLE – RTF/RTW
It is now two years since CIWA has been actively
involved on the Advisory Board with the Round Table
Project. Members of the Round Table Project on
―Return to Function, Return to Work‖ (RTF/RTW) met
in September 2004, in Toronto, Ontario.
The goal of RTF/RTW is to give all disabled people the
right to participate in a program that will be more
meaningful and productive. Too many employers and
insurance companies implement RTW programs in the
best interest of themselves which are usually geared
to fail the disabled person.
Our belief is that only in implementing a team
approach, will RTF/RTW be successful.
The next
meeting to
finalize
changes is
planned for
April 8, 2005.
STRENGTHENING RELATIONSHIPS WITH
ORGANIZED LABOUR
CIWA’s representatives have attended spring & winter
schools hosted by the Canadian Labour Congress
(CLC), for a number of years now. Once again, CLC
afforded us the opportunity for two of our
representatives in two regions to attend CLC Winter
School training sessions in Ontario and British
Columbia.
The feedback from the attendees to the Winter
Schools is just fantastic. Even though the courses are
naturally geared to the Labour Movement, our
participants learn valuable information which they can
use in their local injured worker organization.
Participants this winter took part in courses such as:
- Duties to Accommodate
- Unions in the Community
- Taking Back our Municipalities / Mobilizing
Communities
- Resolving Workplace Disputes & Conflicts
- Effective Communications & Media Skills
CLC 2nd National Disability Rights Conference
The Canadian Labour Congress hosted it’s 2nd National
Disability Rights Conference in November, 2004, in
Montreal, Quebec, titled ―Doing MORE – Moving
FORWARD‖. CIWA representatives attended this
conference.
Page 6
CAW Annual Compensation Conference –
October 2004
News from the Ontario Network of Injured Workers
Groups:
The objective of the conference was to strengthen and
deepen the CAW Workers’ Compensation ―Take It
Back‖ campaign. Delegates voted unanimously in
favour of the following recommendations:
1.
Make Occupational Disease and RSI’s the focal
point of activities
2.
Organize for:
- November 30th – Injured Worker Demo’s
- RSI Day – February 28th
- April 28th – Int’l Day of Mourning
- June 1st – Injured Workers’ Day
3.
Continue lobbying MPP’s with new cases
4.
Educate our membership focusing on (but not
limited to) occupational disease and RSI’s
5.
Become an associate member of ONIWG
- Participate in the newsletter committee and
the political action committee
6.
Establish a CAW Internal Occupational Disease
Network
The CAW will join with ONIWG and others to organize
joint activities in areas such as Thunder Bay, Timmins,
Windsor, London, Toronto and Hamilton.
Congratulations to ONIWG on the support
you are receiving! Good Job!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The CIWA Board of Directors has held their regular
board meeting in February, 2005 in Calgary, AB in
order to discuss the on-going operation and direction
of the organization.
The CIWA Board of Directors will hopefully meet again
in the fall or winter of 2005/2006 sometime, (at
minimum will meet via conference call), to continue to
direct the organization and review its goals, activities,
and current activity progress, and its outcomes and
achievements.
The Executives of the Board of Directors continue to
meet on a regular basis to review financial statements
and discuss ongoing issues. The Executives went to
the National Office in Thunder Bay in January, 2005 in
order to review financials, and offer assistance to the
Office Manager.
The CIWA sub-committees meet regularly to review
plans and goals for CIWA.
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
TABLE RONDE – RETOUR À LA
FONCTION/RETOUR AU TRAVAIL
Il y a déjà deux ans que l’ACVAMT participe activement
au sein du comité consultatif du Projet de table ronde.
Les membres du Projet de table ronde sur le retour à la
fonction et le retour au travail se sont réunis en
septembre 2004 à Toronto.
L’objet de ce Projet est de permettre à toute personne
handicapée de participer à un programme plus sensé et
plus productif. Trop d’employeurs et de compagnies
d’assurance introduisent des programmes qui visent
plutôt leur propre intérêt et laissent tomber la personne
handicapée.
Nous croyons que c’est en adoptant une approche
d’équipe que les programmes de retour à la
fonction/retour au travail peuvent réussir.
La prochaine réunion qui mettra la dernière main aux
changements aura lieu le 8 avril 2005.
PROJET DE
TABLE
RONDE
Sur un retour
à la
Colloque annuel sur l’indemnisation des TCA –
Octobre 2004
Nouvelles de Ontario Network of Injured Workers Groups
(ONIWG) :
L’objet du colloque était de renforcer et d’approfondir la
campagne Take It Back sur l’indemnisation des
travailleurs et travailleuses TCA. Les délégués ont voté à
l’unanimité en faveur des recommandations suivantes :
1.
Faire des maladies professionnelles et des
microtraumatismes répétés le point central des
activités.
2.
S’organiser pour :
- 30 novembre – manifestation des victimes
d’accidents et de maladies du travail
- Jour des microtraumatismes répétés – 28 février
3.
28 avril – Jour de deuil international
- 1er juin – Jour des victimes d’accidents et de
maladies du travail
4.
Maintenir la pression sur les députés provinciaux
avec de nouveaux cas.
5.
Éduquer nos membres en mettant l’accent sur les
maladies professionnelles et les microtraumatismes
répétés sans s’y limiter.
6.
Devenir un membre associé d’ONIWG
- Participer au comité du bulletin d’information et
au comité d’action politique.
7.
Établir un réseau interne TCA de maladies
professionnelles.
fonction/retour au travail sécuritarie et oportun
Les TCA se joindront à ONIWG et à d’autres organismes
afin d’organiser des activités conjointes à Thunder Bay,
Timmins, Windsor, London, Toronto et Hamilton.
RESSERRER LES LIENS AVEC LE MOUVEMENT
SYNDICAL
Félicitations à ONIWG pour l ‘appui que vous recevez! C’est du
beau boulot!
Pour un processus qui appuie la personne
Cela fait quelques années que les représentants et
représentantes de l’ACVAMT participent à des écoles de
printemps et d’hiver organisées par le Congrès du Travail
du Canada (CTC). Encore une fois, le CTC a donné
l’occasion à deux de nos représentants dans deux régions
de participer à des sessions de formation d’hiver en
Ontario et en Colombie-Britannique.
Les réactions des participants et participantes aux écoles
d’hiver sont tout simplement étonnantes. Même si ces
cours sont naturellement orientés vers le mouvement
syndical, nos participants et participantes acquièrent des
renseignements utiles qu’ils peuvent appliquer à leur
groupe local de victimes d’accidents et de maladies du
travail.
Deuxième colloque national sur les droits des
personnes handicapées du CTC
Le Congrès du Travail du Canada a tenu son Deuxième
colloque national sur les droits des personnes
handicapées en novembre 2004 à Montréal sous le thème
de « Doing MORE — Moving FORWARD (Faire davantage
— Aller de l’avant) ». Des représentants de l’ACVAMT ont
participé à ce colloque.
CONSEIL D’ADMINISTRATION
Le conseil d’administration de l’ACVAMT a tenu sa réunion
régulière en février 2005 à Calgary afin de discuter du
fonctionnement continu et de l’orientation de l’organisme.
Il est à espérer que le conseil d’administration de
l’ACVAMT puisse se réunir à nouveau à l’automne ou à
l’hiver 2005-2006; il y aura au minimum une conférence
téléphonique afin de continuer à diriger l’organisme et à
discuter des objectifs, activités et réalisations.
Les directeurs et directrices du conseil continuent à se
rencontrer régulièrement pour étudier les états financiers
et discuter des questions courantes. Les directrices et
directeurs se sont rendus au siège social de l’ACVAMT à
Thunder Bay en janvier 2005 pour examiner les états
financiers et offrir de l’aide à la directrice du bureau.
Les sous-comités de l’ACVAMT se rencontrent
régulièrement pour étudier les plans et objectifs de
l’organisme national.
Page 7
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
CHRONIC PAIN
CIWA is proud to be part of a very important
organization, the Canadian Pain Coalition (CPC). In
the last year the CPC has been working hard at
ensuring that persons suffering from chronic pain are
receiving proper care and recognition.
The CPC has been busy to accomplish having a motion
brought to the House, with the support of the Senate
to declare ―National Pain Awareness Week‖, which will
be the first week in November every year.
In November 2004, the Canadian Injured Workers
Alliance attended a Gala Fundraising event in Toronto,
Ontario to raise money to kick off the ―National Pain
Awareness Week‖. The next Gala Fundraising Event is
currently being planned for November 3, 2005.
The CPC is in the process of becoming incorporated,
having their constitution and bylaws in place. They
have a web site up and running and you can explore it
at: www.painhurtscanada.ca
The next meeting is planned for May 13 - 16, 2005 in
Halifax, NS.
Severance Pay - Law Overturned:
Disabled workers must get same compensation !
Employment Standards Act (ESA) section violates charter of rights !
A section of the ESA entitles employers to refuse
severance pay to employees whose ability to remain
on the job has been ―frustrated‖ as a result of an
illness or injury. Basically, the employer would be off
the hook for providing severance pay to an employee
who had a long-term illness.
The Ontario Court of Appeal said that this legislation
violates the Charter, and affects a crucially important
aspect of the dignity of disabled people by denying
them equal treatment & compensation in employment.
The Ontario Court of Appeal ruled in a case in Toronto,
Ontario where a nurse employed for 13 years by
Mount Sinai Hospital, was sent a termination letter
after being unable to return to work (RTW) after a
non-work related injury she had suffered in August of
1995.
She had tried several times to return to work, but
suffered a relapse in January of 1996, and was
approved for long-term disability benefits. Medical
doctors were unable to determine when she might be
able to RTW.
The Attorney General and the lawyer for the hospital
argued the ESA legislation for severance pay was
meant to compensate workers moving ahead to new
employment and was not discriminatory because
―employees unable to work because of injury or illness
are unlikely candidates for returning to the workforce‖.
Page 8
The Ontario Nurses’ Association argued that the
purpose of severance pay was intended to compensate
long-serving employees for their years of service and
investment in their employers’ business.
The court said that the hospital and government’s
position reflects a stereotypical presumption about the
adaptability, industry and commitment to the
workforce of persons with disabilities sever and
enduring enough to frustrate their employment.
This generalization can only perpetuate and promote
the view that disabled individuals are less worthy of
recognition, value as human beings, and members of
the Canadian Society.‖
Last year the Division Court ruled the legislation was
unconstitutional because it denied disabled employees
an employment benefit to which they would be
entitled, just like other workers, were it not for their
disability.
Phil Brake, National Coordinator for the Canadian
Injured Workers Alliance, called the decision a
―positive step‖ for injured workers. He said it would
encourage employers to try harder to accommodate
employees before letting them go. ―To our
knowledge, Ontario is the first to do something like
this,‖ he said in an interview from Newfoundland.
The Hospital has 60 days to decide whether to seek an
appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
DOULEUR CHRONIQUE
L’ACVAMT est fière de faire partie d’un organisme très
important, la Coalition canadienne contre la douleur
(CCD). Au cours de l’année écoulée, la CCD a œuvré
très fort pour s’assurer que les personnes souffrant de
douleurs chroniques reçoivent des soins appropriés et
une reconnaissance.
La CCD a déployé de gros efforts pour faire adopter
une proposition à la Chambre, avec le soutien du
Sénat, reconnaissant, chaque année, la première
semaine de novembre comme étant la Semaine
nationale de la sensibilisation sur le problème de la
douleur.
En novembre 2004, l’Alliance canadienne des victimes
d’accidents et de maladies du travail a participé à un
gala bénéfice à Toronto afin de recueillir des fonds
pour lancer la Semaine nationale de sensibilisation sur
le problème de la douleur. Le prochain gala bénéfice
aura lieu le 3 novembre 2005.
La CCD est en voie de se constituer en personne
morale, ayant déjà adopté sa constitution et ses
règlements. Elle a son site web que vous pouvez
consulter à www.painhurtscanada.ca
La prochaine réunion est prévue pour les 13 au 16 mai
2005 à Halifax.
Indemnité de départ – Loi annulée :
Les travailleuses et travailleurs handicapés doivent recevoir la même indemnisation!
Un article de la Loi sur les normes d’emploi viole la Charte canadienne des droits!
Un article de la Loi sur les normes d’emploi permet aux
employeurs de refuser une indemnité de départ aux
employés dont la capacité de demeurer au travail a été
« contrecarrée » comme résultat d’une maladie ou d’une
lésion. Fondamentalement, l’employeur ne serait pas tenu
de fournir une indemnité de départ à un employé ou une
employée ayant une maladie de longue durée.
La Cour d’appel de l’Ontario a déclaré que cette loi
transgresse la Charte et porte atteinte à un aspect d’une
importance cruciale de la dignité des personnes
handicapées en leur refusant une indemnité et un
traitement égaux dans leur emploi.
La Cour d’appel de l’Ontario a pris une décision dans un
cas à Toronto où une infirmière employée depuis 13 ans
par l’hôpital Mount Sinai a reçu une lettre de fin d’emploi
après ne pas pouvoir réintégrer ses fonctions à la suite
d’une lésion non liée à son emploi subie en août 1995.
Elle avait essayé à plusieurs reprises de retourner au
travail mais avait connu une rechute en janvier 1996, puis
avait été admissible aux prestations d’invalidité de longue
durée. Les médecins ne pouvaient pas déterminer à quel
moment elle pourrait retourner au travail.
Le procureur général et l’avocat de l’hôpital avaient fait
valoir que cette loi sur l’indemnité de départ visait à
indemniser les travailleurs et travailleuses qui se dirigent
vers un nouvel emploi et qu’elle n’est pas discriminatoire
parce que « les employés ne pouvant pas travailler par
suite de lésion ou de maladie sont des candidats et
candidates peu susceptibles de retourner sur le marché
du travail ».
L’Association des infirmières et infirmiers de l’Ontario a
pour sa part dit que l’objet de l’indemnité de départ était
d’indemniser les employés pour leur long état de service
et pour leur investissement dans l’entreprise de
l’employeur.
La cour a déclaré que la position de l’hôpital et du
gouvernement reflétait une présomption stéréotypée au
sujet de l’adaptabilité, de l’industrie et de l’engagement
envers la main-d’œuvre des personnes ayant des
incapacités graves et assez durables pour contrecarrer
leur emploi.
Cette généralisation ne peut que perpétuer et encourager
la conception selon laquelle les personnes handicapées
sont moins dignes de reconnaissance et de valeur en tant
qu’humains et membres de la société canadienne.
L’année dernière, la Cour de secteur a décidé que la loi
était inconstitutionnelle parce qu’elle refuse aux employés
handicapés une prestation d’emploi à laquelle ils auraient
droit, tout comme les autres travailleurs et travailleuses,
si ce n’était de leur incapacité.
Phil Brake, coordonnateur national de l’Alliance
canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du
travail, a qualifié la décision de mesure positive pour les
victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail. Il a dit
qu’elle encouragerait les employeurs à s’efforcer
davantage pour accommoder les employés avant de les
licencier. « À notre connaissance, l’Ontario est la
première province à agir dans ce sens », a-t-il déclaré
dans une entrevue à Terre-Neuve.
L’hôpital a 60 jours pour décider s’il ira en appel devant la
Cour suprême du Canada.
Page 9
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Chronic Pain:
The Manitoba Federation of Labour – Occupational
Health Centre located in Winnipeg, MB has developed
a program by physician Rob Chase, to help workers
with musculoskeletal injuries, where the pain has
spread to other areas. This pilot program is called
―Stretch, Massage, Breathe,‖ or ―SMB‖.
OHC Clients having difficulties with chronic pain,
discomfort and disability, meet once a week for a twoand-a-half hour session that includes education and
exercise based on Yoga, self awareness and massage,
and home based self-management of pain.
This program is intended to help injured workers
better understand their injury and develop practical
skills to better manage their condition. The results of
this program seem to be quite positive. According to
follow-up studies, program participants have reduced
their perceived level of pain and continue to reduce
their pain in the months following the program.
For more information visit the MFL Occupational
Health centre website at:
www.mflohc.mb.ca
Phone: 204-949-0811
Email: mflohc@mflohc.mb.ca
OFL / FOL DAY OF MOURNING STATS:
The Ontario Federation of Labour provided a report of
all Workplace Claims made with and accepted by
WSIB.
Interestingly, between 1980 and 2004, the average
number of annual fatalities is 284 – which shows 325
in 1980 and 328 in 2004.
At the time of this report, outstanding decisions for
fatality claims were as follows:
- 76 from 2002
- 35 from 2003
- 123 from 2004
These figures are not included in the stats.
The majority of pending claims are for occupational
disease, which now accounts for over 60% of the
allowed fatal claims.
Not reflected here is the true toll taken by
occupational disease, estimated to be as high as 6,000
Ontario workers annually. This comes from a study
entitled ―Occupational Disease & Workers’
Compensation‖, prepared by Dr. Annalee Yassi for Paul
Weiler’s inquiry into the Ontario compensation system.
Occupational cancer makes up a significant portion of
occupational disease. In addition to the human
Page 10
suffering, the health care costs of these cancers range
from 130 million dollars to 500 million dollars. If the
occupational cancers were recognized, most of this
money would be reimbursed to the Ontario health care
system by the WSIB.
Few workers make the connection between their ill
health and the unhealthy workplace exposures they’ve
had over the years. In 2004, only 384 fatal
occupational disease claims were made to the WSIB.
In 1991, Bill C-223, An Act Respecting a Day of
Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the
Workplace, a Private member’s Bill sponsored by Rod
Murphy, NDP M.P., passed through all stages of the
House of Commons and Senate. The bill, which now
proclaims April 28 of each year as a National Day of
Mourning, received royal assent on February 1, 1991,
and is now law.
According to the International Confederation of Free
Trade Unions (ICFTU), commemoration activities are
held in over 70 countries around the globe.
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Douleur chronique :
Le centre de maladies professionnelles de la Manitoba
Federation of Labour, situé à Winnipeg, a mis au point
un programme du Dr Rob Chase pour venir en aide
aux travailleurs et travailleuses ayant des lésions
musculosquelettiques quand la douleur s’est répandue
à d’autres parties du corps. Ce programme pilote
s’appelle Stretch, Massage, Breathe (SMB) (s’étirer,
masser, respirer).
Les clients et clientes ayant des problèmes de douleur
chronique, d’inconfort et d’incapacité se rencontrent
une fois par semaine pour une session de deux heures
et demie qui comprend de l’éducation et des exercices
basés sur le yoga, la prise de conscience de soi et des
massages; il y a aussi la gestion de la douleur à
domicile.
Ce programme vise à aider les victimes d’accidents et
de maladies du travail à mieux comprendre leur lésion
et à développer des moyens pratiques pour mieux
gérer leur état. Les résultats de ce programme
semblent être très positifs. Selon des études de suivi,
les participants et participantes ont réduit leur niveau
de perception de la douleur et continuent à réduire
leur douleur au cours des mois qui suivent le
programme.
Pour obtenir plus de renseignements, visitez le site
web du centre de maladies professionnelles de la
Manitoba Federation of Labour :
www.mflohc.mb.ca
Téléphone : 204-949-0811
Courriel : mflohc@mflohc.mb.ca
STATISTIQUES SUR LE JOUR DE DEUIL FTO :
La Fédération du travail de l’Ontario a émis un rapport
sur toutes les demandes d’indemnité faites auprès de
la CSPAAT et acceptées par celle-ci.
Il est intéressant de constater qu’entre 1980 et 2004,
la moyenne annuelle de décès était 284, soit 325 en
1980 et 328 en 2004.
Le cancer professionnel occupe une part importante
des maladies professionnelles. Outre la souffrance
purement humaine, le coût de santé de ces cancers
varie de 130 millions à 500 millions de dollars. Si les
cancers professionnels étaient reconnus, la plupart de
cet argent serait remboursée au système de santé
ontarien par la CSPAAT.
Au moment de publier ce rapport, les décisions en
suspens pour les demandes d’indemnité pour décès
s’établissaient comme suit :
- 76 en 2002
- 35 en 2003
- 123 en 2004
Ces chiffres ne figurent pas dans les statistiques.
Peu de travailleurs et de travailleuses font le lien entre
leur mauvaise santé et l’exposition à un lieu de travail
insalubre pendant des années. En 2004, seulement
384 demandes d’indemnité pour maladie
professionnelle mortelle ont été déposées auprès de la
CSPAAT.
La majorité des demandes en suspens concerne les
maladies professionnelles, qui représentent
maintenant plus de 60 % des demandes d’indemnité
accordées pour des décès.
l'institution d'un jour de compassion pour les
personnes tuées ou blessées au travail, soit un projet
Ces chiffres ne tiennent pas compte du nombre réel
attribué aux maladies professionnelles, lequel est
estimé à autant que 6 000 travailleurs et travailleuses
d’Ontario chaque année. Ce chiffre provient d’une
étude intitulée Occupational Disease & Workers’
Compensation réalisée par le Dr Annalee Yassi dans le
cadre de l’étude de Paul Weiler sur le système
d’indemnisation de l’Ontario.
En 1991, le projet de loi C-223, Loi concernant
de loi d’un membre privé présenté par Rod Murphy,
député NPD, a passé toutes les étapes de la Chambre
des communes et du Sénat. Ce projet de loi qui
proclame désormais le 28 avril de chaque année Jour
de deuil national, a reçu la sanction royale le 1er février
1991 et est maintenant loi.
D’après la Confédération internationale des syndicats
libres (CISL), il y a des activités commémoratives dans
plus de 70 pays partout dans le monde.
Page 11
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
CPP / LTD / WCB - Benefits / Pensions
Request from an Injured Worker:
Dear Sir/Madam:
I was injured at work in Nov/1995, and received WSIB
/ WCB benefits for 6 months. The WCB terminated my
benefits based on a pre-existing impairment.
me alive during the past 9 years, however also having
to borrow money, and redeem retirement bonds
before maturity.
I appealed this decision with the assistance of the
Office of the Worker Advisor, and was successful in
having the WSIB decision overturned in Nov/2004.
I have lost my retirement savings and investment
interest, and paid interest on borrowed money which
would have all been unnecessary if the WSIB had not
erroneously terminated my compensation benefits.
The WSIB has to pay me retroactively. I have been
advised by the WSIB adjudicator that the money I
have been receiving from the CPP Disability fund will
be deducted from my back pay.
How can this be? The CPP benefit is federal, while the
WSIB is provincial, is it not? The CPP-D benefit kept
ON – In Ontario the WSIB will not pay the worker full
benefits if the worker is receiving benefits from an
alternative source for the same disability.
The WSIB will deduct the CPP, or an employees’
revenue from a private insurance policy, when benefits
are paid for the same disability.
WSIB is not taxable, but CPP is taxable. Therefore if
there is a choice between collecting benefits from both
agencies, and if the WSIB is going to deduct the CPP
in any event, then the injured worker should collect
the full payment from the WSIB with no income tax.
If there are other reasons for collecting other benefits
from CCP-D, or another LTD benefit, then those
reasons should be clearly
More information on this subject is available on the
CPP web site under CPP Policy Review.
Rodger, Ontario
BC – British Columbia follows the general rules
dictated with union contracts. A person receiving WCB
benefits for an injury, is entitled to immediately apply
for LTD upon which WCB benefits are discontinued.
Various LTD plans allow the individual to collect
benefits until 60 or 65 (dependent on occupation).
Medical and superannuation coverage continues until
Page 12
If someone could shed some knowledge on these
matters, I would certainly appreciate your assistance.
Thank You, Injured Worker in Ontario
retirement. The employer pays all medical benefits
and superannuation costs on behalf of the worker.
Upon retirement, the employee receives company
pension, CPP and OAS (age 65).
Many private industry employers provide benefits
which entitle their employees to apply for LTD.
However, in most cases, the LTD entitlement is for a
very limited time. When the LTD benefits expire, the
employee must apply to the Canada Pension Plan for
Disability benefits.
The CPP-Disability benefits are calculated according to
the total contribution that the applicant has credited.
In many cases, the payment is very low, and the
worker can apply to BC Social Assistance for Disability
Benefits. However, when on BC Disability Benefits,
there is no medical coverage included. So it is an
additional expense to the worker. BC Social Assistance
benefits are about $800.00 per month, but medical,
prescription, eyeglasses, bus passes ($43.00/yr) are
covered
At age 65, the person may receive a company pension,
plus Canada Pension and Old Age Security.
Lee, BC
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
AB – In Alberta, an LTD plan is usually jointly funded
by the employer and the employee. Most LTD plans
ensure that you receive 70% of your pre-disability
salary, up to a maximum of $3,000 per month.
If any of the following sources of other income are
received, the LTD benefit will be reduced by the
amount of income you receive from these other
sources:
- CPP Disability,
- WCB benefits
- Any other employer-sponsored group disability
plan benefits
- Self Employment Income or ―Other‖ Income
-
Benefits awarded by a Crime Compensation
Board
Benefits from Public Service Super Annuity Act
(PSSA)
Disability Insurance Benefits payable under
the legislation of any government
Income replacement benefits under a no fault
auto insurance plan
Any amounts receive under a third part
damage award.
LTD’s are considered a taxable income.
Gerry, AB
Ontarians with Disabilities Act – Act Two:
Disabled workers must get same compensation !
Employment Standards Act (ESA) section violates charter of rights !
Information from an article in ―Total Access‖ a Canadian Paraplegic Association magazine and the Ministry of
Citizenship and Immigration Website
Queen’s Park – The Ontario legislature today passed
a historic law that will make Ontario a world leader in
breaking down barriers for people with disabilities.
The act will take effect on royal assent and will require
government to work with partners to jointly develop
standards to be achieved in stages of fives years or
less, leading to a fully accessible Ontario in 20 years.
The new legislation, the Accessibility for Ontarians
with Disabilities Act (AODA) promises to improve
accessibility in workplaces and public spaces and
improve access to employment, customer service,
communications and transportation.
The scope of the proposed legislation would be much
broader than the previous legislation. For the first
time, it would include the private sector, as well as
government and the broader public sector.
Under the proposed act, people with disabilities,
stakeholders and the provincial government would
develop standards that could deal with the width of
aisles in buildings, staff training in serving customers
with disabilities, large print menus or adaptive
technology in the workplace. These standards would
address the full range of disabilities and barriers
including physical, mental, sensory, developmental and
learning disabilities.
According to Statistics Canada, there are
approximately 1.5 million Ontarians with a disability –
or about 13 per cent of the population. By 2025, it’s
expected this number will increase to 20 per cent of
the population – or three million people.
To find out more about the Act, visit the ministry of
Citizenship and Immigration website at:
www.gov.on.ca/citizenship/accessibility/
Ergonomic Issues in Ontario Workplaces:
Cathy Walker, Director of Health & Safety Dept. for
CAW-Canada is currently a worker rep on the
Minister’s panel looking at ergonomic issues in Ontario
Workplaces.
The first meeting of the Ontario Ministry of Labour’s
Sub-committee on Ergonomics met on March 7, 2005.
Members include the Minister’s Parliamentary
Secretary, Kevin Flynn, as well as:
Wayne Samuelson, OFL; Nancy Hutchison,
Steelworkers; Maureen Shaw, IAPA; Mark Nantais,
CVMA; John Macnamara, BCOHS. Assisting as well are
the staff of WSIB & MOL.
The Sub-committee plans to meet monthly to discuss
issues such as codes of practice, regulations, best
practices, policy and enforcement with an aim of
reducing musculoskeletal injuries.
A report to the Minister will be prepared and submitted
by the beginning of September 2005.
Page 13
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
WCB’s Failing Injured Workers:
A summary of an article written by D.M. Boyle, a counselor and activist who is committed to fighting the injustices
committed by WCB’s across Canada. His article appeared in Straight Goods, an internet based media publisher.
For more information, or other related articles visit: www.straightgoods.com
Will Workers’ Compensation protect you and your
income if you have an injury at work? For up to five
percent of workers who have permanent injuries, that
answer is ―no‖. They have been denied benefits from
Workers’ Compensation Boards and have no recourse
or formal advocate to act on their behalf.
The history of Workers’ Compensation in Canada
begins in 1910. The WCB was conceived by the then
Chief Justice of Ontario, Sir William Meredith. In his
report to the provincial Conservative party he outlined
what are now commonly referred to as the Meredith
Principles:
- No fault compensation
- Collective Liability
- Security of Payment
- Exclusive Jurisdiction
- Independent Board
Since then, these principles have been so manipulated
that it’s hard to see what is principle and what is
simply a guideline.
Accusations and claims have been mad that WCB’s
practices unlimited authority over the injured worker.
Medical practitioners have been threatened to change
their reports to suit the adjudicator’s decision, or have
their fee payment withheld.
A seriously injured worker who is not likely to work
again, and if their WCB claim is denied, another
government agency is naturally pursued to help them
with their daily living expenses, not to mention the
medical treatments, medication, and so on. This is
costing tax payers millions of dollars, when Worker’s
Compensation is funded by employers, and across
Canada they have assets worth billions of dollars.
Injured workers cannot sue their employers, they
cannot complain to the Human Rights commission, nor
are they protected under the Canada Health Act. They
can be misdiagnosed and mistreated. Even their
unions discard them for not being able to keep up the
dues.
Injured Worker support groups are popping up daily
on the internet. There you can find doctors and
adjudicators names to help protect injured workers.
They also warn injured workers to keep a copy of their
own medical records and transcripts in case they
somehow ―disappear‖ from their WCB files.
A lot needs to be done to improve the Workers’
Compensation System in this country. All of us have a
role to play to make that happen. Just because you
are injured on the job doesn’t mean that you have to
suffer for the rest of your life.
Events to Remember
April 28, 2005
International Day of Mourning
February 28, 2005
RSI Awareness Day
May 1 – 7, 2005
North American Occupational Safety and Health Week
(NAOSH)
June 1, 2005
Injured Workers Day
April 17 – 23, 2005
National Volunteer Week
1st Week in November National Pain Awareness Week
Page 14
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Miscellaneous
RECOGNIZING A STROKE
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to
identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells
disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage
when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of
a stroke.
Now doctors say that a bystander can recognize a
stroke by asking the individual three simple questions:
1. SMILE.
2. RAISE BOTH ARMS.
3. SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE.
If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks,
call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms
to the dispatcher.
After discovering that a group of non-medical
volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm
weakness and speech problems, researchers urged the
general public to learn the three questions. They
presented their conclusions at the American Stroke
Association's annual meeting last February.
Widespread use of this test could result in prompt
diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent
brain damage. A cardiologist stated that if every
person who receives this e-mail sends it on to 10
people, you can bet that at least one life will be saved.
Fun with Words
Arbitrator:
A cook who leaves Arby’s to work at
McDonalds.
Avoidable:
What a bullfighter tried to do.
Bernadette:
The act of torching a mortgage.
Burglarize:
What a crook sees with.
Control:
A short, ugly inmate.
Counterfeiters: Workers who put together kitchen
cabinets.
Eclipse:
What an English barber does for a
living.
Heroes:
What a guy in a boat does.
Left bank:
What the robber did when his bag was
full of money.
Misty:
How golfers create divots.
Paradox:
Parasites:
Pharmacist:
Polarize:
Primate:
Relief:
Rubberneck:
Selfish:
Sudafed:
Two physicians
What you see from the top of the
Eiffel Tower.
A helper on the farm.
What penguins see with.
Removing your spouse from in front of
the TV
What trees do in the spring.
What you do to relax your wife.
What the owner of a seafood store
does.
Brought litigation against a
government official.
Congratulations!
Mr. Dave MacKenzie – a long time Board of Director with CIWA/ACVAMT was
recently elected in his home town of Westville Pictou County, Nova Scotia as
Town Counsellor for a 4 Year Term. Congratulations !!!
We’d like to extend our Sincerest Best Wishes to him during his term.
Page 15
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Our Goals
CIWA/ACVAMT
Is about
SUPPORT
We are a national network of
injured worker's groups (IWG's)
and we exist to strengthen
and support the work of local
and provincial IWG's across
Canada.
To work towards a just
INDEPENDENCE
We believe that injured
workers should be in control of
their own destinies & Injured
Workers Groups must be
democratically controlled by
injured workers.
PARTNERSHIPS
We believe that we can best
assist these objectives by
providing training and
educational resources in
partnership with provincial or
territorial organizations of
injured workers and the trade
union movement at all levels.
INFORMATION SHARING
We believe that by sharing
our stories and our experience
we can learn from each other
and become better
educated and exert more
control over our lives.
system of compensation,
rehabilitation and reemployment in all of Canada.
To provide a national forum
for debating issues
concerning injured workers at
national conferences and
board workshops.
To gather and share
information with groups
across Canada.
To improve the Occupational
Health & Safety of workers
across Canada.
To identify and make
available, educational and
training resources produced
by the union movement and
other agencies, that focus on
organizing and maintaining
effective injured worker
groups.
To enhance the local base of
the injured workers
movement through all our
activities.
To form partnerships that will
achieve common goals.
Publications
Available
The VOICE OF INJURED WORKER
PLAIN TALK
HOW TO IMPROVE RELATIONS
BETWEEN INJURED WORKERS &
ORGANIZED LABOUR
REPORT ON RELATIONS WITH LABOUR
SESSION AT CIWA NATIONAL
CONFERENCE, REGINA 1992
RETURNING TO WORK
VOC REHAB & RE-EMPLOYMENT
FROM THE INJURED WORKER'S
PERSPECTIVE
INJURED WORKERS … ON THE MOVE
COMING TOGETHER
VIDEOS & WORKBOOKS
YOUTH PROJECT MANUAL, 2002
SURVIVORS, 1997
TOGETHER WE CAN WIN, 1997
PEER HELPER TRAINING MANUAL,
2000 - "PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE"
LE COMBAT QUOTIDIEN DES VICTIMES
DU TRAVAIL, 1999
To find out more, please contact us at:
CIWA/ACVAMT
P.O. Box 10098, 1201 Jasper Drive
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6R2
Ph: 807-345-3429
Fx: 807-344-8683
Toll Free: 1-877-787-7010
Email: ciwa@vianet.ca
Web Site: www.ciwa.ca
Connect with an injured workers group near you.
Check out our web site at: www.ciwa.ca and click on "Who to Contact"
OR
Call our office at (807) 345-3429 or Toll Free at 1-877-787-7010
This Newsletter is intended to share information of interest to
injured workers/ groups / organizations, union activists and their supporters.
It provides a forum for sharing our experiences - so we can learn from each other - in order to improve the lives of
injured and disabled workers and the system that is there to assist them.
Please help - by sharing your story with us.
Printed by CUPE 87 / Imprimé par le SCFP 87
Page 16
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Dublin Core
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Title
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CIWA Highlights Newsletter Spring/Summer 2005
Description
An account of the resource
Upcoming CIWA activities. Articles about RTF/RTW Round Table, the CLC 2nd National Disability Rights Conference, CAW annual compensation conference, CIWA board of directors meeting, chronic pain, OFL Day of Mourning stats, a law that meant employers didn't have to provide disabled workers severance pay being overturned, rules around benefits and pensions for disabled workers in Ontario, British Colombia and Alberta, the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, ergonomic issues in Ontario workplaces, WCB failing injured workers, recognizing a stroke. Jokes and events.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
CIWA
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2005
Format
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PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
French
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Subject
The topic of the resource
Labour and Labour Unions
-
https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/8a9d08b576cf894e003db13672071ff2.pdf
689bc11057ef720a89065ce981e49354
PDF Text
Text
CANADIAN PUBLICATION MAIL SALES AGREEMENT #1685422
Chronic Pain – Research Study:
“Exploring Barriers to & Strategies for Enabling Return to Work/Return to
Function (RTW/RTF) for persons with Chronic Disability”
If you have:
- a CHRONIC DISABILITY
- been OFF WORK for TWO YEARS or longer
We would like to interest you in participating in a research
study on Return to Work and Return to Function.
Research Process:
- complete & return a Consent and Contact Form
- participate in a telephone interview
If you are planning a board meeting, a public meeting or social
gathering this month, we would be very appreciative, if you
could pass this message on to anyone and everyone. If you
would like to participate, or know of anyone interested in
participating, please contact the CIWA office or.
University of Western Ontario – Lynn Shaw, MSc. OT Reg. (ON) PhD, Principal
Investigator for the Study. Phone: 1-519-661-2111, ext 88971. Toll free: 1-866876-3124 or EMAIL: leshaw@uvo.ca
The deadline is quickly approaching ! We look forward to
hearing from you.
Table of Contents
CIWA/ACVAMT Contacts ...................................... 2
CIWAY Contacts, Youth at Risk .............................. 3
CIWA/ACVAMT Activities .....................................4, 6
Miscellaneous .......................................................13
Letters .................................................................14
CIWA/ACVAMT Info ..............................................16
Page 1
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
PLEASE HELP ………… S U B S C R I B E T O D A Y !
Name:
________________________________
Date:
Organization:
________________________________
Address:
________________________________
Highlights is published 4 times per year
________________________________
Injured Worker/Unemployed
$ 5.00 __________
Postal Code
________________________________
Individuals
$ 10.00 __________
Phone
________________________________
Organizations
$ 15.00 __________
Fax
________________________________
Donations
$
E-Mail
________________________________
Total
Web Site
________________________________
THANKS for Your SUPPORT!
________________________________
Newsletter Subscription:
__________
$
__________
Editor’s Note
This newsletter is for sharing and exchanging information. The views and opinions expressed here are those of
the individuals or groups making submissions. We take no responsibility for their accuracy or for their opinions.
PROVINCIAL REPRESENTATIVES OF CIWA/ACVAMT
VOLUNTEER BOARD OF DIRECTORS…
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS…
SK ... Robert Lindsay, Regina
Western Injured Workers Society (Sask.)
President
Secretary
Treasurer
MB… Vincent Boyce, Winnipeg
NS...
Dave MacKenzie, Pictou County
PEI ... Leonard J. Crawford, Summerside
Rob Lindsay
Lee Harrison
Vincent Boyce
ADVISORS…
Andy King, U.S.W.A.
Orlando Buonastella &
Marion Endicott, Injured Workers Consultants
STAFF…
Phil Brake, National Coordinator
Monika Wiitala, Office Manager
L’ALLIANCE CANADIENNE DES VICTIMES D’ACCIDENTS ET DE MALADIES DU TRAVAIL
MAILING ADDRESS:
P.O. Box 10098
Thunder Bay, Ontario. P7B 6T6
Phone: 807-345-3429
Fax: 807-344-8683
.
Page 2
CANADIAN INJURED WORKERS ALLIANCE
Toll Free 1-877-787-7010
STREET ADDRESS
1201 Jasper Drive
Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6R2
email: ciwa@vianet.ca
Web-site: www.ciwa.ca
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance of Youth (CIWAY)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS – MARCH 2004
PRESIDENT
TARA DORVAL
VICE PRESIDENT
DUSTIN EASTMAN
SECRETARY
JULIE SHOEMAKER
TREASURER
JESSICA BELANGER
BOARD MEMBERS / Provincial Reps
ANDREW BACCHUS
Toronto, ON
DAWN HAMILTON
Labrador City, NF
PAIGE MOORE
Montague, PEI
AMANDA PERREAULT
Brampton, ON
DEAN RUDD
Whitehorse, YT
LILI TRINH
Toronto, ON
SCOTT WOLBAUM
Regina, SK
JAMIE WOODHOUSE
Winnipeg, MB
Thunder Bay, ON
Regina, SK
Sommerset, MB
Winnipeg, MB
For information on how to contact any of the above provincial representatives, please contact our office in Thunder
Bay, Ontario at 807-345-3429, or toll free: 1-877-787-7010, fax: 807-344-8683, email: ciwa@vianet.ca or visit our
website at www.ciwa.ca
Youth at Risk
National Union / Straight Goods - July 26, 2005
www.nupge.ca
/ www.straightgoods.com
Young workers have higher injury, fatality rates in the workplace. In Ontario, seven young
workers under age 25 died from traumatic injures or other “immediate causes” and 49,000 were
injured on the job in 2004.
The most common injuries suffered by young workers from 1996 – 1999 were:
- Loss of body part by amputation or avulsion (torn off)
- Fractures;
- Chemical, heat and electrical burns;
- Strains and sprains; and
- Abrasions, contusions, blisters, and fraction burns.
View winning videos from the WSIB’s annual Ontario Workplace Safety Student Video Awards
contest online at:
http://www.wsib.on.ca/wsib/wsibsite.nsf/public/PreventionStudentVideoContest
Our Deepest Sympathy
To Orlando Buonastella and his family
for the loss of his wife and partner, Shelley Thomson.
Many of you probably know Orlando from his many years of helping Injured Workers, and a long
time Advisor to CIWA/ACVAMT. Shelley died from cancer on Wednesday, August 17, 2005.
Shelley supported a clean environment approach to the prevention of cancer and related diseases.
With Sincerest Condolences from:
The Board of Directors and Staff of the Canadian
Injured Workers Alliance
Page 3
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
CIWA/ACVAMT Activities
Next Board of Directors Meeting
- October 2005, Winnipeg, MB
Chronic Pain – Research Study:
“Exploring Barriers to & Strategies for Enabling
Return to Work/Return to Function (RTW/RTF) for persons with Chronic Disability”
CIWA/ACVAMT is currently working in collaboration
with members of a research team from the University
of Western Ontario, headed up by Lynn Shaw, MSc.
OT Reg. (ON) PhD, the Principal Investigator for a
Research Study to examine the system and community
barriers persons with chronic disabilities face in trying
to access services and supports.
The outcome of this research is to help create
strategies to address barriers and to move systems
towards supporting early RTW and occupation.
For more information on how you can participate in
this research study please contact the CIWA office or
Lynn Shaw.
(Contact info on cover page)
Empowering participation through collaboration and partnering in the community and
in the employment process
CIWA is the lead organization and has partnered with
Roundtable (RT) on Return to Work and Function
(RTW/RTF), the school of Occupational Therapy at the
University of Western Ontario, and the Ontario society
of Occupational Therapists.
Full inclusion in society for persons with disabilities
((PWD) includes the right to partner with others in the
community to secure meaningful employment.
Research has consistently demonstrated that effective
collaboration between providers, agencies, employers
and PWD is significantly easier to theorize than deliver.
Key to the process of equitable participation are
mutual efforts of PWD and disability support personnel
(DSP), which may include employment specialists at
the system and agency levels, employers, support
workers, and rehabilitation professionals. For PWD, a
partnering role involves making choices, exercising
influence over decisions, and fulfilling teamwork
responsibilities.
For DSP, this entails facilitating
collaboration and taking steps to optimize the social,
practice and community environments for partnering.
However, PWD who are unemployed, experience a
multitude of occupational injustices that marginalize
their efforts to assume a full partnering role. Providers
indicate that inadequate resources and training limit
the full implementation of empowering approaches.
This project will seek to address these systemic
barriers to participation and improve the capacity and
coherence of PWD and DSP efforts in securing the
rights of PWD to partnering and collaboration
throughout the disability employment support context.
Round Table Project
“Creation of a Collaborative Centre on People, Health, and Work”
CIWA has entered into a collaborative agreement with
the Roundtable Project (RTP) with CIWA being the
lead applicant in this initiative.
Graham Lowe PhD, Canada’s leader in Health and
Productivity, the evaluator of the Round Project Report
recommended that the RTP must transform from a
Project of the Ontario Medical Foundation to a formal
institution capable of fostering and leading the
Page 4
implementation of the activities that will bring about
this change.
The purpose of this project is to take the steps needed
to transform the RTP into a more permanent
organization as an incorporated, non-profit agency.
CIWA is committed to guide the RTP through this
transformation and the RTP is committed to undertake
the steps needed to ensure this is accomplished.
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Newfoundland Labrador
Widows and Lost Pensions
Submitted by:
Patricia Dodd, Newfoundland & Labrador Injured Workers
Story by Tara Bradbury Mullowney, The Telegram.
The Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador
has ruled that a Human Rights Commission board of
inquiry has jurisdiction to hear a case involving three
widows and lost pensions.
On Sept. 23, the court struck down the application by
the Human Rights Commission, whose board of inquiry
had said it did not have the jurisdiction to adjudicate
on the matter.
Discrimination complaint
In July 2001, three women whose husbands had died
in industrial accidents many years earlier, filed
complaints with the Human Rights Commission
alleging they had been discriminated against by the
Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation
Commission because of their marital status.
Ineligible after remarrying
Each of the women had received their husband’s
pension until they remarried, since legislation at the
time stated that once they were remarried, they were
no longer eligible.
In 1993, the legislation changed, and allowed the
women to reapply for their late husbands’ pension.
However, these benefits began from the date of the
application.
In an effort to make the Workplace Health, Safety and
Compensation Act comply with the Canadian Charter
of Rights, the act was then implemented, and anyone
whose monthly allowance as a surviving spouse was
ended after April 17, 2005 due to their remarriage was
then entitled to receive the compensation they would
have normally received.
Since the three women had all remarried and lost the
pensions prior to this date, they were denied benefits.
The women believed they had been discriminated
against, and brought the case to the Human Rights
Commission.
The commission referred the complaints to a board of
inquiry, which concluded that it did not have the
jurisdiction to make a decision in the case. When the
case was brought before a Newfoundland and
Labrador Supreme Court trial judge, he agreed.
However, Supreme Court of Appeal Justices Margaret
Cameron and Keith Mercer recently decided otherwise
(Justice Malcolm Rowe dissented). “We are not
concerned with whether there was, in fact, a breach of
... the Human Rights Code, but with whether a board
of inquiry can order a remedy which is inconsistent
with a directive contained in ... the Workplace Health,
Safety and Compensation Act,” the Supreme Court
ruling stated.
In making the decision, the court made the distinction
between the Human Rights Code and the Canadian
Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
“While this is not a charter case, because of the nature
of the remedy sought and of the quasi-constitutional
status of the Human Rights Code, it might appear to
some that the Human Rights Code is analogous to the
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms,” the
decision stated.
“Certain obvious distinctions must be noted. The
Charter, as part of the Constitution, is supreme. It
supercedes all other legislation whether enacted by
the Parliament or a Legislature, including human rights
codes. Human rights codes, while declared to be
quasi-constitutional, are statutes of the legislative
body creating them and can be amended or
overridden by those same bodies.”
The appeals court ruled the board of inquiry has no
jurisdiction to issue a general declaration that a
relevant section of the Workplace Healthy, Safety and
Compensation Act is inoperative. It could, however,
use the Human Rights Code to make changes.
“I conclude that the chief adjudicator and the Trial
Division judge were in error in holding that the board
of inquiry had no jurisdiction to grant a remedy in this
case.”
tbm@thetelegram.com
Page 5
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
New Brunswick
Workers’ Compensation / CPP Disability Benefits
Submitted by:
Wendy McGee, Executive Director
Saint John Labour Community Services, Inc., 30-1216 Sand Cove Road, Saint John NB
Ph: (506) 635-0391 office // Fax: (506) 634-7099
E2M 5V8
In the Spring/Summer 2005 Newsletter, there was a letter from an injured worker from Ontario regarding how WSIB
had handled the payment of his retroactive benefits from CPP disability. I know it is a little late, but I would like to
share with you how this situation is handled in New Brunswick.
In New Brunswick worker's compensation is called
Workplace Health, Safety & Compensation Commission
or WHSCC. Section 38.91(1) of the New Brunswick
Worker's Compensation Act reads:
"Any compensation or benefits payable by the
commission under section 38.11 or 38.2 to a worker
shall be reduced by the same proportion of the
amount the worker received under the Canada Pension
Plan with respect to the injury or recurrence of the
injury, that the estimated loss of earnings bears to the
average net earnings." (Emphasis added)
Simply put, if you are receiving Loss of Earnings
benefits in New Brunswick and you are in receipt of
CPP disability benefits "with respect to the injury",
your Loss of Earnings benefits "shall" be reduced. The
amount of the reduction depends on how much
WHSCC has estimated the injured worker is capable of
earning.
Here is an example of how WHSCC calculates the
portion of Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD)
benefits to deduct. Children's benefits awarded to
injured workers under the CPP are not deducted from
loss of earnings benefits.
Worker made $10.00 per hour before the accident, is
not totally disabled, and is subsequently considered
capable of earning $7.00 per hour after the accident.
The remaining Loss of Earnings is $3.00 per hour or
30% disability. Therefore, 30% of the CPPD benefits
would be deducted from Loss of Earnings benefits as
that is considered the portion of the CPPD benefits
related to the work-related injury. Injured workers
receiving full Loss of Earnings benefits, i.e., no net
estimated capable earnings would have their full
amount of CPPD benefits deducted.
If the CPPD benefits are solely attributable to a nonwork-related condition and WHSCC receives evidence
from Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC)
that verifies this, they will not deduct CPPD benefits
from Loss of Earnings benefits.
As an advocate, I have argued that "in respect to the
injury" is exactly what the legislation means. If an
injured worker receives CPPD benefits because of a
heart condition and the work injury is a back sprain,
compensation should not be reduced because the
heart condition is not "in respect to the injury." A
number of appeals have been won in New Brunswick
with that argument.
The Canada Pension Plan can also pay Survivor's
Benefits. If you are in receipt of Disability Benefits
and become eligible for Survivor Benefits because of
the death of your partner, there is a section of the CPP
Act that comes into play. Read on.
Under the CPP Act, you can receive a CPP survivor's pension and a CPPD benefit at the same time. CPP combines the
benefits (survivor and disability) and it comes as one monthly payment. There are limits to what a person can
receive which will not equal the total of both benefits. For example:
Max. survivor rate under 65 (eff. July 2005)
Maximum disability rate (eff. July 2005)
Total:
$ 462.42
$1,010.23
$1,472.65
However, the maximum a person can receive, when eligible for both the CPP survivor's pension and the
CPPD benefit, effective July 2005, is $1,010.23 (rate set by CPP as the "Maximum Disability Benefit").
Page 6
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
You may be asking yourself "Why did I share this
information with you?" Well, in New Brunswick, when
an injured worker is in receipt of Loss of Earnings
benefits, is receiving CPP Disability Benefits and
becomes eligible for Survivor's Benefits, the
commission may reduce their benefits by more money
than they are supposed to. Read on.
"related to the injury", that amount is recorded in the
system and is carried forward for every annual
recalculation of benefits. If the injured worker does
not inform WHSCC that the benefits from CPP have
changed due to the receipt of Survivor Benefits, the
injured worker is going to receive less money than
they are entitled to. For example:
Initially, when an injured worker in NB has their
benefits reduced by the portion of CPPD benefits
CPP Disability Benefits BEFORE partner's death
**$774.65 per month.
***********
NEW COMBINDED BENEFITS paid monthly, in one cheque:
CPP Disability Benefits AFTER partner's death
CPP Survivor Benefits
NEW COMBINED TOTAL FROM CPP:
$510.07 per month.
$444.76 per month.
**$954.83 per month.
This new combined total is calculated by CPP. You will note that the Disability Benefit of $774.65 has been reduced
to $510.07, after being combined with Survivor's Benefits, a difference of $264.58.
Now, if you consider that in New Brunswick the portion of CPP Disability Benefits related to the injury reduces
compensation benefits, it is important for the injured worker to advise them of a change if they later become eligible
for CPP Survivor Benefits.
Remember the $10.00 - $7.00 example I gave you earlier? The $3.00 difference worked out to 30% of CPPD benefits
being taken away from compensation. Considering the example above:
$774.65 before Survivor's Benefits = Ben. reduced by $232.95 (30% of $774.65)
$510.07 after Survivor's Benefits = Ben. reduced by only $153.02 (30% of $510.07)
Injured workers in New Brunswick get far too little as
it is. If we are to ensure fair compensation we must
be attentive to how changes in our lives and life styles
effect our benefits. This is only one example of
change. Perhaps you need to take a closer look at
how your provincial legislation and local policy and
directives affect your benefits.
Manitoba
Public Input Sought on The Workers Compensation Act Review Committee Report
On February 3rd 2005 the Review Committee on the
Workers Compensation Act presented their report to
the Honourable Nancy Allan, Minister of Labour and
Immigration.
Manitobans now have an opportunity to review and
comment on the report of The Workers Compensation
Act Review Committee. The input received through
this additional consultation process will assist
government in determining legislative changes to be
introduced and policy changes to be implemented.
Download a copy of the report “Working for
Manitoba”:
http://www.wcbactreview.com/pdf/Working_for_Manit
oba.pdf. You may also request a copy of the report by
sending an email to info@wcbactreview.com or calling
204-954-4556.
Manitobans now have an opportunity to review and
comment on the report by sending their feedback to
Workers Compensation Review Committee Report
Page 7
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Consultation, P.O. Box 1770, Station Main, Winnipeg,
MB R3C 2Z9 or fax 204-954-4995.
Saskatchewan
The Western Injured Workers Society (WIWS) has now
gotten over the summer and are working at getting
back into the swing of things. We are still struggling
with trying to increase our membership. We have lost
a few of our members due to health reasons and tired
of the continuous struggle with the WCB. We are now
starting to work on our written and oral submissions
for the WCB review board. We hope to have at least
15 submissions. These submissions will be delivered
throughout the province as the review board travels to
other areas of the province to hear the submissions.
Luckily we have members all over the province so we
should be able to have a presence at all of them.
We are still working very hard with CUPE, Local 21
regarding WCB matters for their workers. Since they
are on strike, it will be some time before we can meet
with them again. We are also trying to get other
unions in Saskatchewan such as the SGEU, and
Steelworkers to support the Western Injured Workers
Society.
Our CIWA Rep, Robert Lindsay has been busy working
with the aboriginal people trying to drum up some
support for WIWS. He has also had a meeting with
the Indian Federations in Lloyd Minster, regarding
Aboriginals not receiving any training on the job and
OH&S and to find out if they know their rights in the
workplace for the CIWA survey.
The Western Injured Workers Society would really like
to see CIWA become more involved with the provincial
groups. We need more and more support from our
peers when we are out trying to complete our
missions. When we tell other provincial groups that
we are affiliated with CIWA, they are not even sure
who we are talking about. We think it is now time for
CIWA to become more and more visible out in the
provinces, as we need all the support we can get. We
are quite sure the other provinces feel the same way.
We seem to have a National Organization but we seem
to have a problem working together. Are we not
supposed to be representing all injured worker /
groups in Canada?
It seems that the WCB in this province have gotten
worse in regards to treating injured workers fairly. We
are seeing a tremendous back log in the appeals. Also
they are still forcing injured workers to take
educational courses that are of no value to the
Page 8
individual. If the individual refuses then their benefits
are terminated.
We also have a serious problem with WCB overdeducting “probable deductions” from claimant’s
benefits.
WCB are supposed to follow the Revenue Canada
Guide Lines for deduction calculations, but It seems
they are not, leaving the injured worker with much
lower benefits. This is totally unfair to the injured
worker and their families. We wondered why after we
had brought this issue to their attention, why they are
doing nothing about it. This, to us is totally wrong and
illegal, but as usual the injured worker has no way or
means to fight back.
It seems that when an injured worker questions them
on any issue they seem to just ignore it,. Also, if the
injured worker tries to pursue it further to try and get
some answers, then the WCB will bar you from
entering their building and will not take any further
calls from that individual. We wonder, with these kind
of tactics used by the WCB how in the world would
anyone be able to argue his or her case.
We have brought many of these complaints forward to
our Labour Minister responsible for the WCB. She and
her office just don't seem to want to deal with it.
They won't even return the individuals phone calls.
We have informed the Premier’s office and all we get
is a complete run around.
We need CIWA and all injured workers across the
country to organize and to start getting tough with
these guys. If we do not, then WCB and Our
Governments will continue to do what ever they please
to injured workers, and their families.
The Western Injured Workers Society Of
Saskatchewan, are asking CIWA and all injured worker
groups across the country to rally and organize
together so we can start getting tough with these
people who are treating injured workers and their
families in such an unfair and unjust way. If we do
not do something about this by everyone working
together, then we will continue to see the WCB, and
the Government getting worse in regards to how the
injured workers across this country are being treated.
Yours Truly, Board Of Directors / WIWS
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alberta
Chronic Pain
The Alberta WCB still does not have a chronic pain
policy that conforms to the Supreme Courts decision in
Martin v. Nova Scotia Workers Compensation Board
which is a violation of Section 15.1 of the Charter.
The Alberta WCB has a chronic pain policy but it does
not conform to the reasons given by the Supreme
Court in their determination of discrimination. Either
the WCB in Alberta do not understand the reasons for
the judgment, or they are trying to find a suitable time
to make policy changes when no one is paying
attention.
In Alberta all disabled workers are given PCI ratings
when a doctor has determined that the medical
condition will not get any better and will predictably
get no worse.
At that time a PCI rating is mandatory. Chronic pain
has to be given equal consideration in impairment
ratings as are objective physical impairments. Just as
in all cases of objective physical impairments, all
disabled workers have to reach a medical plateau at
some time and must be given an appropriate PCI
rating. The Alberta WCB does not recognize mild,
moderate, moderately severe chronic pain, they
recognize only severe chronic pain which is a violation
of the Section 15.1 of the Charter.
Mild objective physical impairments are recognized by
WCB and given small PCI ratings reflecting the severity
of the impairment with increased increments of
impairment for more severe impairments. To not
provide PCI ratings for mild, moderate, moderately
severe chronic pain is a violation of Section 15.1 of the
Charter. WCB cannot use honest belief as an excuse if
a class action civil suit was filed by injured workers
who have been diagnosed with any stages of chronic
pain.
I do not understand why a class action lawsuit has not
been filed when the chances of winning are already
based on a legal precedence.
Gerry Miller
Allegations of fraud
A former Alberta WCB Case Manager made some very serious allegations of fraud against the WCB in an article from
the Edmonton Journal – Sept. 11/99
Pressure on at WCB, ex-staffer says
Case managers encouraged to deny claims, cut payouts to injured workers.
Case managers at the provincial Worker’s
Compensation Board are pressured by their
supervisors to deny claims or reduce payouts to
injured workers as a cost-saving measure, claims a
former WCB employee.
The WCB looks for ways to save money by minimizing
the income-support payment s injured workers
receive, and by reducing their permanent disability
awards, says former case manager Kevin Becker.
“It’s done in a very convert ways,” said Becker, who
worked for the WCB from 1991 to 1997.
“You (the case manager) put in an earning loss claim
for a worker, and your manager will come back and
say “No, we can save money if we say the employee is
capable of doing some work, when we know he’s not.”
isn’t eligible for disability payments. It’s that kind of
thing.” He said the WCB’s prime strategy seems to be
a war of attrition – “keep denying and the worker will
give up.”
Becker, who has a consulting firm and also is an
advocate for injured workers having trouble getting
WCB payments, said the practices appear to be the
same today as they were when he left two years ago.
“The focus is on liability – how much liability are case
managers able to clear away to protect the WCB
fund,” he said.
But a WCB official denied Becker’s claims, saying the
board’s primary focus is on customer satisfaction, both
for employers and for injured workers.
“Or you are told to tell the injured worker he had a
pre-existing condition, like arthritis in his back and he
Page 9
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Becker’s comments come as Human Resources
Minister Clint Dunford is deciding whether to
investigate a number of complaints against the WCB
by injured workers. Becker didn’t blame individual
case managers or supervisors. Instead, he blamed a
corporate culture which he says pays more attention
to the bottom line than to injured workers. “They
have lost sight of what they’re supposed to be, which
is protection for the worker,” he said.
satisfaction,” she said. “The motivation is to ensure
that workers are satisfied. We wouldn’t try to do that
by reducing benefits.”
Employees who save the WCB the most money tend to
get promoted while those who are deemed to be too
generous to injured workers are often forced out of
their jobs, he added. “The system generates a lot of
statistics on which case managers are costing the
most,” he said. “Those who are, tend to get ridden a
lot harder by supervisors. There’s a lot of constructive
dismissal.”
But Becker said he noticed a shift in attitude in 1993
and 1994, as the WCB attacked its mounting deficit.
But a WCB official disputed his allegations. “At no
time has there been any motive for case managers to
deny benefits,” said Nancy Saul-Demers, director of
corporate communications for the WCB. She said staff
members are paid bonuses based on worker and
employer satisfaction, not on the amount of money the
WCB saves. “Any bonuses they receive are tied to
corporate objective that revolve around customer
WCB payouts for income support, medical costs and
rehabilitation have been increasing yearly, which
She cited as proof the WCB isn’t slashing benefits to
save money. The average cost per claim has r8isen to
$9,200 this year from $8,500 in 1997.
“They started digging up old claims,” he said. “We
were told to take a look at old earning losses and to
see if we could reduce it. We were phoning up
workers who had received entitlements for years, and
saying we’ve just reviewed it, and decided that you’re
capable of earning more, and next week your cheque
will be less.”
He left in 1997 to do human resources consulting work
for the David Thompson Health Authority. He also
turned his WCB experience into a career in workers’
advocacy.
:”It’s my impression the WCB has become much worse
since I left,” he said.
Ontario
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
On June 13, 2005, The Accessibility for Ontarians with
Disabilities Act, 2005, received royal assent and is now
the law. The Ontario government is recruiting for the
chair, vice-chair and members of the new Accessibility
Standards Advisory Council created under the act.
Membership of the council will be drawn from the
broader public and private sectors, with a majority of
council members being people with disabilities.
Standards will be set in stages of five years or less and
address the full range of disabilities. New standards
could include:
- Accessible pedestrian routes and entrances
into buildings;
-
Lower counter heights at cash registers to
accommodate wheelchairs
Large print menus in restaurants for the
visually-impaired
Staff training in serving customers with
learning disabilities.
Full implementation of the act to make Ontario
accessible, requires fundamental changes, and the
target is to be completed in 20 years, achieving results
in stages, with milestones every five years or less.
Every Ontarian should have the opportunity to work,
learn, play and otherwise participate in society to their
full potential without facing barriers.
WSIB Rates going up?
The Standard recently reported that employer
premiums paid to the Workplace Safety and Insurance
Board (WSIB) will rise by three per cent next year
"much to the disappointment of the province's
business community." Ontario employers really do not
have much to be disappointed about. Provincial
Page 10
government policies have in fact resulted in a
reduction of their WSIB premiums by twenty seven per
cent over the last ten years and the payout of $1.8
billion in employer rebates.
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Those who have real reason to be disappointed are
Ontario's injured workers. Their benefits were cut and
made harder to obtain. The purchasing power of their
benefits has also sharply dropped because cost of
living adjustments to their benefits to compensate for
inflation have been almost non-existent. In 1998 the
Harris government gouged the formula for calculating
cost of living adjustments for benefits.
Injured workers also have particular reason to be
disappointed with the current Ontario Liberal
government. After being elected it repeatedly
promised to change Ontario's workers compensation
system so that it delivered justice for injured workers.
But this government has delivered next to nothing in
the way of significant changes to the system. The
then Minister of Labour who made these broken
promises has moved on to bigger and better things in
the Liberal cabinet.
A lot has been said about how many promises Dalton
McGuinty's Liberal government has broken. The
failure of it to deliver justice to injured workers should
be widely seen as the most callous and disappointing
of all its broken promises to date.
Bob Chapman
42 Hamilton Blvd.
Port Robinson, Ontario Ph: (905) 384-9429
Nova Scotia
Injured Workers Suing WCB, Province
Board denies groups’ claims, hopes to have case dismissed
By Beverley Ware / South Shore Bureau
Submitted by Peggy Hancock, Nova Scotia Injured Workers
BRIDGEWATER – The South Shore Injured Workers’
Association is suing the provincial government and the
Workers’ Compensation Board. The group, in a
lawsuit launched in November, claims injured workers
have suffered because of actions by government and
the board, and is seeking a forensic audit of the board.
forwarded to the provincial Labour Department
through liaison Barbara Jones – Gordon. The
statement also says “the injured Workers’ (members)
have been caused serious injury to their personal and
professional goodwill and (have) suffered considerable
distress.”
The board is calling the action “false” and
“scandalous”, and has applied to get the lawsuit
thrown out of court.
The Nova Scotia Workers’ Compensation System was
the subject of a year-long review that culminated in
the Dorsey report in April 2002. That report, written
by Jim Dorsey, listed 28 areas of the health and safety
and worker’s compensation program that needed
improvement.
Former Bridgewater businessman, Harold Selig filed
the court action on the association’s behalf as no
lawyer would take his case. If it is thrown out in Nova
Scotia, he intends to appeal to the Supreme Court of
Canada.
In their statement of claim, the association and Mr.
Selig allege the province, labour department, the
compensation board, former Chairman Innis Christie,
former CEO David Stuewe and Attorney General Mr.
Michael Baker have “wittingly or unwittingly caused
improprieties regarding benefit payments to (the)
Injured Workers’ (Association)” by hiring lawyers to
represent both the board and the injured workers.
The notice of legal action also alleges the defendants
“Failed to comply with reasonable benefit payments
made for injuries sustained by injured workers and
their families” and that these complaints were
In his final report, Mr. Dorsey wrote: “Before the
1990’s, for whatever reason – incompetence,
mismanagement, bungling, deceit, apathy, expediency
or indifference – there was a breach of the faith
workers and employers placed in government and the
members of the Workers’ Compensation Board.”
Mr. Dorsey also said the past “breaches of faith …
have left scars and a pervading distrust” and that
some people are not willing to close the book and
move on. According to Louis Comeau, Compensation
Board Chairman, the Board is taking the Dorsey report
seriously and proceeding with changes. The price tag
for these changes is at over $240 million, and is not
doable in the short term.
Page 11
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Northwest Territories
An email from John Huffman, Injured Worker
To all injured workers who have or have had claims
against the WCB, please contact me, as we have
managed to get the Auditor General of Canada to do
an audit into the complaints against the WCB in the
NWT. If you have any information, this could make a
difference in your life and maybe you will finally
receive fair treatment.
British Columbia
The Canadian RSD Network Society in Surrey, BC has
been working hard on the BC Proclamation for
RSD/CRPS Awareness campaign. This July, thousands
of British Columbians with Reflex Sympathetic
Dystrophy finally have their disease recognized. July
has been officially proclaimed RSD/CRPS Awareness
month in BC.
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), is also known as
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome ((CRPS). It is a
chronic, painful, progressive neurological condition
that affects skin, muscles, joints, blood vessels and
bones.
RSD is also seen as a complication following such
diseases as heart attacks, stroke, cancer, diabetes,
M.S., or spinal cord disorders. In many cases RSD
began from a minor injury. Approximately 10 – 20%
of cases there is no precipitating event identified.
While millions across North America have this disorder,
approximately as few as 2 – 8% of medical doctors are
aware of, or recognize this life altering disorder. Two
types of RSD/CRPS have been defined:
CRPS Type 1: without nerve injury
CPRS Type 2: with nerve injury (formerly called
causalgia)
Page 12
John Huffman
Ph: 867-669-0963
Email: j.huffman@theedge.ca
Or: Bill Braden, MLA
Ph: 867-669-2276 / 867-69-2275
Both types share exactly the same signs and
symptoms, with the only difference being the presence
of nerve injury.
There is NO Cure. There is No Control for this disease.
Remission can occur for years, but reappear with a
new injury.
Awareness and education on RSD/CRPS is the group’s
main goal. The Canadian RSD Network was founded
10 years ago with a mission to educate, support, raise
awareness, aid in early diagnosis and help find a cure
for RSD. Run entirely by volunteer RSD patients and
their families, they offer an On-Line Support Group,
referrals and information website at:
www.canadianrsd.com
The Canadian RSD Network Society can also be
reached at:
P.O. Box 367, Surrey Main Post Office
Surrey, BC V3T 5B6
Email: info@canadianrsd.com
To view the BC Proclamation for RSD/CRPS Awareness
Month, visit the website:
http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/oic/2005/procs/RSDS
_CRPS.htm
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Miscellaneous
Voluntary Risks …………………. Keeping Volunteers Safe
Condensed from “The Safety Mosaic”, The Official Publication of the Ontario Service Safety Alliance, Fall 2005 Edition.
Volunteer organizations and the volunteers that support their causes are risk takers, no matter what kind of work they
do. It is both for the well-being of the organization, and for the safety of volunteers, that these risks must be
identified, assumed, and managed.
HEALTH and SAFETY RISKS
Within any organization, the scope of work carried out by volunteers can be quite varied and range from sitting at a
desk answering the phone, or working on a computer to moving furniture – either around the office, or to new office
spaces.
Since the work of a volunteer at the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs can range from operating heavy
equipment, chainsaws, patrolling trails on snowmobiles, to computer work, community outreach or hosting meetings,
they have set up a “Volunteers in Action” committee. This committee has developed many OFSC programs for
volunteers, funded training days and encouraged each club to appoint a volunteer coordinator, providing incentives on
how to award and support their volunteers.
Habitat for Humanity is also very diverse and goes way beyond actual house building. This organization has
developed a National Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) program to promote and implement a comprehensive
health and safety emphasis in all of its activities.
All affiliates have been encouraged to consult with local occupational health and safety authorities to ensure
compliance with local legislation. All affiliates are encouraged to appoint a dedicated SHE coordinator to manage all
occupational health and safety responsibilities.
Whatever the volunteer position may be, organizations should have health and safety policies and procedures in place
that are written down and implemented, says Karen Lambert of Volunteer Canada. Organizations should consider the
risks involved in all their volunteer positions, as well as the paid positions, she says. The risk assessment should
consider all potential risks including:
Accidents
Serious injury
Loss or damage to property
Breach of confidentiality
Misrepresentation or speaking inappropriately of the organization
Theft, misappropriation of funds, fraud
Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual or financial)
Loss of agency reputation, organizational credibility, public trust.
Liability insurance coverage for their volunteers should be considered, just as they would for their paid employees,
adds Lambert.
Volunteer Canada encourages volunteers to be as informed as possible before undertaking any position. “As more
information is available and broadly disseminated, volunteers have become more aware of their rights and
responsibilities regarding the choices they make in volunteering assignments,” says Lambert. “Individuals have
become more aware, and to some degree more knowledgeable, of the potential hazards and risks involved.”
Page 13
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Letters from Injured Workers
GOVERNMENT AND JUSTICE SYSTEM ARE AFRAID OF WCB IN SASKATCHEWAN
Minister Higgins and the Government appointed Board
to the WCB must go!
deducting probable deductions from any one deemed
capable of earning.
The government appointed Board to the WCB in
Saskatchewan, seem to be in a category of their own.
They are obviously feared by the government and the
justice systems in the province of Saskatchewan.
When you mention the initials “WCB” our justice
system runs and hides. They seem to want no
confrontation with the most legislated, protected
company in Saskatchewan.
I suggest to anyone reading this to request from their
CSR a copy or statement of the weekly probable
deductions being charged to them. I believe you will
find that WCB is charging you probable deductions on
your benefits, as well as probable deductions on the
money they have deemed you capable of earning. I
have proof that WCB are doing this, and have had it
verified by an agent of Revenue Canada.
One example is a complaint made to the RCMP in SK,
where WCB had released private and personal
information to be used for WCB gain. The person’s
name and email address, who gained the personal
information was provided to the RCMP, with a
statement of suspicions that WCB released and used
the information obtained. The RCMP contacted the
WCB in regard to the allegations and were told they
had no knowledge of the incident in question.
There seems to be a loop hole which the government
failed to close when they legislated the Act. This loop
hole allows the government appointed board to be
taken to court, and held accountable for the decisions
they make. As soon as the board members have been
served, including the retired, Mr. Norm Brown, I will
release the loop hole to the public. You, as injured
workers will have to move fast, as there is no doubt
that Minister Higgins will shut the loop in the fall
session.
The investigation concluded and nothing further was
investigated as to the person who obtained the
personal and private information, or where it was
obtained. Is this a sign of the power of WCB in
Saskatchewan - when an investigation into a criminal
act can be stopped so quickly, when it may involve the
WCB?
Since my benefits have been cut by $800/month which
seemed to be a result of questioning a Stakeholder’s
meeting about a consistent 38% lost time claim
allowance for five consecutive years, I am also
investigating deductions that WCB takes from
claimants benefits. It seems that they are over-
Jim Taphorn
Box 253, Quinton, SK
S0A 3G0
Fax: 306-835-2679
Email: jmtaphorn@hotmail.com
Page 14
I am not an advocate. All the work I do is for the
benefit of all injured workers of SK. We must stick
together as one large voice, and fight for the
coverage, that the premiums paid for on our behalf to
protect us and our families in case of a work related
injury, not to be held from us by a deceitful insurance
company, and a government appointed board, who
should be classed as employees of the insurance
company, as they are the company paying the board’s
wages.
If you have any comments or questions regarding the
contents of this letter, please feel free to contact me.
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
JUSTICE
To do what is right, and in a broader sense to do what is right for the greater good, and
sometimes that means not doing as expected, such as not following written or common law,
and in exceptional circumstances to do things most extraordinary.
Things an ordinary individual that has or would have
met the criteria for Victoria Cross, Metal of Honour or
the Order of Canada, and in the case of a politician –
do like Tommy Douglas, who was, and perhaps is the
Greatest Canadian that has, or ever will live, Tommy
Douglas was the impetus for the things that are valued
by and effect all Canadians every day, yet past and
current politicians are reluctant to follow his example,
and ask themselves “What would Tommy do?”
One of the few examples of a politicians that did
“What Would Tommy do” was Lester Pearson with the
Canadian Bill of Rights and Pier Elliot Trudeau with the
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and lets not
forget Canada Health Act and the Canada Pension
Plan to name a few. What about what Workers
Compensation is suppose to be? What about
Nationalizing Oil and Gas or Export Tax for it? Is it
any wonder Tommy Douglas was voted the Greatest
Canadian?
JFK once said, “don’t ask what your country can do for
you, ask what you can do for you’re your country”.
Well what about what politicians can do for its
citizenry, you know, ordinary folk that’s not a criminal
or wealthy, folk that works for a living with less than a
six digit income for the household, what can you do?
At least export tax to pay back the 5 billion in
softwood export tariffs, and after that give every
Canadian a Tax exempt pay cheque. Every Canadian
Citizen that has been born in Canada and is a citizen,
or has immigrated and has been a citizen and lived
and currently living in Canada for more than eighteen
years should receive one. You see all other large oil
producing countries do it. If you immigrate to such
countries one would probably not get royalty cheque
unless one was born there, or is the son or daughter
of one that was born there and currently lives in the
country where the Royalties are being paid from.
The common trait among all of the aforementioned is
that they feel that they did not do anything special, in
that anyone would do the same if in a similar situation.
Yes maybe, but probably very few, as you look at the
actions of most politicians today and yesterday.
Remember as written by R.A. McLary of Ottawa
“Politics is the art of the possible”.
I will tell you what justice is! Justice is the Law,
and the Law is man’s feeble attempt to set down
the principles of decency! Decency isn’t a deal,
it isn’t an angle, contract or a hustle! Decency is
what your grandmother taught you. Iit is in
your bones! Now be decent people.
Without Civil Liberties, Citizens are no longer able to
exercise their sovereignty over Government, like the
Magna Carta (The Great Charter) had over the
sovereign in 1215! The so called government of the
day, primarily made of lords and dukes had the power
to make laws while the average citizen had none.
Now in the twentieth century of so called Christianity,
Civil Liberties and a Vote are suppose to give Citizens
the right over government, for which I see the next
century the Single Transferable Vote (STV) as
important as the Maga Carta of 1215, for which the
rich, powerful and influential will resist as did King
John. Without some form of the STV, (where every
vote is counted and actually worth something as a
form of proportional representation and thereby giving
every citizen a voice to advance their wants and
needs), there will only be a decline of so called
Western Civilization, and suicide bombers will reign
supreme as without a definitive voice the malcontent
will resort to - as some already have! A
disproportional and unfairly representational
government spells disaster!
Josh Thurston
Page 15
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Our Goals
CIWA/ACVAMT
Is about
SUPPORT
We are a national network of
injured worker's groups (IWG's)
and we exist to strengthen
and support the work of local
and provincial IWG's across
Canada.
To work towards a just
INDEPENDENCE
We believe that injured
workers should be in control of
their own destinies & Injured
Workers Groups must be
democratically controlled by
injured workers.
PARTNERSHIPS
We believe that we can best
assist these objectives by
providing training and
educational resources in
partnership with provincial or
territorial organizations of
injured workers and the trade
union movement at all levels.
INFORMATION SHARING
We believe that by sharing
our stories and our experience
we can learn from each other
and become better
educated and exert more
control over our lives.
system of compensation,
rehabilitation and reemployment in all of Canada.
To provide a national forum
for debating issues
concerning injured workers at
national conferences and
board workshops.
To gather and share
information with groups
across Canada.
To improve the Occupational
Health & Safety of workers
across Canada.
To identify and make
available, educational and
training resources produced
by the union movement and
other agencies, that focus on
organizing and maintaining
effective injured worker
groups.
To enhance the local base of
the injured workers
movement through all our
activities.
To form partnerships that will
achieve common goals.
Publications
Available
The VOICE OF INJURED WORKER
PLAIN TALK
HOW TO IMPROVE RELATIONS
BETWEEN INJURED WORKERS &
ORGANIZED LABOUR
REPORT ON RELATIONS WITH LABOUR
SESSION AT CIWA NATIONAL
CONFERENCE, REGINA 1992
RETURNING TO WORK
VOC REHAB & RE-EMPLOYMENT
FROM THE INJURED WORKER'S
PERSPECTIVE
INJURED WORKERS … ON THE MOVE
COMING TOGETHER
VIDEOS & WORKBOOKS
YOUTH PROJECT MANUAL, 2002
SURVIVORS, 1997
TOGETHER WE CAN WIN, 1997
PEER HELPER TRAINING MANUAL,
2000 - "PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE"
LE COMBAT QUOTIDIEN DES VICTIMES
DU TRAVAIL, 1999
To find out more, please contact us at:
CIWA/ACVAMT
P.O. Box 10098, 1201 Jasper Drive
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6R2
Ph: 807-345-3429
Fx: 807-344-8683
Toll Free: 1-877-787-7010
Email: ciwa@vianet.ca
Web Site: www.ciwa.ca
Connect with an injured workers group near you.
Check out our web site at: www.ciwa.ca and click on "Who to Contact"
OR
Call our office at (807) 345-3429 or Toll Free at 1-877-787-7010
This Newsletter is intended to share information of interest to
injured workers/ groups / organizations, union activists and their supporters.
It provides a forum for sharing our experiences - so we can learn from each other - in order to improve the lives of
injured and disabled workers and the system that is there to assist them.
Please help - by sharing your story with us.
Printed by CUPE 87 / Imprimé par le SCFP 87
Page 16
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Dublin Core
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Title
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CIWA Highlights Newsletter Summer/Fall 2005
Description
An account of the resource
Advertising a chronic pain research project. Upcoming CIWA activities. Articles on youth at risk, lost pensions for widows in Newfoundland and Labrador, workers compensation in New Brunswick, WCA review committee seeking public opinion in Manitoba, the WIWS's actions in Saskatchewan, chronic pain in Alberta, allegations of fraud against the WCB in Alberta, the AODA in Ontario, WSIB rates going up in Ontario, injured workers suing WCB in Nova Scotia, injured workers in NWT, the British Colombia proclamation for RSD/CRPS awareness campaign, keeping volunteer's safe. A letter about justice. Letters from injured workers. Obituary for Orlando Buonastella.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
CIWA
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2005
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Subject
The topic of the resource
Labour and Labour Unions
-
https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/3dd44c982b1cdf43a369b322f93b384e.pdf
4dc85d1172aed7e75ee16bbabf8ef384
PDF Text
Text
CANADIAN PUBLICATION MAIL SALES AGREEMENT #1685422
Knowledge Exchange and Translation (KET)
The Canadian Injured Workers Alliance is leading a project in collaboration with researchers from
the University of Western Ontario, the University of Toronto and McMaster University which
received developmental funding for a one year project through the WSIB Research Advisory council.
The goal of this project is to examine the role of IWG’s in interpreting and communicating policy,
insurance, support, health, and research information to injured workers. The project’s focus will to
find out what IWG’s needs are in providing information, as well as how information is shared and
how information can be put into useful formats for use by injured workers. Strategies that IWG’s
and other groups involved in knowledge exchange with other consumers will also be examined.
Ultimately, the information collected through this project will lead to the development of a larger
study involving a large survey to evaluate injured workers’ use of information and knowledge in
decision-making and which approaches best support getting the information into the hands of
injured workers.
PARTICIPATION:
If you take part in this study, you will be involved in a focus group with up to 9 others who provide
information that injured workers need and request.
If you are interested in taking part in this Focus Group, please contact us.
Phone: 1-877-787-7010 / Fax: 807-344-8683 / Email: ciwa@vianet.ca
We look forward to hearing from you.
NOTICE
We have cancelled our post office box, and will only be receiving mail at our physical address.
Please change your records to reflect that only this address will be used:
1201 Jasper Drive
Thunder Bay, ON. P7B 6R2
Table of Contents
CIWA/ACVAMT Contacts ...................................... 2
CIWAY Contacts, Web Sites to Visit ....................... 3
Page 1
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
PLEASE HELP ………… S U B S C R I B E T O D A Y !
Name:
________________________________
Date:
Organization:
________________________________
Address:
________________________________
Highlights is published 4 times per year
________________________________
Injured Worker/Unemployed
$ 5.00 __________
Postal Code
________________________________
Individuals
$ 10.00 __________
Phone
________________________________
Organizations
$ 15.00 __________
Fax
________________________________
Donations
$
E-Mail
________________________________
Total
Web Site
________________________________
CIWA THANKS YOU for Your SUPPORT!
________________________________
Newsletter Subscription:
$
__________
__________
Editor’s Note
This newsletter is distributed via email, fax, or mail to CIWA/ACVAMT members and groups with an interest in
injured worker issues as resource tool to share and exchange information. The views and opinions expressed here
are those of the individuals or groups making submissions. We take no responsibility for their accuracy or for their
opinions. You are welcome to share and distribute this newsletter with others that are interested.
It is also available on our website at www.ciwa.ca.
PROVINCIAL REPRESENTATIVES OF CIWA/ACVAMT
VOLUNTEER BOARD OF
DIRECTORS…
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS…
President ...
Secretary …
Treasurer …
SK ... Robert Lindsay, Regina
Western Injured Workers Society
NS...
Dave MacKenzie, Westville Pictou County
PEI ... Leonard J. Crawford, Summerside
ON ... Gerry Landry, Thunder Bay
Ontario Network of Injured Worker Groups
AB...
Sherri Scott, Fort MacMurray
NL...
Clive Hamilton, Labrador City
Rob Lindsay
Leonard J. Crawford
Dave MacKenzie
ADVISORS…
Vincent Boyce, Injured Worker, Manitoba
Andy King, U.S.W.A.
Lynn Shaw, University of Western Ontario
Patti MacAhonic, BC Injured Workers and Survivors
Education Association
STAFF…
Phil Brake, National Coordinator
Monika Wiitala, Office Manager
L’ALLIANCE CANADIENNE DES VICTIMES D’ACCIDENTS ET DE MALADIES DU TRAVAIL
CANADIAN INJURED WORKERS ALLIANCE
Phone: 807-345-3429
Fax: 807-344-8683
Page 2
1201 Jasper Drive
Thunder Bay, Ontario. P7B 6R2
Toll Free: 1-877-787-7010
email: ciwa@vianet.ca
Web-site: www.ciwa.ca
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance of YOUTH (CIWAY)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS – Since MARCH 2004
PRESIDENT
TARA DORVAL
VICE PRESIDENT
DUSTIN EASTMAN
SECRETARY
JULIE SHOEMAKER
TREASURER
JESSICA BELANGER
Thunder Bay, ON
Regina, SK
Sommerset, MB
Winnipeg, MB
BOARD MEMBERS /
Provincial Reps
ANDREW BACCHUS
DAWN HAMILTON
PAIGE MOORE
AMANDA PERREAULT
DEAN RUDD
LILI TRINH
SCOTT WOLBAUM
JAMIE WOODHOUSE
Toronto, ON
Labrador City, NF
Montague, PEI
Brampton, ON
Whitehorse, YT
Toronto, ON
Regina, SK
Winnipeg, MB
For information on how to contact any of the above provincial representatives, please
contact our office in Thunder Bay, Ontario at 807-345-3429, or toll free: 1-877-7877010, fax: 807-344-8683, email: ciwa@vianet.ca or visit our website at www.ciwa.ca
Message from the National Coordinator / President
SDPP/D funding has historically been a critical component of CIWA’s operating budget. This has enabled us to achieve our
annual objectives, maintain an operating National Office, hold bi-annual BOD meetings, provide services and materials to
the public and IWG’s, acquire new IWG members, support the creation of new Injured Workers Groups in Alberta and B.C.,
and bring forward proposals on matters relevant to our mandate.
Some of our recent and upcoming activities include the following:
1.
Continued partnerships include the following:
Round Table Project – Dr. Celeste Johnson, Robert Lindsay, CIWA Rep
Canadian Pain Coalition
KET Project - Lynn Shaw, OT, University of Western Ontario, Robert Lindsay, and Phil Brake, CIWA Reps, Peter
Page, ONIWG, Colin Argyle, OFL, Sylvia Boyce / Andy King, Steelworkers
Council of Canadians with Disabilities
2.
We attended the ―End Exclusion‖ Forum, ―Building and Inclusive and Accessible Canada‖ in Ottawa, on November 2,
2006 hosted by the Council of Canadians with Disabilities.
3.
RIDEAU CANAL / INTERNATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING – APRIL 28, 2007
The Ottawa & District Injured Workers Group (ODIWG) and Mr. Kevin Dooley (WCB Pensioner) of the Canal
Workers Commemorative Group of Ottawa plan and hope to have the Canal, which is currently a National Parks
Historic site, to be declared a World Heritage Site in 2007. This will be the 175th Anniversary of the completion of
the Canal. Events are planned in conjunction with the International Day of Mourning and plan to raise awareness
and monies/donations which will be shared with the ODIWG, and the Ottawa Valley Head Injury Association.
4.
―Building worker capacity for participation and collaboration for achieving Return to Work (RTW) success‖.
A revised proposal focusing on RTW and the gaps that exist. This proposal is to compliment collaborative research
already in progress between CIWA, the NW Ontario School of Occupational Therapy, other rehab clinics,
universities, the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists, the Institute for Work & Health, the WSIB, the National
Centre of Audiology. This research emphasizes and Occupational Science perspective that considers a holistic
approach addressing the person/injured worker, the occupation, and the environment to investigate strategies and
approaches to support more effective RTW.
5.
―Rob coauthoring book w/Lynn‖.
CIWA has been asked to coauthor a
Page 3
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Group Demands Recognition of Disability Caused by Toxins in the Environment
MONTREAL, November 23, 2006
The Allergy and Environmental Health Association of Quebec (AEHAQ) presented a Petition for the recognition of
disability and immediate adequate support for people made ill from environmental exposures and was tabled in the
National Assembly of Quebec on Thursday, November 23, 2006 by Mrs. Yolande James, Member of the National
Assembly for Nelligan.
The Petition reads as follows: "We, the undersigned residents of Quebec, call upon the Government of Quebec to:
- formally acknowledge and recognize the disability caused by Environmental Illness, Multiple Chemical
Sensitivities and Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Syndrome;
- establish centers for research, education, diagnosis, treatment and testing for toxins in the human body;
- ensure safe adequate accommodation in hospitals;
- homecare support;
- recognition in the workplace;
- affordable, environmentally-safe housing and emergency shelters; and,
- offer immediate help for the chemically injured across Quebec.
Contact:Ms. Rohini Peris - President,
Mr. Michel Gaudet - Vice President,
Ms. Paula Mckeown – Secretary
Tel: (514) 683-5701
Email: aeha-quebec.ca
More information on chemical sensitivities can be found at: http://aeha-quebec.ca
The following definition of ―Environmental Sensitivities‖ has been copied from the website at:
http://aeha-quebec.ca
Environmental sensitivities can occur when people
become sensitive to substances or phenomena in their
everyday environment at levels well below what would
be considered to be acceptable to "normal" people.
Sensitivity reactions can be triggered by scented
products, cleaning products, laundry detergents,
paints, petrochemicals, cigarette smoke, pesticides,
pets, plants, fuels, electromagnetic radiation, molds
and foods.
are able to find a safe environment in which to live
and work, and if they can obtain (and afford)
treatments that are both tolerable and effective for
them. Sadly, despite skills and education, some people
with sensitivities end up on social assistance. Many
become socially isolated as they are forced to retreat
from places and activities they love, and for some, the
devastation extends to losing spouses, family and
friends who may not believe that they are ill.
The effect of environmental sensitivities can be
overwhelming. Productive people may suddenly or
gradually become unable to tolerate offices, homes,
schools, hospitals and public places. Employers, who
may or may not be aware of the problem, may refuse
to make the accommodations necessary to allow
people affected to continue working in safety. Many
people with sensitivities lose their jobs if they are not
provided with the accommodations they need to work
productively. Some become homeless. All too often,
retirement savings are depleted and debts are incurred
in an attempt to create safe living conditions and to
fund the cost of treatment. Treatment of these
problems can be expensive and difficult to obtain, and
includes avoidance of offending agents. Some people
with sensitivities do improve after many years if they
The disability may be invisible, but it is real. Like
others with disabilities, persons with sensitivities have
special needs which include, but are not limited to:
housing in a safe and tolerable environment so that
their bodies can heal, well-tolerated, environmentally
safe products available at a reasonable cost, consumer
self-help groups, a support system, tolerable meeting
places, publicly funded treatments, safe hospitals,
schools and other pubic facilities, and accommodation
in the workplace. Like all Canadians, we are entitled to
freedom from discriminatory treatment, which includes
the right to accessible workplaces, accommodation
and public facilities. Notably, environmental
sensitivities have been recognized as disabilities by the
Canadian Human Rights Commission and many
provincial human rights commissions.
Page 4
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Federal Government Cuts Funding
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Summarized from the publication entitled: ―A Voice of Our Own‖, from the Council of Canadians with Disabilities.
Website: www.ccdonline.ca
Here are some of the programs there were cut from the federal budget:
Court Challenges Program - $5.6 Million.
o The Court Challenges Program of Canada provided funding to ordinary Canadians to undertake
constitutional challenges against federal laws or programs – such as Workers’ Compensation.
Youth Employment - $55.6 million
o Some youth employment agencies received federal funding for part of their budgets.
Industrial Programs - $42.2 million.
o Technology Partnerships Canada
Medical marijuana research program - $4 million
Adult Learning and Literacy Skills Program $ 17.7 million
o Non-profit organizations received this for development programs and research.
Court Challenges Program and Other Programs Cut
Abolition of the Court Challenges Program (CCP) and others announced in the fall of 2006 has upset many. A website
campaign has been developed at: http://www.savecourtchallenges.ca where you can find out more on what you can
do, and all about the CCP program.
In brief: The Court Challenges Program (CCP) was established in 1978 to supply limited funds for selected test cases
for official minority language cases based on sections 93 and 133 of the Constitution Act, 1867. There are many cases
where funding was provided to plaintiffs or interveners in order for ordinary Canadians to have access to the court
system and have their voices heard and their Right considered when government laws and policies failed to take into
account their needs and aspirations. The CCP has been successful in a number of important court cases that have had
direct impacts on the implementation of linguistic and equality rights in Canada.
By cutting this program, the Canadian Government is saying yes to continued discrimination against persons with
disabilities and unfairly limiting Canada’s Constitutional Rights only to the wealthy. If ordinary Canadians cannot use
their rights because of financial barriers, then Canada’s Constitutional democracy is hollow.
The CCP has an established track record as an effective and accountable institution that promotes access to justice.
Their website contains reports and statistics on its activities.
During the last election campaign, Prime Minister Stephen Harper stated that if elected, a Conservative government
would ―articulate Canada’s core values on the world stage,‖ including ―the rule of law‖, ―human rights‖ and
―compassion for the less fortunate.‖
By cancelling the CCP, the government is basically indicating that those deserving the Right to be heard in order to
live on an equal footing with others, will not and do not deserve to be heard.
AN IRISH FRIENDSHIP WISH:
May
May
May
May
May
May
there always be work for your hands to do;
your purse always hold a coin or two;
the sun always shine on your windowpane;
a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;
the hand of a friend always be near you;
God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
Page 5
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Health/Labour
Man lives with lead poisoning
Endured hazardous working conditions for years
Deana Stokes Sullivan, The Telegram (St. John's)
Front, Sunday, January 14, 2007, p. A1
When Charlie Thompson began working in the early
1970s, repairing and painting automobile radiators, he
had no idea of the occupational hazards associated
with his work.
He felt fortunate to have a steady job that paid decent
wages. But after years of inhaling fumes and dust
from lead-based solder and the vapours of automotive
paint, Thompson began experiencing numerous
symptoms, including severe headaches.
"I used to have to come home from work, take 222s
and cover my head in blankets, I was in so much
pain," Thompson recalls.
Thompson, 52, and two co-workers repaired radiators
in an automotive shop. Three torches were going all
day, he said, soldering in a small room, measuring
about 35 by 40 feet. Lead solder was used up until
1994.
recently, a separate paint booth was constructed on
the site.
Thompson filed a claim for workers' compensation in
1993, but it took almost a decade for his symptoms to
be recognized as an occupational illness.
He was removed from the workplace in 2001, but his
blood lead levels are still above normal.
The result of blood testing last year showed a lead
reading of 0.796 micromoles per litre (umol/L), where
the normal reference should be zero to 0.48.
Thompson was also found to have higher-than-normal
levels of cadmium and zinc in his blood.
Large radiators, averaging 500 to 800 pounds, had to
be lifted through a door to the room and after the
soldering job was completed, they were often painted
with potent automotive coatings, using lacquers and
thinners.
A letter dated July 18, 2001 from the provincial labour
department's Workplace Health and Safety Inspections
division to Budden, Morris Barristers and Solicitors,
representing the Transportation and Allied Workers
Union, states that Dr. Jacques Levesque of New
Brunswick, "was very clear in pointing out that in his
opinion, three of the workers have chronic ill-health
effects related to long-term lead exposure." Levesque
is a lead expert who assessed the workers.
Thompson said at times the clouds of dust and fumes
were so thick he couldn't see his co-workers, who
were just 20 feet away from him.
Thompson blames a lack of action by Occupational
Health and Safety for allowing his illness to progress to
the point of impairing his cognitive abilities
Besides the headaches, he experienced other health
problems, including high blood pressure, kidney
stones, gastrointestinal problems, muscle deterioration
and pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition
affecting ligaments, nerves and bones in the arms and
wrists.
"The way I feel, I didn't get injured on the job, I got
poisoned," he said.
Blood testing for lead absorption wasn't conducted on
the employees until the mid 1980s.
Around 1988, Occupational Health and Safety
conducted a workplace inspection and made
recommendations for a ventilation system to improve
the conditions. After numerous other inspections and
air testing, which showed elevated airborne lead
levels, the workers were given respirators and, more
Page 6
The Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation
Commission (WHSCC), which eventually accepted that
Thompson suffered damage from lead exposure in his
workplace, said in a labour market referral report last
year, "Mr. Thompson's restrictions are mentally, more
than physically. He has had lead exposure which has
resulted in cognitive deficits, problems with new
learnings, etc."
Trish Dodd of the province's injured workers'
association wishes Occupational Health and Safety and
the WHSCC would recognize the other physical health
implications from Thompson's lead exposure.
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Lead is absorbed by the bones and organs and
accumulates in the body, causing numerous symptoms
besides cognitive problems, Dodd said.
Thompson's case was presented to the Newfoundland
and Labrador Human Rights Commission as well as the
province's citizens' representative office, which has
been investigating how Occupational Health and
Safety handled his case.
A document from Dr. Levesque, included in the Human
Rights Commission report, says Thompson cannot
return to work in a lead-contaminated work
environment.
"This recommendation has to be considered as a
formal permanent work restriction and is supported
both by the physical and neuropsychological evidence
available in his medical record," Levesque wrote.
While not considering Thompson totally disabled from
any type of employment on a permanent basis,
Levesque went on to say that his reinsertion into the
workforce in another capacity may be problematic, if
not met by some degree of failure, given his age,
limited past work experience and academic training,
cognitive and emotional deficits, and current physical
ailments.
Dodd said despite this assessment, in 2003 the
WHSCC decided to reduce Thompson's disability pay
by about $400 a week, on the basis that he could
potentially work as a light duty cleaner, leaving him
with only about $250 a week. She said the commission
obviously didn't consider that cleaners work with
chemicals, which could further jeopardize Thompson's
health.
Dodd plans to continue working on Thompson's behalf
with the hope that he will get full extended earnings
loss, based on his physical and mental disabilities from
lead exposure.
When Thompson left his job, he was earning about
$40,000 a year. In addition to losing earnings, he also
lost health and medical benefits.
He said the impact his occupational illness has had on
his life and his family has been immeasurable. If his
wife didn't work, he'd never be able to live on his
workers' compensation payments, he said.
For years, Thompson said, he has had trouble sleeping
because of muscle and bone pain, and he often has to
resort to taking medications before going to bed.
"It has left my whole life, financially, emotionally and
personally, in ruins."
dss@thetelegram.com
© 2007 The Telegram (St. John's). All rights
reserved.
Deana Stokes Sullivan, Health reporter
The Telegram
P.O. Box 5970
Columbus Drive
St. John's, Nfld. A1C 5X7
Tel: 709-364-2323 or 709-364-6300 EXT. 325
Remember:
You have the right to
refuse unsafe work!
Page 7
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Error cost $1.5M By DEANA STOKES SULLIVAN, The Telegram
A group of workers on long-term disability received
more than $1.5 million in retroactive pay and interest
from the provincial Workplace Health Safety and
Compensation Commission (WHSCC) last year, all
because of an error in calculating consumer price
index adjustments.
The error dates back to 1994, and by the time it was
corrected, some of the claimants had passed away.
The fact the mistake wasn’t detected for 11 years has
the Newfoundland and Labrador Injured Workers’
Association calling for more accountability at the
WHSCC.
The commission, however, says it acted quickly when
the error was discovered and promptly paid up. The
error was picked up in a claim review, a WHSCC
spokeswoman confirmed Monday. She said it
originated from one per cent being applied as a
consumer price index (CPI) — or cost-of-living —
adjustment in 1994 instead of 1.9 per cent.
The WHSCC policy manual states that long-term
disability benefits are fully indexed to the annual
change in the CPI for Canada. The CPI measures
inflationary changes in the cost of products and
services.
The 1994 error had an accumulative effect on
indexation calculations for subsequent years until it
was corrected in 2005. The error affected 1,448 active
claims for what the commission terms extended
earnings loss or long-term disability.
In cases where claimants had passed away, money
owing was paid to their estates, the commission said.
The amount paid to fix the error is said to have been
roughly $1.56 million — $1.35 million owed to
claimants plus approximately $214,000 in interest.
According to the WHSCC, the average individual
payout was about $800 and the maximum was about
$2,100, including interest. Cheques were sent by midMay last year.
Trish Dodd of the injured workers’ association said
she’s aware of much larger retroactive amounts being
paid out.
She has a letter from the WHSCC dated Feb. 16, 2005,
referencing a payout of more than $21,000 to an
injured worker which explains that the person’s longterm disability benefits were not indexed properly
because the CPI rate wasn’t calculated properly.
Page 8
―The letter doesn’t give any other reason,‖ Dodd said,
adding if there were other errors, that just backs up
her point that there needs to be more accountability to
ensure that claimants are compensated properly.
She said she was surprised to be contacted about the
indexation error personally last year by Ann Marie
Hann, then chief executive officer of the WHSCC.
In the 11 years during which the error went
unchecked, there were several chief executive officers
and board appointments to the commission.
Hann, who assumed the top position with the WHSCC
in 2000, is no longer with the organization. She was
replaced in June 2005 by Joe O’Neill, who continues to
be acting chief executive officer. The WHSCC said his
appointment last year was on an interim basis while it
went about recruiting a permanent CEO.
Although the indexation error has now been corrected,
Dodd said she wonders what other errors might be
slipping through and where accountability is at the
WHSCC, especially considering that it was an injured
worker questioning his claim who caused the error to
be detected.
The WHSCC spokeswoman said a process has since
been put into place to double check CPI indexation
amounts every year for long-term disability claimants.
She said the error and resulting payout have not had
any affect on employer’s assessment rates.
―We called employers. We were proactive and very
upfront and honest to explain the error,‖ she said.
Dodd said the injured workers group wants the
provincial auditor general to review the commission’s
financial affairs.
Auditor General John Noseworthy’s annual reports
have raised concerns about the commission’s
unfunded liability in recent years.
In the WHSCC’s 2005 annual report, its unfunded
liability was reported to be $139.2 million. It was
$160.1 million in 2004.
In its response to the auditor general’s inquiries, the
WHSCC said one of its key financial objectives is to
eliminate its unfunded liability by 2020.
In 2001, it stood at more than $200 million.
dss@thetelegram.com
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Chronic Pain: 'It’s not in people’s heads'
An article from: The ChronicleHerald.ca (Halifax, NS – May 16/06)
MEMBERTOU — Chronic pain is real, and health
professionals have to get that message across, an
expert in the field says. "It’s not in people’s heads, it’s
not just that they’re trying to get out of things they
don’t like to do. It’s that they have real physical pain
and we now understand chronic pain to be a neural
response to tissue injury," said Dr. Mary Lynch, interim
director of the QEII Health Sciences Centre’s pain
management unit.
Dr. Lynch was the keynote speaker at the recent third
annual Pain Day conference at the Membertou Trade
and Convention Centre, where seven doctors spoke to
other health professionals about chronic-pain
management. Topics included the use of narcotics in
palliative care and in treating non-cancer pain, as well
as reviews of hip, knee and ankle pain.
Dr. Lynch said the problem of chronic pain is dismissed
because ours is a pain-denying culture and the
problem costs a lot to alleviate. "The human suffering
alone and the economic burden that comes with that
is huge. You’ll see insurers and policy-makers and
workers’ compensation boards trying to deny that it’s
real."
She said the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova
Scotia can no longer deny the problem is real since a
2003 Supreme Court of Canada ruling that workers
with chronic pain are eligible to be assessed for longterm benefits. Conference moderator Dr. Robert
MacNeill, who works in pain management at Cape
Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney, said the service is
under-funded in Nova Scotia, resulting in longer
waiting times.
"If you have slower access to diagnostic services or
specialists you tend to build a greater population of
people that would have chronic pain," he said. "Long
wait lists is our biggest headache."
gmacvicar@herald.ca)
Chronic Pain Awards ?
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Mr. Clarence Fraser, of the PEI Coalition of Injured
Workers Group would like to know whether the
Supreme Court of Canada decision of Martin & LaSeur,
October 3, 2003 has had any effect on other provinces
in regard to awards for Chronic Pain and which version
of the AMA Guidelines to Permanent Impairment are
used.
If there has been a percentage given for chronic pain,
as was initially allowed in WCAT No 915A in Ontario,
please let us know. A copy of the PMI policy indicating
how workers are compensated for a permanent
impairment on PEI is available by contacting Clarence
Fraser @ cfraser@islandtelecom.com or the CIWA
office.
ONTARIO:
Submitted by: Francis M. Bell, of TBWISE:
PI assessments for workers injured from January 2,
1990 are completed via the Third edition (b) of the
AMA Guides for Impairment Ratings. The WSIB has
reviewed and determined that they will not move to
newer versions of the AMA guide. Workers who have
pension claims are rated via the "The Ontario Rating
Schedule" guide.
NOVA SCOTIA:
It has been over 2 years since the ruling of Martin &
LaSeur in the Supreme Court of Canada and
individuals eligible for the Chronic Pain award, are still
waiting. Some have actually won their cases through
all three stages of the Appeals Tribunal, and the
Workers’ Compensation Board has actually found ways
of going against these rulings and not paying the
award out as ordered by the courts or tribunals.
THE FIFTH ESTATE
We have acquired the direct phone line of the
Executive Producer of the 5th Estate, Mr. David Studer.
Anyone having a problem concerning issues with their
provincial workers compensation board, should leave
Mr. Studer a brief voice mail concerning their case.
Perhaps if they receive enough information, then will
they pay attention and help injured workers receive
their due benefits.
ALBERTA
The Edmonton Sun covered a story over 2 pages in
November 2006
from Sherri Scott July 2006
Page 9
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Alberta continues to grow at explosive rates, especially
in the oilsands construction industry, providing
employment for many Canadians and foreigners alike.
Alberta companies tout environmentally friendly
policies and procedures however are throwing their
injured workers to the streets. With over 200,000
workers being injured every year, of which
approximately 20-25% are serious, career changing or
disabling injuries. 95% of these cases never receive a
penny from their WCB claims and are forced to welfare
after selling their homes to provide for their families in
an attempt to 'hang on' while their claims are
processed. The injured worker’s family is put under
incredible hardship and duress as they usually end up
loosing their homes, their families through divorce and
are financially destroyed as a result. Due to the
depression that accompanies the loss of control in
their life, along with the above complications in an
injured workers life, it is no wonder that in Alberta five
percent of these cases end in the injured worker
committing suicide.
The Canadian Injured Worker's Group is working
towards building bridges between the injured workers,
Alberta Construction Association and these companies
who employ these injured workers with a common
goal of less injuries on the jobsite, and the employer
taking responsibility for their injured workers.
As this is a huge project, requiring years to implement,
thousands of volunteers, and incredible financial
support, as our starting point, we are approaching the
companies for their support and financial backing to
build an Injured Workers support/information centre in
Alberta. Fort McMurray is the choosen location, as it is
the hub of the oilsands, and would be the perfect
location as a means of educating all individuals
involved (whether it be the injured worker, the family
members of an injured worker, health care
professionals, employment agencies, and employers)
in all topics that concern both the employer and the
injured worker's.
CanadaHelps.org
CanadaHelps is a unique Canadian donor portal, that offers a low-cost online fundraising option for
Canadian charities. They operate on the premise that facilitating online donations is rendered most
cost-effective by using electronic fund transfer (EFT) and electronic communication methods. Using
EFT, all the funds, minus a 3% transaction fee, are transferred directly to the charity's bank account on
a weekly basis. Email communication provides the charity with real-time reporting and notification of
each donation made on the site. While we list all 78,000 charities, only those that register with us can
proactively use our services, download donation data, and update their profiles on the
CanadaHelps.org portal.
http://www.techsoup.org/
TechSoup Stock connects nonprofits and public libraries with donated and discounted technology
products. Choose from over 240 products from companies such as Microsoft, Adobe, and Symantec.
They also conduct surveys, discussion forums, educational sessions on technology and many other
topics.
Remember:
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough
people to make it worth the effort!
Herm Albright
Page 10
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Our Goals
CIWA/ACVAMT
Is about
SUPPORT
We are a national network of
injured worker's groups (IWG's)
and we exist to strengthen
and support the work of local
and provincial IWG's across
Canada.
To work towards a just
INDEPENDENCE
We believe that injured
workers should be in control of
their own destinies & Injured
Workers Groups must be
democratically controlled by
injured workers.
PARTNERSHIPS
We believe that we can best
assist these objectives by
providing training and
educational resources in
partnership with provincial or
territorial organizations of
injured workers and the trade
union movement at all levels.
INFORMATION SHARING
We believe that by sharing
our stories and our experience
we can learn from each other
and become better
educated and exert more
control over our lives.
system of compensation,
rehabilitation and reemployment in all of Canada.
To provide a national forum
for debating issues
concerning injured workers at
national conferences and
board workshops.
To gather and share
information with groups
across Canada.
To improve the Occupational
Health & Safety of workers
across Canada.
To identify and make
available, educational and
training resources produced
by the union movement and
other agencies, that focus on
organizing and maintaining
effective injured worker
groups.
To enhance the local base of
the injured workers
movement through all our
activities.
To form partnerships that will
achieve common goals.
Publications
Available
The VOICE OF INJURED WORKER
PLAIN TALK
HOW TO IMPROVE RELATIONS
BETWEEN INJURED WORKERS &
ORGANIZED LABOUR
REPORT ON RELATIONS WITH LABOUR
SESSION AT CIWA NATIONAL
CONFERENCE, REGINA 1992
RETURNING TO WORK
VOC REHAB & RE-EMPLOYMENT
FROM THE INJURED WORKER'S
PERSPECTIVE
INJURED WORKERS … ON THE MOVE
COMING TOGETHER
VIDEOS & WORKBOOKS
YOUTH PROJECT MANUAL, 2002
SURVIVORS, 1997
TOGETHER WE CAN WIN, 1997
PEER HELPER TRAINING MANUAL,
2000 - "PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE"
LE COMBAT QUOTIDIEN DES VICTIMES
DU TRAVAIL, 1999
To find out more, please contact us at:
CIWA/ACVAMT
P.O. Box 10098, 1201 Jasper Drive
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6R2
Ph: 807-345-3429
Fx: 807-344-8683
Toll Free: 1-877-787-7010
Email: ciwa@vianet.ca
Web Site: www.ciwa.ca
Connect with an injured workers group near you.
Check out our web site at: www.ciwa.ca and click on "Who to Contact"
OR
Call our office at (807) 345-3429 or Toll Free at 1-877-787-7010
This Newsletter is intended to share information of interest to
injured workers/ groups / organizations, union activists and their supporters.
It provides a forum for sharing our experiences - so we can learn from each other - in order to improve the lives of
injured and disabled workers and the system that is there to assist them.
Please help - by sharing your story with us.
Printed by CUPE 87 / Imprimé par le SCFP 87
Page 11
�
Dublin Core
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Title
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Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Dublin Core
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Title
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CIWA Highlights Newsletter Fall 2006
Description
An account of the resource
Message from the president about the use of the CIWA's budget and events. Articles about a IWA research project on the IWA's role in interpreting and communicating policy, a petition for the recognition of injuries caused by toxins in the environment, cuts to the Federal government's budget, reactions to the Court Challenges Program being cut, a man who is living with lead poisoning, an error made by the WHSCC that resulted in injured workers being awarded $1.5M, chronic pain. An Irish Friendship Wish.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
CIWA
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2006
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Subject
The topic of the resource
Labour and Labour Unions
-
https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/e53e9eefff7a8fccddae0ba9b36c0f8c.pdf
d6dbe57f50715b1de37f4e7573bd3319
PDF Text
Text
CANADIAN PUBLICATION MAIL SALES AGREEMENT #1685422
50/50 Draw
Special Thanks
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Sherri Scott, our Board
Member in Fort MacMurray, Alberta; Tammy McCallum and Deborah RiceSolomons, employees with Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (CNRL) who
were key to organizing and conducting the 50/50 Draw on behalf of the
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance, on January 17, 2008. Tammy and
Deborah were instrumental in recruiting
volunteers to sell tickets and ensuring all
aspects of the draw were a success.
The lucky winner of the $10,000 draw was:
Dave Nicholson, an employee with Wabi
Contractors.
Pictured: (L-R) Sherri Scott, Dave Nicholson, Tammy McCallum
Thank you to all involved including the employees and contractors for the
Horizon Group, and CNRL that rewarded us with fundraising efforts of
$ 10,000.00 !!!
Inside …..
CIWA/ACVAMT Contacts ............................................................. 2
Provincial Reports (BC) ............................................................... 3
Provincial Reports (SK) ................................................................ 4
Saskatchewan Privacy Commissioner “Breach of Privacy” Report .... 4
Provincial Reports (ON) ............................................................... 5
Provincial Reports (NS) ............................................................... 5
Railway Safety Act Review ........................................................... 6
Tidbits from Workers Health & Safety Centre ................................ 6
Ontario Ministry of Labour
New Employment Standards Act (ESA) Poster for Workplaces ...........
New Workplace Safety DVD Distributed
to All Ontario High Schools ........................................................ 7
WSIB Announces Review of Experience Rating Program ................. 8
Internet Resources: On-line Medical Dictionary ............................. 8
Bill 14 ......................................................................................... 9
Stakeholder Submissions on Bill 187 Interim Changes .................... 9
Trick Question ........................................................................... 10
Sentencing for Quebec workplace death a first ............................ 11
CIWA, About ............................................................................ 12
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
P L E A SE HE L P … … … … S U B S C R I B E T O D A Y !
Name:
________________________________ Date:
Organization:
________________________________
Address:
________________________________
________________________________
Postal Code
________________________________
Phone
________________________________
Fax
________________________________
E-Mail
________________________________
Web Site
________________________________
________________________________
Newsletter Subscription:
Highlights is published 4 times per year
Injured Worker/Unemployed
$ 5.00 _________
Individuals
$ 10.00 _________
Organizations
$ 15.00 _________
Donations
$
_________
Total
$
_________
CIWA THANKS YOU for Your SUPPORT
Editor’s Note
This newsletter is distributed via email, fax, or mail to CIWA/ACVAMT members and gro ups with an interest in
injured worker issues as resource tool to share and exchange information. The views and opinions expressed here
are those of the individuals or groups making submissions. We take no responsibility for their accuracy or for their
opinions. You are welcome to share and distribute this newsletter with others that are interested.
It is also available on our website at www.ciwa.ca.
PROVINCIAL REPRESENTATIVES OF CIWA/ACVAMT
VOLUNTEER BOARD OF DIRECTORS…
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS…
SK ... Robert Lindsay, Regina
Western Injured Workers Society
President ...
Secretary …
Treasurer …
NS...
Dave MacKenzie, Westville Pictou County
PEI ... Leonard J. Crawford, Summerside
ON ... Gerry Landry, Thunder Bay
Ontario Network of Injured Worker Groups
AB...
Sherri Scott, Fort MacMurray
NL...
Clive Hamilton, Labrador City
Rob Lindsay
Leonard J. Crawford
Dave MacKenzie
ADVISORS…
Vincent Boyce, Injured Worker, Manitoba
Andy King, U.S.W.A.
Lynn Shaw, University of Western Ontario
Patti MacAhonic, BC Injured Workers and
Survivors Education Association
STAFF…
Phil Brake, National Coordinator
Monika Wiitala, Office Manager
L’ALLIANCE CANADIENNE DES VICTIMES D’ACCIDENTS ET DE MALADIES DU TRAVAIL
CANADIAN INJURED WORKERS ALLIANCE
1201 Jasper Drive
Thunder Bay, Ontario. P7B 6R2
Phone: 807-345-3429
Fax: 807-344-8683
Page 2
email: ciwa@vianet.ca
Toll Free: 1-877-787-7010
Web-site: www.ciwa.ca
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
PROVINCIAL REPORTS
BRITISH COLUMBIA
As the widow of an injured worker and the mother of an
injured worker, a statement I made many years ago has
since been quoted many times by various sources,
including industry newsletters and Hansard, BC
legislature. “No one should have to go through what
our family did. Every BC family has the right to expect
their family members to come home at the end of the
day, and our political leaders and agencies charged with
the responsibility of protecting workers must make sure
that happens.” 1
most at risk for workplace injuries than workers of any
other age group. More than half of workplace accidents
involving workers aged 15 to 24 occur during the first six
months on the job, almost 20 percent occur during the
first month on the job. Young males under the age of
25 are at the highest risk for a workplace injury in BC;
every day 36 young workers are hurt on the job and
that every week, 5 of these workers are permanently
injured. 4
While I believed it then and I believe it now, I also have
come to realize that while political leaders and agencies
charged with the responsibilities of making sure our
family members come home safely are responsible as
well. We know all too well, first hand what happens
when workers are killed or injured on the job and
according to the statistics the amount of injured workers
killed or injured are still unacceptably high. Solutions
must include input from injured workers and survivors
that have the motivation and passion to make change.
There needs to be full stakeholder involvement in
collaboration with our political leaders and agencies to
find solutions that work so that more BC workers come
home to their families each year, without injury.
1
In 2005 there was a 40%
increase in fatalities from
the previous year, 2004.
188 workers died as the
result of a workplace
injury, this is recorded as
the highest level in 25
years.
The active participation of the
many stakeholders in BC
including, injured workers,
family members and
survivors, who completed
surveys, advocates, union
reps, employers and various
organizations who deal with
injured workers who
participated in focus groups
and representatives from the
ministries of labour and health and the WCB/WorkSafe
who participated in interviews ensured a comprehensive
collection of data that was required to gain a clear
overview of the issues faced by injured workers and
what is needed for a centre in BC to be effective.
“This included 11 young
workers (5 of the 11
worked in the construction industry) 43 fatalities in the
forest sector and 39 deaths in the construction
industry”. 2
Fatalities for forest industry workers for that past years
include forty-three lives lost in 2005, 12 lives lost in
2006 and for 2007 up to the end of February 14, there
were already three lives lost. 3
Three out of every four young workers claims are for
young males. The injury rate for young male workers is
about 33 percent higher than the overall injury rate in
B.C. WCB/WorkSafe reports that each hour in BC, 1
young worker is hurt on the job. Young workers are the
2
MacAhonic, P. National Day of Mourning Service. (1998)
Health and Workplace Safety. A brief by the British Columbia
Federation of Labour. April 2006.
3
BC Forest Safety Council, Safety Statistics,
http://www.bcforestsafe.org/content-nav-stats/nav-stats-1-about.htm
Accessed February 14, 2007
4
Safety at Work, Frequently asked questions.
http://www2.worksafebc.com/Topics/YoungWorker/FAQ.asp Accessed
February 2007.
Over the past months in my role as Western Canada
Advisor for CIWA and an MBA student, Royal Roads
University I have been diligently working on a feasibility
study for an Injured Worker Centre in BC for the
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance.
The study is complete; the CIWA team, which includes
the board and advisors, are ready to conduct the next
steps, which are review of the plan and strategies
regarding the study.
I want to commend the hardworking CIWA Team, who
actively supported me throughout this process. A
special thank you goes out to Dr. Lynn Shaw, Advisor,
Page 3
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Robert Lindsay, Phil Brake, and Sherri Scott, as well as
Monika who fielded stray faxes and emails and made
sure they arrived to me in BC. I also want to extend a
special thanks to Liz Davies from the BC Persons with
Disabilities Office who arranged and donated space, as
well as Jim Parker from the BC Nurses Union who
recruited participants and also provided meeting space.
Jim has been an invaluable support and colleague for
many years. Also George Allen from the BC Southern
Injured Workers Group, who arranged and organized
meetings and who actively, has made a difference for
injured workers for many years in his region. Finally, I
would like to thank Jan Siwinski, management
consultant who volunteered her time to facilitate focus
groups for this project.
I look forward to our next steps and the improvement of
conditions for injured workers and their families all
across Canada.
Yours in solidarity,
Patti MacAhonic, BA, MBA Candidate
Western Canada Advisor, Canadian Injured Workers
Alliance
SASKATCHEWAN
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS IN SASKATCHEWAN
In the Province of Saskatchewan, the Western Injured
Workers Society has been working hard at getting our
Government to allowing us to implement our Youth
project in the Schools.
come out of it. They were doing some program training
in the past, but we are uncertain if they are continuing
on.
We will look into that area with the SFL.
The N.D.P. Government had showed some interest in
the program but the main issue was, if they were to
implement the program into the curriculum, then who
would be responsible to teach it. This issue has forced
everything to come to a halt.
Some Unions have youth teams within their own locals,
but not doing any training for Youth outside of their local
Unions.
Now that we have a new Government, hopefully we can
work with them in regards to implementing our program
into the schools of Saskatchewan.
The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) also has a
Youth program, but we haven't seen very much action
CIWA must get the ball rolling with the provincial
organizations to ensure our Youth Project continues on
in all Provinces.
Yours Truly
Robert Lindsay
President/ CIWA
SASKATCHEWAN PRIVACY COMMISSIONER “BREACH OF PRIVACY” REPORT
Fellow Injured Workers,
For the past 10 years, I, like many IW‟s have been
conditioned to believe we have little by way of legal
recourse against WCB, much less the option to sue this
corrupt bureaucracy. Well, as fate would have it, the
Saskatchewan Privacy Commissioner has inadvertently,
provided us with a means in which to pursue such
litigation.
On March 28th, 2007, the Privacy Commissioner released
a 78 page report, regarding a “Breach of Privacy”
complaint against the Saskatchewan Workers‟
Compensation Board. In this report, the Commissioner
found 3 specific areas where a claimant‟s privacy was
clearly violated. As it turns out, these same violations
can be found in countless WCB claims in Saskatchewan,
Page 4
and I firmly believe they‟re common in other
jurisdictions as well.
I‟ve compiled all relevant information regarding these
privacy breaches, and posted it on a recently published
website. Injured workers who have been wrongfully
denied WCB benefits will find this information of
particular interest, as nay claimant with respects to
these violations.
You‟ll find this website at:
http://tombrownskwcb.tripod.com/saskatchewa
nwcbbreachofprivacy
Regards,
Tom Brown (Injured Workers, SK)
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
ONTARIO
ONIWG has had a busy year; our PAC has worked
hard with Labour and our friends in the Legal
community to win some small victories. We can‟t
forget our injured workers who are always front and
centre at all events. THANK YOU INJURED
WORKERS!!!!!!!!
Here are a few Highlights:
We made them move on the deeming issue:
MOL and the Liberals that is.
How it will fall out remains to be seen.
We received 2.5 % increase in our partial
LOES for June 2007, January 2008, and
January 2009. The next step is to have
it be permanent.
We have held our June first Demo: our
attendance at Queen‟s Park was quite
high thanks to Labour.
Have attended Day of mourning.
RSI day
Demonstrated in front of the MOL‟s (Steve
Peters) constituency office to show our
displeasure with the way deeming was being
interpreted by WSIB. This was during the
election in October; again a good turn out
by the London injured workers, Hamilton,
Toronto and again Labour. I am sure I
missed some group and I sincerely
apologize.
We have forged new alliances with other
disability groups in our province. The trick is
to follow up and keep building.
Our ongoing relationship with researchers is still
strong with Steve Mantis and the RAACWII
research and I with CIWA‟s KET or knowledge
transfer. While sometimes I feel like we are being
studied to death (INJURED WORKERS that is).
I feel that the research gives many of us a voice
and a platform for making change. We are
thinking of putting together a conference to bring
a lot of the researchers together to compare and
share the knowledge gathered. This is still in the
infancy stage.
We are currently trying to meet with the
new MOL and his staff to ask for more
change and to follow up on any promises
made in the last election that they have
not delivered on. NOTE: not this election but
the first one the Liberals won remember
Dalton„s promise on a fair system for injured
workers.
DECEMBER 11 DAY of ACTION will be held
at the MOL office and while the usual crowd
will be on hand Sid Ryan has expressed
interest in speaking. He may be able to
draw a bit more press.
Well that is all I can think of for now Gerry. I hope
your meeting is fruitful and that our new year brings
us closer together as injured worker groups and
friends. And let us all reflect on our blessings no
matter how small and be thankful over this holiday.
Sincerely:
Peter Page
President ONIWG
NOVA SCOTIA
Since our last meeting, I have been very busy helping
injured workers receive what is coming to them. I
have been successful in helping eight different people
receive their benefits for WCB. Four of them received
the money that was owed to them. I have never
charged any one for services. I had three CPP cases
and was successful in all three.
The South Shore Injured Workers are very active, and
doing quite well. The Pictou County Injured Workers
held a very successful Day of Mourning Ceremony on
April 28, 2007. I attended the service of David Day in
Stellarton and laid a wreath on behalf of the Town of
Westville, of which I am the Deputy Mayor. Since no
one showed up from the New Glasgow District Labour
Council, I was asked to lay their wreath as well, since
I am the Past President of the Labour Council.
The present Conservative Government of Nova Scotia
is trying to pass a law in the Legislature on the next
sitting to make a “No Strike” Law on Health Care
Workers. At this time the opposition N.D.P. and the
Liberals are going to vote against this Bill. The Nova
Scotia Federation of Labour and government workers
Page 5
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
are staging a protest to try to convince the
government of the day to rescind their motion.
Hopefully, this Bill will be defeated.
At this time, I would like to say thanks to our National
Coordinator, Mr. Phil Brake, and our President, Mr.
Robert Lindsay for a job well done. Keep up the good
work. It‟s not easy.
Sincerely,
Dave MacKenzie, Nova Scotia.
December, 2007
Railway Safety Act Review
Address and information: / Renseignements généraux:
Tim Meisner, Executive Director / Directeur exécutif,
Railway Safety Act Review Secretariat / Secrétariat sur l'Examen de la Loi sur la sécurité ferroviaire
180 Elgin Street, Suite 901, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2K3
Tel/Tél: (613) 998-6462 / Fax: (613) 998-8274
E-mail: RailwaySafetyActReview@tc.gc.ca / Courriel: ExamenLoiSecuriteFerroviaire@tc.gc.ca
I am pleased to announce the release of Stronger Ties:
A Shared Commitment to Railway Safety, the report of
the Railway Safety Act Review Advisory Panel. You may
view, download or request a copy from the website at:
www.tc.gc.ca/tcss/RSA_Review-Examen_LSF.
On February 20, 2007, the Honourable Lawrence
Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and
Communities announced the appointment of a fourmember Advisory Panel to assist him in conducting a
review of the Railway Safety Act (RSA). In the course of
its work, the Panel consulted with a broad range of
stakeholders across Canada, including the public, railway
companies and their industry associations, railway
employees and their unions, the provinces and
territories, municipalities, aboriginal and environmental
groups, Transport Canada, and other federal
departments and agencies.
The Panel held 15 public consultation meetings, heard
from over 70 presenters and received over 180 written
submissions from a variety of stakeholders. Panel
members also visited a number of sites to gain further
insight into rail operations and safety.
The input of stakeholders was important to the work of
the Panel and its members were impressed with the
cooperation and level of interest that the Review
generated.
Page 6
Je suis très heureux d'annoncer la parution de Renforcer
les liens: un engagement partagé pour la sécurité
ferroviaire, rapport du Comité consultatif sur l'Examen
de la Loi sur la sécurité ferroviaire. Vous pourriez le
consulter ou le télécharger à partir du site Web, ou
encore en demander une copie du rapport à l'adresse
suivante :
www.tc.gc.ca/tcss/RSA_Review-Examen_LSF.
Le 20 février 2007, l'honorable Lawrence Cannon,
ministre des Transports, de l'Infrastructure et des
Collectivités a annoncé la nomination d'un comité
consultatif formé de quatre membres pour l'aider à
mener un examen de la Loi sur la sécurité ferroviaire
(LSF). Au cours de l'Examen, le Comité a consulté un
large éventail d'intervenants partout au Canada. Le
Comité a tenu 15 séances de consultation publique, a
entendu plus de 70 présentations et a reçu plus de 180
mémoires. En outre, les membres du Comité ont visité
une variété de sites afin de mieux connaître les enjeux
de l'exploitation ferroviaire et de la sécurité.
L'apport des intervenants était important pour le travail
du Comité et ses membres ont été impressionnés par la
coopération et le niveau d'intérêt manifestés pour
l'Examen.
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
ONTARIO MINISTRY OF LABOUR
New Employment Standards Act (ESA) Poster for Workplaces
www.labour.gov.on.ca
TORONTO, Feb. 27 /CNW/ - The province is publishing
a new version of a poster about the Employment
Standards Act (ESA) that most Ontario employers will
be required to post in the workplace.
The poster outlines worker and employer rights and
obligations and reflects recent changes to the ESA,
regarding:
- Minimum wage
- Reservist leave
- Declared emergency leave
- Family Day and
- Employees who qualify to take a family medical
leave.
"Recent changes to the Employment Standards Act are
helping both workers and employers and moving
Ontario forward in healthy and productive ways," said
Ontario Labour Minister Brad Duguid.
The ESA requires all workplaces regulated by the act
to post the document in English and the majority
language of the workplace. The poster will be
available in 21 languages besides English and French,
recognizing the diversity in Ontario's productive
workplaces.
Labour's website or by visiting a Service Ontario
Centre. It can also be ordered from Service Ontario
Publications, for the cost of shipping and handling.
The poster is available in English, French, Arabic,
Bengali, Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Simplified),
Dari, Farsi, Filipino, Greek, Gujarati, Hindi, Italian,
Korean, Oji-Cree, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian,
Spanish, Tamil, Urdu and Vietnamese.
Background information:
Pursuant to the ESA, section 2(3), most employers will
be required to post version 4.0 of "What You Should
Know about The Ontario Employment Act" once it is
published. From February 15 to 11, 2008, as a
transition, employment standards officers may
compliance orders for failure to post the new version
of the poster. Notices of contravention or prosecutions
may be initiated only failure to comply with a
compliance order. Failure to post the version of the
poster is a contravention under the act.
On and after April 12, officers may use the full range
of enforcement to ensure that employers are
complying with the requirement post version 4.0,
including issuing notices of contravention with
penalties.
All language versions of the poster continue to be
available free by downloading it from the Ministry of
New Workplace Safety DVD Distributed
to All Ontario High Schools
Our Youth at Work (OYAW) launched a new workplace safety DVD on September 27, 2007 to inform youth, parents
and employers of the dangers young workers face when they first enter the workforce. OYAW believes this new
format will enable it to reach more students more efficiently, and empower young workers to ask their employers
questions so they know the risks involved in their jobs. A copy of this DVD has been sent to every high school in
Ontario. For more information about Our Youth At Work, visit its web site at:
http://www.oyaw.com/index.cfm?i=2852.
Page 7
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
WSIB Announces Review of Experience Rating Program
March 10, 2008
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2008/10/c2446.html
TORONTO, March 10 /CNW/ - Workplace Safety and
Insurance Board (WSIB) Chair Steven Mahoney, P.C.,
announced today that the WSIB is conducting a review
of its Experience Rating program. Also, effective
immediately, if a company is responsible for a workplace
fatality, they won't be eligible for a rebate from the
WSIB.
The review will make recommendations to modernize
and strengthen the program, in areas such as:
accounting for legislative non-compliance, creating a
process to validate workplace health and safety
performance, and a long-term plan to directly tie all
incentive programs to proactive health and safety
initiatives.
Experience rating is a cost-based incentive program
intended to promote good health and safety practices,
early and safe return to work and appropriate disability
management practices. In this program employers
receive rebates or surcharges according to their
performance based on claims costs. Under certain
circumstances, it is possible for a company to have a
traumatic workplace fatality and still receive a rebate
from the Experience Rating program. This is because
Experience Rating is a cost-based program and some
fatalities do not result in high costs; for instance, if a
worker didn't have dependants.
"The Experience Rating program should raise the bar by
rewarding excellent results in health and safety,
prevention and return to work," said Mahoney. "The
program has been effective in getting the results we
need, but I know more can be done with Experience
Rating to improve health and safety for the workers and
employers of Ontario. We are strengthening this
program so that it is fairer, better leverages our partners
in prevention, provides direct incentives to improve
health and safety, and gets us to our goal of zero
injuries, illnesses and fatalities."
"It is unacceptable to me that a company responsible for
a fatality would still get a rebate cheque from the
WSIB," said Mahoney. "Our five-year strategic plan is
the Road to Zero, and that is the only acceptable
number of fatalities."
Mahoney also called for a review of Experience Rating to
find other areas of improvement and better align the
program to the Road to Zero.
Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
plays a key role in the province's occupational health
and safety system. The WSIB administers no-fault
workplace insurance for employers and their workers
and is committed to the prevention of workplace injuries
and illnesses. The WSIB provides disability benefits,
monitors the quality of healthcare, and assists in early
and safe return to work for workers who are injured on
the job or contract an occupational disease.
For further information contact:
Christine Arnott, WSIB Media Relations, (41
6)
344-4202, christine_arnott@wsib.on.ca
Internet Resources: On-line Medical Dictionary
MedicineNet.com is a free web site that has an on-line medical dictionary called, “MedTerms.” It provides an
alphabetical listing of diseases and their treatments; a similar listing of medications, their uses and side effects; and a
dictionary providing layperson explanations for more than 16,000 technical medical terms as defined by medical
doctors. Other sections of the web site offer indexes of common symptoms and common medical procedures and
tests. You can access all of this information at:
www.medicinenet.com.
Page 8
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
BILL 14
The Law Society of Upper Canada(LSUP) with the
aid of the McGuinty Liberal Government has
passed what is known as Bill 14. This Bill was to
have the LSUP regulate paralegals in Ontario.
However, the language in the Bill not only regulates
paralegals, but with the twists and turns of all that
legal jargon, it has affected our group of volunteers
trying to help other Injured Workers at no charge.
The Bill calls for every paralegal to be licensed and
insured. The application for the license is about
$500.00 and the exam is $,1000.00. If you don't pass
the first time they give you a break on the second
exam at a cost of $975.00, and you must carry the
Errors and Omissions Insurance. (note: the costs are
approx since this dates back to April of 2007)
We are a non funded, not-for-profit registered
organization which has been lobbying for injured
workers for almost 25 years. But now, we can not
represent or give legal advice to an injured worker
according to this Bill.
Some exemptions from being licensed and insured do
exist. However, as a volunteer we can only help
family, friends, or neighbours without breaking the
law.
This past week, I had a WSIB claims adjudicator and
her manager call me and the injured worker to see if
in fact we were friends. I believe that the Good
Samaritans Act was put into place so that we could
help one another without having the fear of breaking
the law, or being scrutinized as to who is my friend or
not.
There is a simple solution that we have tried to have
solved by means of conference calls way back to April
of 2007, emails to the LSUC Paralegal Services,
meetings with our MPPs, even a meeting with the
former Minister of Labour. Nothing as been changed
thus far.
All we are simply asking, is that the "interpretation"
of an injured workers group be changed from the
present definition which you can find for yourself at
this link (www.lsuc.on.ca/regulation/a/bylaws/bylaw4) in Section 31 (1) where it states that an
exemption will be given to an injured workers group
providing they are funded by WSIB, simply drop the
funded by WSIB and we can advocate for injured
workers and help our fellow workers.
We have made it quite clear that we are NOT
FUNDED, and WE DON'T CHARGE for services, and we
DON'T TAKE A PERCENTAGE OF THE CLAIMS WHEN
WON, nor do we EXPECT payment at all. Albeit, the
LSUC has not changed the interpretation.
We ask that you please support us and send a
message to your MPP asking for their support in
changing the interpretation, send a letter to the
Premier, the LSUC, the editor of your local paper. We
need strength in numbers, and lastly, we ask that you
forward this to all Ontario residents in your address
book. Send us a copy of the letters as well at
info@tbayinjuredworkers.ca .
Please, if you feel like you want to protect your right
to free consultation on WSIB issues you must act now.
Thanks for your time, and I look forward in hearing
your thoughts and comments on this very important
issue. If we let them take away your right to free
representation, what will they target next, back yard
mechanics? Enough is Enough!
Thanks, Bob
Thunder Bay & District Injured Workers Support Group
807-622-8897 // em: info@tbiw.on.ca
Stakeholder Submissions on Bill 187 Interim Changes
The Ontario Government passed Bill 187, the Budget
Measures and Interim Appropriation Act, 2007, on May
17, 2007, which resulted in four significant changes to
the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997,
effective July 1, 2007. These changes include
amendments to the cost-of-living indexing formula;
opening previously locked-in 72-month Loss of
Earnings (LOE) and 60-month Future Economic Loss
(FEL) awards when there has been an increase in
disability; replacing the concept of "deeming" with the
concept of "determining" and the introduction of the
concept of “availability” in employment when
determining post-injury earnings; and increasing the
Loss of Retirement Income (LRI) threshold from
$1,166.41 to $3,000.
Page 9
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
The WSIB revised existing policy documents that were
affected and created a new policy. Stakeholders can
provide written feedback on these interim policies until
November 1, 2007. For more information on the Bill
187 consultation, visit the WSIB‟s web site at:
http://www.wsib.on.ca/wsib/wsibsite.nsf/Public/Policy
Bill187Consultation. For a copy of all of the WSIB
Operational Policies that were amended on October 3,
2007 to incorporate the changed wording because of
the above-mentioned interim policies, visit the WSIB's
web site at:
http://www.wsib.on.ca/wsib/wopm.nsf/home
/opmhome.
TRICK QUESTION:
Reproduced from a Poster from the Back Association of Canada
Drawing reproduced by the talents of Kevin Turtle
Which is better for your back:
Lifting 10 pounds of feathers, or 10 pounds of Lead ?
Most people know a few BACK BASICS when it comes to picking things up and putting them some place else. For
instance:
Bend your knees. Bend them, pick up the object, then straighten them up. Why? So your leg muscles – which are
bigger and stronger than your back muscles – can take most of the weight.
Hold objects close to your body. For example, if you lift 10 pound load with the weight 14 inches from your
body, you will be lifting the equivalent of about 150 pounds!
Many people don‟t realize that, when it comes to lifting, there‟s more to think about than weight. For Instance:
What’s the shape of the object you are lifting?
What’s its size?
Does it have handles?
Is it slippery, or easy to grip?
Which brings us back to our trick question.
A box containing ten pounds of lead is a lot easier to pick up than a
box containing ten pounds of feathers because a box of lead is much
smaller, and more compact. You can easily hold it close to your body,
and get a good grip.
MORE LIFTING TIPS:
1. Your back is strongest when its muscles are in a natural position. That is, when the normal curve in the low back
is neutral, rather than exaggerated or creased. What if you must life something while your back is bent forward,
or arched backward? The answer is simple. You can‟t lift as much.
2. Don‟t lift and twist at the same time. Instead, lift the object, then turn your body by moving your feet. This may
sound like more effort but it isn‟t. It just takes a moment longer.
3. It‟s easier to lower a weight than to lift one. But don‟t be fooled. Many back injuries occur because people think
they can lower something heavy … and then get hurt when the object falls and they must try to catch it.
THE MORAL: Think ahead. Plan the lift before you begin … Not after you get into trouble.
Page 10
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Sentencing for Quebec workplace death a first
2005 Accident; Transpave Inc. to learn penalty for disabling safety device
Graeme Hamilton, National Post Published: Tuesday, February 26, 2008
MONTREAL - A Quebec paving-stone manufacturer is
set to appear for a sentencing hearing today after
becoming the first company in Canada to be convicted
of criminal negligence causing death as the result of a
workplace accident.
In a case that is being followed in boardrooms across
the country, Transpave Inc. of Saint-Eustache, north
of Montreal, pleaded guilty in Quebec Court in
December to a charge stemming from the 2005 death
of labourer Steve L'Ecuyer.
Mr. L'Ecuyer, 23, was crushed to death by machinery
as he tried to clear a backlog of stones on the
production line. An investigation by Quebec's health
and safety board discovered that a safety device
intended to prevent such an accident had been
deliberately disabled for most of 2005 and 2004.
The conviction is the first since the federal
government amended the Criminal Code in 2004 to
make it easier to charge companies for health and
safety offences. The amendments were in response to
the 1992 Westray mine disaster in Nova Scotia, in
which 26 men were killed but no criminal convictions
resulted.
Cheryl Edwards, a Toronto lawyer specializing in
workplace safety issues, said the Transpave case will
likely lead to more criminal prosecutions. So far,
Crown attorneys have been content to allow
occupational health and safety tribunals decide the
cases, but the Transpave case signals that a criminal
conviction is possible.
"When trade unions and families press very hard for
action on the part of the police and Crown attorneys,
generally speaking, that is influential," said Ms.
Edwards, a partner with Heenan Blaikie. "When the
general public gets mad about a Westray, or they get
mad about a high-profile death, there's more of a
tendency for the police and the Crown attorneys to
say, 'No, we're not going to just leave this to the
[occupational health and safety] process. We're going
to treat it as a crime.' "
Martin Cauchon, who was Liberal justice minister when
the changes became law as Bill C-45, said he hopes
news of the Transpave conviction will result in greater
caution among employers.
"The law is not what it used to be. The legislator is
really serious about workplace safety," he said. "When
I talk to the corporate world, it seems that they're still
not aware of the situation. With that first conviction,
even though it's a guilty plea, people will read the
judgment and be more careful in the future."
Mr. L'Ecuyer had just relieved a co-worker who was
going on break when the fatal accident occurred on
Oct. 11, 2005. He was trying to manually free stones
that were blocking a machine when an apparatus used
to arrange the stones on pallets descended and
crushed him.
Workplace-safety investigators found that a safety
barrier meant to prevent the machine from operating
when someone was underneath it had been disabled.
Workers said it was disconnected because it was
causing production slowdowns. There was also
evidence that a member of management was aware of
the situation but did nothing to correct it.
There is no limit on the possible fine, and the Quebec
Federation of Labour wants the court to levy a
substantial penalty. "The court now has the duty to
impose an exemplary sentence to send an unequivocal
message to employers who make a mockery of the
health and safety of their workers," QFL president
Michel Arsenault said in a statement.
Ms. Edwards said employers are taking note. "The
good corporate citizens in Canada sat up in 2004,
when C-45 was passed, and asked, 'How do we make
sure we're compliant?' Now they're sitting up again
and saying, 'Let's check again and make sure we're
not doing something that contravenes the Criminal
Code.' I think it's being watched nationally," she said.
ghamilton@nationalpost.com
Page 11
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Our Goals
CIWA/ACVAMT
Is about
Support
We are a national network of
injured worker's groups (IWG's)
and we exist to strengthen
and support the work of local
and provincial IWG's across
Canada.
Independence
We believe that injured
workers should be in control of
their own destinies & Injured
Workers Groups must be
democratically controlled by
injured workers.
Partnerships
We believe that we can best
assist these objectives by
providing training and
educational resources in
partnership with provincial or
territorial organizations of
injured workers and the trade
union movement at all levels.
Information Sharing
We believe that by sharing
our stories and our experience
we can learn from each other
and become better
educated and exert more
control over our lives.
To work towards a just
system of compensation,
rehabilitation and reemployment in all of Canada.
To provide a national forum
for debating issues
concerning injured workers at
national conferences and
board workshops.
To gather and share
information with groups
across Canada.
To improve the Occupational
Health & Safety of workers
across Canada.
To identify and make
available, educational and
training resources produced
by the union movement and
other agencies, that focus on
organizing and maintaining
effective injured worker
groups.
To enhance the local base of
the injured workers
movement through all our
activities.
To form partnerships that will
achieve common goals.
Publications
Available
The VOICE OF INJURED WORKER
PLAIN TALK
HOW TO IMPROVE RELATIONS BETWEEN
INJURED WORKERS & ORGANIZED
LABOUR
REPORT ON RELATIONS WITH LABOUR
SESSION AT CIWA NATIONAL
CONFERENCE, REGINA 1992
RETURNING TO WORK
VOC REHAB & RE-EMPLOYMENT FROM
THE INJURED WORKER'S PERSPECTIVE
INJURED WORKERS … ON THE MOVE
COMING TOGETHER
VIDEOS & WORKBOOKS
YOUTH PROJECT MANUAL, 2002
SURVIVORS, 1997
TOGETHER WE CAN WIN, 1997
PEER HELPER TRAINING MANUAL, 2000
- "PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE"
LE COMBAT QUOTIDIEN DES VICTIMES DU
TRAVAIL, 1999
To find out more, please contact us at:
CIWA/ACVAMT
1201 Jasper Drive
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6R2
Ph: 807-345-3429/Fx: 807-344-8683
Toll Free: 1-877-787-7010
Email: ciwa@vianet.ca
Web Site: www.ciwa.ca
Connect with an injured workers group near you.
Check out our web site at: www.ciwa.ca
OR
Call our office at (807) 345-3429 or Toll Free at 1-877-787-7010
This Newsletter is intended to share information of interest to
injured workers/ groups / organizations, union activists and their supporters.
It provides a forum for sharing our experiences - so we can learn from each other - in order to improve the lives of
injured and disabled workers and the system that is there to assist them.
Please help - by sharing your story with us.
Page 12
�
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Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
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CIWA Highlights Newsletter Spring 2008
Description
An account of the resource
Announcement of winner of 50/50 draw. Reports on the state of injured workers rights in British Colombia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Nova Scotia. Articles on recourse for the Workers Compensation Board breaching client privacy, review of the Railway Safety Act, a new Employment Standards Act poster for workplaces in Ontario, new workplace safety video sent out to Ontario high schools, a review of the WSIB Experience Rating Program, a digital medical dictionary, Bill 14, changes to Bill 187, tips for safe lifting, the sentencing of the first corporation in Canada to be convicted of criminal negligence causing death in a workplace accident.
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CIWA
Date
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2008
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PDF
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English
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Text
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Labour and Labour Unions
-
https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/4bc33529d1bd849b916d42061ac49709.pdf
d32dff8f50950bc9a5fbea4ebb6fc0c7
PDF Text
Text
CANADIAN PUBLICATION MAIL SALES AGREEMENT #1685422
Inside …..
CIWA/ACVAMT Contacts ......................................................... 2
BC-WorkSafe Policy Decision .................................................... 3
SK ........................................................................................... 3
MB, Prevention ........................................................................ 3
ON, Medical Marijuana ............................................................. 4
ON, WSIB Blamed for Death ..................................................... 4
NS, IW‟s call for Rights ............................................................. 5
QC, Chronic Pain ...................................................................... 6
NL, Day of Mourning ................................................................ 7
ON, Ron Ellis Award ................................................................. 8
QC, News Releases .................................................................. 9
ON, Pain Explained................................................................. 10
Miscellaneous ........................................................................ 11
CIWA, About ......................................................................... 12
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
P L E A SE HE L P … … … … S U B S C R I B E T O D A Y !
Name:
________________________________ Date:
Organization:
________________________________
Address:
________________________________
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________________________________
Phone
________________________________
Fax
________________________________
E-Mail
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Web Site
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Newsletter Subscription:
Highlights is published 4 times per year
Injured Worker/Unemployed
$ 5.00 _________
Individuals
$ 10.00 _________
Organizations
$ 15.00 _________
Donations
$
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Total
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CIWA THANKS YOU for Your SUPPORT
Editor’s Note
This newsletter is distributed via email, fax, or mail to CIWA/ACVAMT members and groups with an interest in
injured worker issues as resource tool to share and exchange information. The views and opinions expressed here
are those of the individuals or groups making submissions. We take no responsibility for their accuracy or for their
opinions. You are welcome to share and distribute this newsletter with others that are interested.
It is also available on our website at www.ciwa.ca.
PROVINCIAL REPRESENTATIVES OF CIWA/ACVAMT
VOLUNTEER BOARD OF DIRECTORS…
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS…
SK ... Robert Lindsay, Regina
Western Injured Workers Society
President ...
Secretary …
Treasurer …
NS...
Dave MacKenzie, Westville Pictou County
PEI ... Leonard J. Crawford, Summerside
ON ... Gerry Landry, Thunder Bay
Ontario Network of Injured Worker Groups
AB...
Sherri Scott, Fort MacMurray
NL...
Clive Hamilton, Labrador City
Rob Lindsay
Leonard J. Crawford
Dave MacKenzie
ADVISORS…
Vincent Boyce, Injured Worker, Manitoba
Andy King, U.S.W.A.
Lynn Shaw, University of Western Ontario
Patti MacAhonic, BC Injured Workers and
Survivors Education Association
STAFF…
Phil Brake, National Coordinator
Monika Wiitala, Office Manager
L’ALLIANCE CANADIENNE DES VICTIMES D’ACCIDENTS ET DE MALADIES DU TRAVAIL
CANADIAN INJURED WORKERS ALLIANCE
1201 Jasper Drive
Thunder Bay, Ontario. P7B 6R2
Phone: 807-345-3429
Fax: 807-344-8683
Page 2
email: ciwa@vianet.ca
Toll Free: 1-877-787-7010
Web-site: www.ciwa.ca
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
PROVINCIAL REPORTS
BRITISH COLUMBIA
http://www.worksafebc.ca/regulation_and_policy/policy_decision/board_decisions/2008/march/default.asp
Policy decision finalized at the March 2008 WorkSafeBC Board of Directors meeting
The following resolutions were finalized by WorkSafeBC's Board of Directors in March 2008. For information about the
function and mandate of the Board of Directors,
please see Governing Structure. (http://www.worksafebc.ca/about_us/governance/default.asp)
Policy Amendments Regarding an
Enhancement to Experience Rating to Address
Impact of Change in Minimum Size Criteria for
Rate Groups on Experience Rating
(http://www.worksafebc.ca/regulation_and_policy/p
olicy_decision/board_decisions/2008/march/default.
asp#6)
Section 251 Decision – Loss of Earnings
(http://www.worksafebc.ca/regulation_and_policy/p
olicy_decision/board_decisions/2008/march/default.
asp#1)
Policy Amendments regarding Average
Earnings and Exceptional Circumstances
(http://www.worksafebc.ca/regulation_and_policy/p
olicy_decision/board_decisions/2008/march/default.
asp#2)
Amount of Disfigurement Awards
(http://www.worksafebc.ca/regulation_and_policy/p
olicy_decision/board_decisions/2008/march/default.
asp#3)
Policy Amendments Regarding an
Enhancement to Experience Rating – The
Excess Cost Surcharge
(http://www.worksafebc.ca/regulation_and_policy/p
olicy_decision/board_decisions/2008/march/default.
asp#4)
Revised Effective Dates for Approved Policy
Packages
(http://www.worksafebc.ca/regulation_and_policy/p
olicy_decision/board_decisions/2008/march/default.
asp#5)
SASKATCHEWAN
An excerpt from “A Voice of Our Own”, Vol. 26, Iss. 2
With a new government in the Province of
Saskatchewan, Donna Harpauer, Minister responsible for
Disability Issues has made her priorities as children first
and disability second. The new government also
recognizes the importance of Community Based
Organizations, so an increase to some cored funding is
expected. The Council of Canadians with Disabilities
received over 7,000 requests for assistance, ranging
from advocacy, information/referral, research, income,
and CPP Disability.
MANITOBA
Prevention
The Mandate for Prevention
Every year more than 35,000 Manitoba workers suffer
injuries and illnesses at workplaces covered by workers
compensation. On average, some 20 workers lose their
lives at work each year.
Five years ago, Manitoba had the highest time-loss
injury rate of any jurisdiction in Canada.*
We believe each incident of work-related injury and
illness represents an opportunity for prevention.
Since then, Manitobans have become increasingly aware
that workplace injuries and illnesses are indeed
preventable. It is becoming socially and morally
unacceptable to maintain unsafe workplaces.
Page 3
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
The shift in social attitudes toward workplace safety and
injury prevention has been part of a process.
The first step began in 2001 and 2002, when the
Government of Manitoba commissioned a major review
of workplace safety and health in Manitoba.
As a result of that review, the Government directed the
WCB and the Workplace Safety and Health Division of
Manitoba Labour and Immigration (WSHD) to assume
joint responsibility for injury prevention and to achieve a
25 percent reduction in the time-loss injury rate over
five years.
The WCB and the WSHD launched an ambitious and
successful injury and illness prevention strategy that in
three years has achieved a 19 percent reduction in the
time-loss injury rate.**
… each incident of work-related injury and illness
represents an opportunity for prevention.
Yours Truly
Vincent Boyce
Advisor / CIWA
ONTARIO
Medical marijuana covered by WSIB
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal
has recently allowed that medical marijuana is covered
by the compensation system. The injured worker
must have a Health Canada card authorizing
possession. The payment will be made regardless of
where the marijuana is purchased and thus without
the need for receipts. It will be paid for the amount
indicated by Health Canada, and it will be paid at the
rate that Health Canada charges.
The decision can be found on the WSIAT website
where all decisions are published. It is number 2335
06R dated July 8th, 2008. The neutral citation is 2008
ONWSIAT 1890.
Marion Endicott
WSIB Blamed for Man's Death
May 10, 2008 (This story was first reported by Darrell Powell on the April 28th Day of Mourning radio special
Also see August 2008 US Court decision Workplace Stress Ruled Compensable)
http://www.ciws.ca/articles_us_stress_compensation.htm
Stress of fight to prove injury claim blamed for man's death
Globe and Mail, KATE HAMMER
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.2008
0510.INJURED10/TPStory/TPNational/Ontario
The doctor who performed the autopsy told his family
that Jeff Thompson died of a bleeding ulcer due to
severe stress. But according to those who knew him,
Mr. Thompson was killed by the Workplace Safety and
Insurance Board.
While working for a cable installation company, Mr.
Thompson injured his right knee in 2004 when he
slipped and fell. He never fully recovered, and spent
the few remaining years of his life nearly completely
bound to his North Middlesex County home, arguing
his workers compensation claim with the board.
Mr. Thompson's family received notice Monday that
the WSIB will pay his burial expenses. However, it
remained unclear whether it will accept any liability in
his death, or address concerns his family has raised
Page 4
about how injured workers are treated throughout the
claim process.
"I don't want other families to go through this, I want
to be able to show that my brother had a legitimate
injury and nobody needs to be spoken to and treated
the way he was," said Colleen Mathers, Mr.
Thompson's sister.
The family has requested an inquest, and has been
waiting for the WSIB to release his files since his
death on Feb. 10.
John Slinger, chief operating officer of the WSIB, said
that it is against board policy to discuss individual
cases publicly, but that he couldn't recall any cases in
which the board was held responsible for the death of
a worker due to stress.
According to advocacy groups, injured workers often
suffer from depression and anxiety associated with the
difficulties of filing a compensation claim. The
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
extensive paperwork and medical documents required
provide tools for board adjudicators to identify fraud,
but can also discourage legitimate claims and distress
workers who are vulnerable.
Data collected by the Ontario Federation of Labour
indicate that the percentage of claims that are
abandoned has more than doubled over the past 15
years.
"It's a huge shock to them how much they're
distrusted, and even more than that, there's nothing
they feel they can do to advance their cause because
even their family doctor won't be listened to in many
cases," said David Wilken, a staff lawyer for the
Industrial Accident Victims Group of Ontario.
As the pain in Mr. Thompson's knee persisted, and he
was unable to stand, sit or sleep comfortably, his
WSIB adjudicator threatened to stop his benefits.
"It became all he would talk about," Ms. Mathers said.
"He went crazy trying to prove himself, to prove his
pain. We became really worried about him."
The adjudicator threatened to end his benefits when
Mr. Thompson didn't comply with the "labour market
re-entry plan," which required him to attend classes in
London, 120 kilometers from his home. Mr. Thompson
was taking morphine daily, and found that driving
aggravated his pain.
Ms. Mathers said her brother filed forms and doctors'
notes to support his claims that he wasn't well enough
to drive or attend classes, but that his adjudicator
continued to threaten to cut or remove his benefits.
The burden of defending the severity of his injuries
and the financial strain of living off his shrinking
benefits seemed to age her brother overnight, she
said.
The day after Mr. Thompson died, a letter from the
WSIB arrived at his home. It was notification that his
benefits had been cut by 50 per cent.
"That would have killed him just to have seen how
little he was going to get," Ms. Mathers said.
Also See: http://www.safe-workplace.com/safetyblog/2008/05/stress-of-fight-to-prove-injury-claim.html
NOVA SCOTIA
Injured Workers Call On Business, Organizations, like CFIB
Injured workers in Nova Scotia and across Canada
appeal to the membership of the Canadian Chamber
of Commerce and The Canadian Federation of
Independent Small Business
(http://www.cfib.ca/en/default.asp?l=E) to return to
injured workers their rights, that they have had taken
away by "your" insurance provider, the Workers
Compensation Boards in Canada.
We want the right to be treated as every other
Canadian citizen is, according to section 15.1 of the
Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
It makes it easier to understand why politicians in
Ottawa do not want to listen to injured workers
concers now, when you see a former Elected
Cabinet Minister
(http://www.chamber.ca/article.asp?id=398#perrin)
sitting as the President and CEO of the Canadian
Chamber of Commerce. How can anyone consider
themselves to be Honourable when they and their
association finance these abusive WCB Boards in
Canada?
Our rights have been stolen away by the businesses
that finance this system known as the Workers
Compensation Program, through legislation known as
the Workers Compensation Act.
This legislation places injured workers at a major
disadvantage and has resulted in far too many suicides
because of the frustration these WCB Boards impose
upon us. The WCB system is a denial program, forcing
many injured workers into poverty. In the weeks
ahead, I will explore the cause behind suicide within
the injured worker family and in time, the families
affected will speak out. The pain and hurt must stop
and stop now.
Page 5
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
QUEBEC – Info IRSST Newsletter
Very interesting information can be found at their website:
http://www.irsst.qc.ca:80/files/documents/en/InfoIrsst/Actuel/InfoIRSST_v06n02.htm
PREVENTION GUIDE
Handling work and customer service in warehouse superstores
Everyone goes to superstores, but did you know that the employees working in them have a good chance of suffering
from back pain? For this growing sector, the English version of a prevention guide has just been published by the
IRSST and Groupe-conseil AON. In addition to offering different practical advice, this document proposes solution
scenarios that are easy to implement for better prevention of handling-related accidents and the associated back
pain.
CHRONIC PAIN RESEARCH AND TREATMENT IN QUEBEC GETS $4.35-MILLION BOOST FROM PFIZER,
ASTRAZENECA, MSSS AND FRSQ
Unique public-private partnership in Quebec‟s pain research and treatment networks will provide better tools to
research, diagnose and treat chronic pain.
February 28, 2008
Two of Canada‟s leading pharmaceutical companies
are joining forces with the Fonds de la recherche en
santé du Québec (FRSQ) and Quebec‟s Health and
Social Services Ministry (MSSS) to help in the battle
against chronic pain and give a boost to Quebec‟s pain
researchers and clinics affiliated with Quebec‟s four
medical-research universities.
The partnership – a first in Canada – is designed to
strengthen what is already the country‟s leading pain
research and treatment network, the Quebec Pain
Research Network (QPRN), which links pain clinics at
Quebec‟s four university-hospital networks and more
than 75 doctors and researchers specialized in chronic
pain.
Under the partnership, Pfizer Canada, AstraZeneca,
the FRSQ and MSSS will provide $4.35 million over
Joint battle against chronic pain
“The battle against chronic pain is really a collective
effort uniting researchers in the public and private
sectors, front-line medical professionals and patients
themselves,” said Alain Beaudet, President and CEO of
the FRSQ. In leading the partnership, the FRSQ‟s goal
is to support Quebec‟s pain research, particularly to
advance understanding of prevalence, incidence and
the natural course of different pain syndromes, and to
ensure that this knowledge is transferred to the clinic
to benefit patients.
“This initiative takes us to the next level by bringing
our research knowledge and excellence onto the frontlines to help doctors and patients manage pain more
effectively,” Beaudet said.
The QPRN groups researchers and doctors at
Université de Montréal, Université de Sherbrooke,
Page 6
four years to fund research and education that will
improve our understanding of chronic pain and help
doctors diagnose and treat pain more effectively.
“Chronic pain is a devastating and debilitating silent
epidemic and we need better knowledge and
treatments for doctors and patients,” said Dr. Yves de
Koninck, Scientific Director of the QPRN and professor
affiliated with Laval University and the university‟s
Centre de recherche Université Laval Robert-Giffard.
“More than a million Quebecers – about one in five –
will suffer from chronic pain during their lifetime. The
economic costs alone in health care and loss of
productivity are staggering – an estimated $125 billion
a year in the US.”
Université Laval and McGill University, as well as their
teaching hospitals, government organizations and the
Association Québécoise de la douleur chronique,
Quebec‟s leading patient group.
“The Quebec government is pleased to partner with
the FRSQ to establish this important chronic pain
research initiative. This investment will enable the
QPRN to structure clinical research, facilitate the
transfer of discoveries and practical knowledge to
medical professionals and improve the treatment of
chronic pain sufferers. The QPRN‟s activities are
among the most pertinent and essential in improving
the quality of life for the 20% of Quebecers who suffer
from pain at some point in their lives,” said Philippe
Couillard, Minister of Health and Social Services.
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Quebec a world leader in pain research
“At AstraZeneca, we established our analgesia drug
discovery laboratories in Montreal in large part
because Quebec is a renowned world leader in pain
research excellence,” said Dr. Philippe Walker, VicePresident Discovery, and head of AstraZeneca‟s
research laboratories in Montreal, where more than
100 scientists and chronic-pain experts work on
developing better medicines to treat and manage pain.
“This is a unique partnership and opportunity for us to
work together to gain better insight into the causes of
chronic pain and how to manage pain more effectively
for the benefit of patients.”
“Pfizer is a leader in the research of innovative
solutions for pain management, including the
development of unique compounds which are breaking
scientific ground and discovering novel ways to treat
chronic pain," says Dr. Bernard Prigent, Vice-President
and Medical Director, Pfizer Canada. "Pfizer is proud to
join this partnership as the QPRN initiative is a unique
model which could streamline research efforts aiming
to improve diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain.
The transfer of these research findings to healthcare
professionals in hospital, clinic settings and research
organizations such as Pfizer, will be key in our
collective capacity to develop better treatment options
for people living with chronic pain.”
The partnership investment is $4.35 million over four
years. The FRSQ has committed $2 million over four
years, Pfizer Canada $1.2 million over four years,
AstraZeneca $750,000 over three years, and MSSS
$400,000 over four years.
Pfizer and AstraZeneca have research facilities around
the world and are both major investors in R&D in
Canada, with Pfizer investing about $190 million a year
and AstraZeneca more than $100 million a year. As
the health-research funding arm of the Quebec
Ministry of Economic Development, Innovation and
Export Trade, the FRSQ invests about $90 million a
year in health research and education in Quebec.
Pain facts:
Chronic pain strikes one in five adults - 1.2 million Quebecers will suffer from chronic pain during their
lifetime. Among the elderly, the proportion rises to 50 percent.
Women are more at risk of developing chronic pain than men.
People with chronic pain have been suffering on average for 7 years.
Nearly half (47%) say their pain is not under control.
Chronic pain adversely affects quality of life, both in terms of emotional well-being and ability to function
normally.
-30For more information please contact:
For more information, or to arrange interviews with leading pain experts in Montreal, Sherbrooke and
Quebec City, please contact:
Michelle Dubuc, FRSQ, (514) 873-2114 Ext. 235
Sylvie Tessier, Pfizer Canada Inc., (514) 693-4609
Jennifer Robinson, AstraZeneca R&D, (514) 518-3505
Isabelle Merizzi, Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS), (418) 266-7171
These press releases were issued in Canada and are intended as reference information for Canadians. The
information contained in each press release was accurate at the time of issuance, and Pfizer Canada assumes no
responsibility for updating the information to reflect subsequent developments.
NEWFOUNDLAND
April 28-Day of Mourning
Hello Fellow Injured Workers and Concerned Citizens,
April 28 is International Day of Mourning for Injured
and Dead Workers, I mourn today for three men from
Newfoundland and Labrador. Neil Lockyer, Jason
House, and myself.
Neil was injured in B.C. with a head injury in 1989.
Jason fell through a roof in Alberta in 2005 suffering
multiple injuries including his skull cracked in three
Page 7
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
places, both shoulders, right hip and pelvis broken,
two disks and a broken vertebra, in 2005.
I was involved in a railway accident in Ontario in 1979
suffering a crushed ankle, shattered shoulder, broken
arm, broken collar bone, post concussion syndrome,
three herniated disks, and more.
All of us permanently disabled from our employment.
From three different Provinces we came home to lick
our wounds. Family and friends our only comfort.
But they followed and watched like vultures on a
perch. Waiting. "Did he walk?" "I saw him today and
he smiled so he must be okay?" They report back to
Ontario and B.C. and Alberta. The checks stop. The
appeals begin, and always under the microscope.
Forced to relive all the events since the accident and
justifying what does not need justifying. Forced to live
off family and welfare, demeaned, belittled, slandered,
maligned, and otherwise abused. Forced to stay in a
merry go round of abuse.
Poor Neil. His injured brain could not take it. He killed
a man. A WCB spy he thought. Stabbed him nineteen
Times in his daughters kitchen. She tried to get help.
Said her Father needed help because he was believing
WCB spies were after him to cut him off. How many
times between 1989 and 2005 was he cut off? How
many spies did he really see?
But he was paranoid because of his brain injury they
said, before they locked him away in the Waterford
Psychiatric Hospital. Not even a look at factors that
might involve the WCB in B.C.
I watch, and protest , and try to get in court to help
him but no one listens to me. They think I am mad.
WCB spies, posing as hunters, followed him to
Newfoundland one year after his accident. They
videotaped him walking with a cane and getting into
his fathers truck. They declared him fit for work and
cut him off. He has since appealed and won a partial
victory.
But at what cost? Will he, in another two, five or ten
years, be cut off again, hounded again? How many
times?
Then there is me. I don't care if they look. I will do as
much as my body can do, no more, no less. But me
they ignore. 1979 to present. Ignore me to the point I
have no doctor or medical care. How many videos of
me do they show behind closed doors to "prove" I am
not disabled?
I grieve for Mr. Lockyer whose life has been ruined
and for his distraught daughter who could find no
help.
I grieve for Mr. House because I know the road he is
now forced to travel.
I grieve for me because everyone thinks I am crazy
and a welfare bum. I am so helpless to help them or
myself.
Decades apart but yet the same mistreatment.
I wonder how many more suicides and murders it will
take for everyone to wake up and demand
fundamental change?
So today mourn not only the injured and dead, mourn
for the abused too.
Best Regards, Fred Palmer
Then comes along Jason. He lost a $300,00.00 home,
a mustang, a truck, a motorbike, a framing business,
and lost it all in three years.
Do you know what happens when you get injured at work? Find out here.
www.ciws.ca and www.wcbcanada.com
Ron Ellis Award
June 5, 2008:
The Workers‟ Compensation Section of the Ontario Bar Association honoured Steve Mantis of Kaministiquia, Ontario a
longtime leader and grassroots organizer of Ontario‟s injured worker movement, with the Ron Elis Award for
excellence and outstanding contribution to workers‟ compensation.
OBA Centre, 200 – 20 Toronto Street, Toronto, Ontario.
See the Tribute prepared and delivered by Marion Endicott at the award:
http://www.injuredworkersonline.org/Documents/Ron_Ellis_Award08.pdf
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�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT (PDF) at: http://www.irsst.qc.ca/files/documents/PubIRSST/RG-546.pdf
When we are deterred by what others think
A new study published by the IRSST reveals, among other things, the disastrous consequences for injured workers
when they do not feel believed or supported during their absence from work. Researchers actually
observed the importance of workers' social reality for better understanding their rehabilitation
process by listening to representations of health, illness and pain by workers unable to return to
work due to musculoskeletal-related pain.
The meaning of work generates stress or well-being
Meaningful work has vitamin effects on the worker's mental health and encourages his commitment
towards an organization, while work without it promotes the onset of symptoms of stress, and even
distress. This is one of the findings of a study funded by the Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en
sécurité du travail (IRSST) on the meaning of work, mental health and organizational commitment, whose results
have just been published.
FRENCH-SPEAKING SUMMIT ON WORK RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDER (WMSD) : FROM
RESEARCH TO ACTION
On 18th and 19th June 2008 the IRSST held the second French-Speaking Summit on Work Related Musculoskeletal
Disorder (WMSD): from research to action. About 300 researchers practitioners and professionals working in
occupational health and safety field will take part in this event with the aim at drawing an overview on the topic and
exploring successful initiatives to prevent WMSDs.
Development of a complete solution for supporting prevention and intervention on psychosocial risks in the workplace
099-698
Jean-Pierre Brun / Université Laval Michel Vézina / Institut national de santé publique du Québec Caroline Biron /
Université Laval
TO FIND OUT MORE http://www.irsst.qc.ca/en/_projet_3665.html
Survey and analysis of the strategies for evaluating exposure to workplace contaminants
099-694
Daniel Drolet, Nicole Goyer, Brigitte Roberge / IRSST Jérôme Lavoué / Institut universitaire romand de Santé au
travail André Dufresne / Université McGill Guylaine Beauchamp / IRSST
Calculation of the work/rest regimen
Quebec Occupational Health and Safety Research Institute (IRSST) and Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR)
conceived a computer-based tool allowing to estimate the alternate work/rest regimen during work in a hot
environment. This bilingual tool is intended to support occupational health and safety practitioners in managing hot
periods in the work environment. The computer-based tool calculates the alternate work/rest regimen during work in
a hot environment using the following parameters: metabolic rate, WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) temperature
values at the workstation and at the rest location, as well as the clothing worn by the worker.
Chronic Pain
Page 9
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release
SIX MILLION CANADIANS LIVING IN PAIN FACE BARRIERS TO CARE
The Painexplained.ca Campaign targets five top barriers preventing Canadians
from accessing effective pain care
Toronto, November 3, 2008 – Canadian doctors, patients, researchers, and other healthcare professionals are
condemning the barriers that prevent Canadians from accessing proper and timely pain care. As part of this year‟s
National Pain Awareness Week (November 2 – 8, 2008), the Painexplained.ca Campaign is targeting key reasons why
Canadians are suffering needlessly or excessively from acute and chronic pain.
“Our concern is this: how many of the six million Canadians out there in moderate-to severe chronic pain are
suffering unnecessarily?” said Dr. Barry Sessle, President of the Canadian Pain Society and Campaign Co-Founder.
“We know that too many are not getting the timely care they desperately want and deserve. That‟s why we are
targeting key barriers that cause greatest delay and distress to Canadian pain patients.”
“When you or someone you love is suffering, every minute spent waiting for proper pain care feels like a travesty,”
said Lynn Cooper, President of the Canadian Pain Coalition and Campaign Founding Member. “It is unacceptable that
so many of us are living with pain that could have been prevented, cured, or reduced with proper and timely care.”
Five key issues have been identified which are exacerbating the struggle of Canadianswith untreated or undertreated
pain:
1. Canadian Healthcare Professionals are insufficiently trained about pain: A 2007 audit of 41 Canadian
undergraduate Healthcare Professional programs revealed that 67% of all healthcare programs surveyed could not
identify specific training in the mechanisms, diagnosis or treatment of pain. The same study revealed that Canadian
veterinary students get five times as much specific training about pain as medical students. ( Source: WattWatson/McGillion/Hunter, 2007)
2. Pain Patients are struggling to find doctors able and willing to help: Over 14% of chronic pain patients
report being refused care by a doctor or having their care terminated because of their pain. Many new physicians are
refusing to take on these patients, leaving them with nowhere to turn. 15% of chronic pain patients also report being
discouraged from receiving a pain treatment necessary to relieve their pain. (Source: Nanos Research, Oct 2008)
3. Doctors feel reluctant to prescribe needed pain medications: Best practice pain management often calls for
the use of opioids and other powerful medications. Historic regulatory actions against pain doctors have put a „chill‟
on general willingness to prescribe pain medications, making it harder for legitimate pain patients to access proper
pain care.
4. Wait times for effective pain care are unacceptable: An audit of wait times confirmed that some Canadians
must wait as long as five years to receive care from an academic pain clinic. The risk of suicide while waiting for care
is double that of the general population. (Source: CPS).
5. Out-dated attitudes make us reluctant to ‘speak up’ for proper pain care: Many Canadians mistakenly feel
that pain is a normal part of their disease or the healing and aging processes, and therefore don‟t speak up to get
treatment. But over time, the chemical and structural changes in the nervous system of those suffering unrelieved
pain actually causes our nerve pathways to become „sensitized‟. This makes the pain more difficult (if not impossible)
to treat effectively.
“New knowledge and best practices now exist that can help prevent, manage and even cure chronic pain,” Dr. James
Henry, Scientific Director of the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Pain Research and Care at McMaster University, and
President of the Canadian Pain Foundation. “But patients aren‟t yet benefiting from this knowledge, in part because of
these systemic barriers. It‟s time we did better for Canadians living with pain.”
Painexplained.ca is a new campaign supported by the Canadian Pain Society, Canadian Pain Coalition, the
Canadian Pain Foundation and other partner groups, companies and individuals. The campaign seeks to raise
awareness and promote better prevention and management of all types of pain in Canada.
Page 10
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
For more information
Ingrid Thompson, Campaign Coordinator
647-428-7133 or Ingrid@painexplained.ca
701 Rossland Road East, Suite 373
Whitby, ON L1N 9K3
T : 647-428-7133
F: 905-668-3728
info@painexplained.ca
www.painexplained.ca
The Blind Girl
There was a blind girl who hated herself because she
was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving
boyfriend. He was always there for her. She told her
boyfriend, 'If I could only see the world, I will marry
you.'
One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her.
When the bandages came off, she was able to see
everything, including her boyfriend.
He asked her, 'Now that you can see the world, will
you marry me?' The girl looked at her boyfriend and
saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids
shocked her. She hadn't expected that. The thought of
looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to
marry him.
Her boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote a note
to her saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear,
for before they were yours, they were mine.'
This is how the human brain often works when our
status changes. Only a very few remember what life
was like before, and who was always by their side in
the most painful situations.
Life Is a Gift
Today before you say an unkind word - Think of
someone who can't speak.
Before you complain about the taste of your food Think of someone who has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband or wife Think of someone who's crying out to GOD for a
companion.
Today before you complain about life –
Think of someone who went too early to heaven.
Before whining about the distance you drive
Think of someone who walks the same distance with
their feet.
And when you are tired and complain about your job Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who
wish they had your job.
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down
- Put a smile on your face and think: you're alive and
still around.
Page 11
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Our Goals
CIWA/ACVAMT
Is about
Support
We are a national network of
injured worker's groups (IWG's)
and we exist to strengthen
and support the work of local
and provincial IWG's across
Canada.
Independence
We believe that injured
workers should be in control of
their own destinies & Injured
Workers Groups must be
democratically controlled by
injured workers.
Partnerships
We believe that we can best
assist these objectives by
providing training and
educational resources in
partnership with provincial or
territorial organizations of
injured workers and the trade
union movement at all levels.
Information Sharing
We believe that by sharing
our stories and our experience
we can learn from each other
and become better
educated and exert more
control over our lives.
To work towards a just
system of compensation,
rehabilitation and reemployment in all of Canada.
To provide a national forum
for debating issues
concerning injured workers at
national conferences and
board workshops.
To gather and share
information with groups
across Canada.
To improve the Occupational
Health & Safety of workers
across Canada.
To identify and make
available, educational and
training resources produced
by the union movement and
other agencies, that focus on
organizing and maintaining
effective injured worker
groups.
To enhance the local base of
the injured workers
movement through all our
activities.
To form partnerships that will
achieve common goals.
Publications
Available
The VOICE OF INJURED WORKER
PLAIN TALK
HOW TO IMPROVE RELATIONS BETWEEN
INJURED WORKERS & ORGANIZED
LABOUR
REPORT ON RELATIONS WITH LABOUR
SESSION AT CIWA NATIONAL
CONFERENCE, REGINA 1992
RETURNING TO WORK
VOC REHAB & RE-EMPLOYMENT FROM
THE INJURED WORKER'S PERSPECTIVE
INJURED WORKERS … ON THE MOVE
COMING TOGETHER
VIDEOS & WORKBOOKS
YOUTH PROJECT MANUAL, 2002
SURVIVORS, 1997
TOGETHER WE CAN WIN, 1997
PEER HELPER TRAINING MANUAL, 2000
- "PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE"
LE COMBAT QUOTIDIEN DES VICTIMES DU
TRAVAIL, 1999
To find out more, please contact us at:
CIWA/ACVAMT
1201 Jasper Drive
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6R2
Ph: 807-345-3429/Fx: 807-344-8683
Toll Free: 1-877-787-7010
Email: ciwa@vianet.ca
Web Site: www.ciwa.ca
Connect with an injured workers group near you.
Check out our web site at: www.ciwa.ca
OR
Call our office at (807) 345-3429 or Toll Free at 1-877-787-7010
This Newsletter is intended to share information of interest to
injured workers/ groups / organizations, union activists and their supporters.
It provides a forum for sharing our experiences - so we can learn from each other - in order to improve the lives of
injured and disabled workers and the system that is there to assist them.
Please help - by sharing your story with us.
Page 12
�
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Title
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Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Dublin Core
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CIWA Highlights Newsletter 2008
Description
An account of the resource
Articles about WorkSafeBC policy decisions, WSIB in Ontario covering medical marijuana as well as potentially causing the stress-induced death of an injured worker, research on chronic pain being done in Quebec, the Ron Ellis Award being awarded to Steve Mantis, chronic pain and the painexplained.ca campaign, two brief stories, updates on the state of injured worker's rights in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
CIWA
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2008
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Subject
The topic of the resource
Labour and Labour Unions
-
https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/b841033863827120bc58bd2c06b15814.pdf
ffc2d772acde14816af3f97d424091c3
PDF Text
Text
CANADIAN PUBLICATION MAIL SALES AGREEMENT #1685422
Inside …..
CIWA/ACVAMT Contacts ......................................................... 2
ON – Medical Marijuana ........................................................... 3
QC – Chronic Pain ................................................................ 3, 4
NL – Day of Mourning ............................................................. 5
Web Site Links ......................................................................... 6
Provincial Rate Comparisons .................................................... 6
Pain Explained Campaign ........................................................ 8
CIWA Guest Editorial .................................................... 9, 10, 11
CIWA, About ......................................................................... 12
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
P L E A SE HE L P … … … … S U B S C R I B E T O D A Y !
Name:
________________________________ Date:
Organization:
________________________________
Address:
________________________________
________________________________
Postal Code
________________________________
Phone
________________________________
Fax
________________________________
E-Mail
________________________________
Web Site
________________________________
________________________________
Newsletter Subscription:
Highlights is published 4 times per year
Injured Worker/Unemployed
$ 5.00 _________
Individuals
$ 10.00 _________
Organizations
$ 15.00 _________
Donations
$
_________
Total
$
_________
CIWA THANKS YOU for Your SUPPORT
Editor’s Note
This newsletter is distributed via email, fax, or mail to CIWA/ACVAMT me mbers and groups with an interest in
injured worker issues as resource tool to share and exchange information. The views and opinions expressed here
are those of the individuals or groups making submissions. We take no responsibility for their accuracy o r for their
opinions. You are welcome to share and distribute this newsletter with others that are interested.
It is also available on our website at www.ciwa.ca.
PROVINCIAL REPRESENTATIVES OF CIWA/ACVAMT
VOLUNTEER BOARD OF DIRECTORS…
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS…
SK ... Robert Lindsay, Regina
Western Injured Workers Society
President ...
Secretary …
Treasurer …
NS...
Dave MacKenzie, Westville Pictou County
PEI ... Leonard J. Crawford, Summerside
ON ... Gerry Landry, Thunder Bay
Ontario Network of Injured Worker Groups
AB...
Sherri Scott, Fort MacMurray
NL...
Clive Hamilton, Labrador City
Rob Lindsay
Leonard J. Crawford
Dave MacKenzie
ADVISORS…
Vincent Boyce, Injured Worker, Manitoba
Andy King, U.S.W.A.
Lynn Shaw, University of Western Ontario
Patti MacAhonic, BC Injured Workers and
Survivors Education Association
STAFF…
Phil Brake, National Coordinator
Monika Wiitala, Office Manager
L’ALLIANCE CANADIENNE DES VICTIMES D’ACCIDENTS ET DE MALADIES DU TRAVAIL
CANADIAN INJURED WORKERS ALLIANCE
1201 Jasper Drive
Thunder Bay, Ontario. P7B 6R2
Phone: 807-345-3429
Fax: 807-344-8683
Page 2
email: ciwa@vianet.ca
Toll Free: 1-877-787-7010
Web-site: www.ciwa.ca
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
PROVINCIAL NEWS / UPDATES
ONTARIO
Medical marijuana covered by WSIB
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal
has recently allowed that medical marijuana is covered
by the compensation system. The injured worker
must have a Health Canada card authorizing
possession. The payment will be made regardless of
where the marijuana is purchased and thus without
the need for receipts. It will be paid for the amount
indicated by Health Canada, and it will be paid at the
rate that Health Canada charges.
The decision can be found on the WSIAT website
where all decisions are published. It is number 2335
06R dated July 8th, 2008. The neutral citation is 2008
ONWSIAT 1890.
Marion Endicott
WSIB loses $3.34B as stocks fall
Aug 18, 2009 04:30 AM
STAR STAFF
WIRE SERVICES
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/682439
Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Board says
it lost $3.34 billion last year as payments to injured
workers rose while stock markets fell.
The massive setback came on the heels of a $2 billion
loss in 2007.
The WSIB collects premiums from employers and
provides benefits to more than 155,000 injured
workers. Its latest annual report says the board took
in $2.4 billion less in 2008 than it paid out in benefits
and other expenses. The shortfall was more than
double the $1.13 billion reported a year earlier.
The board has a reserve fund to help pay future
benefits. But two-thirds was invested in stocks, which
took heavy
losses in 2008.
Back-to-back losses have slashed the size of that
reserve fund to about $10.4 billion, leaving it about
$11.4 billion short of what is estimated could be
required.
The WSIB says the shortfall will not threaten its ability
to provide benefits to workers.
Ontario passed legislation in 2007 providing for a 2.5
per cent increase in benefits that year, and the two
following years. WSIB may now have to consider
increasing premiums to employers at a time when
many are struggling.
Workplace insurance board loses $3B
Posted By JONATHAN JENKINS, SUN MEDIA, August 20, 2009
http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1706229
The Workplace Safety Insurance Board lost about $3
billion on the markets last year, but the massive loss
won't mean higher premiums, the board's head vows.
"We're very solvent, we're very stable," Steve
Mahoney said Tuesday. "This is not a loss of our ability
to meet our obligations."
The market turmoil of last fall hit the WSIB's insurance
fund hard, its value falling 15.5 per cent. Combined
with other factors -- including a $104 million drop in
premiums from job losses, the board's overall
unfunded liability has soared to $11.4 billion. The
liability was less than $6 billion just two years ago.
But Mahoney said the unfunded liability is a long-term
problem that doesn't affect its ability to deliver
benefits to injured workers now.
Premiums haven't risen on average in the past three
years and Mahoney said only 36,000 companies out of
238,000 the board insures are seeing an increase in
2010 -- and that's because those companies have a
poor safety record.
Page 3
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
"The reason the companies whose premiums are
frozen are achieving that is because they have an
excellent record on safety."
Benefits paid to injured workers are set by the
government and the WSIB can't change them, he
pointed out.
Still, the investment loss and the prospect of gh
unemployment driving premium revenue down mean
the board is reviewing its investment strategy and
some heads have rolled.
"If you perform poorly, you get fired. That's absolutely
the case," Mahoney said of investment counsellors and
advisers.
The huge setback shows there's serious problems at
the WSIB, New Democrat labour critic Paul Miller said.
"This is mismanagement," Miller said. "It's really a
mishmash the way they run things.
"The amounts that they're losing -- I would not
consider that to be a conservative portfolio. There has
to be more accountability on the finances. Are they
not managing the portfolios properly? Are they not
monitoring? Are they taking to much risk?"
And given the magnitude of the drop, Miller said he
doubts Mahoney can keep premiums where they are
for long.
"They say no and I don't believe that," he said. "The
only way they're going to recoup their losses would be
to increase premiums."
QUEBEC – Info IRSST Newsletter
Very interesting information can be found at their website:
http://www.irsst.qc.ca:80/files/documents/en/InfoIrsst/Actuel/InfoIRSST_v06n02.htm
PREVENTION GUIDE
The English version of a prevention guide has been published by the IRSST and Groupe-conseil AON. In addition to
offering different practical advice, this document proposes solution scenarios that are easy to implement for better
prevention of handling-related accidents and the associated back pain.
CHRONIC PAIN RESEARCH AND TREATMENT IN QUEBEC GETS $4.35-MILLION BOOST FROM PFIZER,
ASTRAZENECA, MSSS AND FRSQ
Unique public-private partnership in Quebec‟s pain research and treatment networks will provide better tools to
research, diagnose and treat chronic pain. February 28, 2008
Two of Canada‟s leading pharmaceutical companies
are joining forces with the Fonds de la recherche en
santé du Québec (FRSQ) and Quebec‟s Health and
Social Services Ministry (MSSS) to help in the battle
against chronic pain and give a boost to Quebec‟s pain
researchers and clinics affiliated with Quebec‟s four
medical-research universities.
The partnership – a first in Canada – is designed to
strengthen what is already the country‟s leading pain
research and treatment network, the Quebec Pain
Research Network (QPRN), which links pain clinics at
Quebec‟s four university-hospital networks and more
than 75 doctors and researchers specialized in chronic
pain.
Under the partnership, Pfizer Canada, AstraZeneca,
the FRSQ and MSSS will provide $4.35 million over
Joint battle against chronic pain
“The battle against chronic pain is really a collective
effort uniting researchers in the public and private
sectors, front-line medical professionals and patients
themselves,” said Alain Beaudet, President and CEO of
the FRSQ. In leading the partnership, the FRSQ‟s goal
Page 4
four years to fund research and education that will
improve our understanding of chronic pain and help
doctors diagnose and treat pain more effectively.
“Chronic pain is a devastating and debilitating silent
epidemic and we need better knowledge and
treatments for doctors and patients,” said Dr. Yves de
Koninck, Scientific Director of the QPRN and professor
affiliated with Laval University and the university‟s
Centre de recherche Université Laval Robert-Giffard.
“More than a million Quebecers – about one in five –
will suffer from chronic pain during their lifetime. The
economic costs alone in health care and loss of
productivity are staggering – an estimated $125 billion
a year in the US.”
is to support Quebec‟s pain research, particularly to
advance understanding of prevalence, incidence and
the natural course of different pain syndromes, and to
ensure that this knowledge is transferred to the clinic
to benefit patients.
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
“This initiative takes us to the next level by bringing
our research knowledge and excellence onto the frontlines to help doctors and patients manage pain more
effectively,” Beaudet said.
The QPRN groups researchers and doctors at
Université de Montréal, Université de Sherbrooke,
Université Laval and McGill University, as well as their
teaching hospitals, government organizations and the
Association Québécoise de la douleur chronique,
Quebec‟s leading patient group.
Quebec a world leader in pain research
“At AstraZeneca, we established our analgesia drug
discovery laboratories in Montreal in large part
because Quebec is a renowned world leader in pain
research excellence,” said Dr. Philippe Walker, VicePresident Discovery, and head of AstraZeneca‟s
research laboratories in Montreal, where more than
100 scientists and chronic-pain experts work on
developing better medicines to treat and manage pain.
“This is a unique partnership and opportunity for us to
work together to gain better insight into the causes of
chronic pain and how to manage pain more effectively
for the benefit of patients.”
“Pfizer is a leader in the research of innovative
solutions for pain management, including the
development of unique compounds which are breaking
scientific ground and discovering novel ways to treat
chronic pain," says Dr. Bernard Prigent, Vice-President
and Medical Director, Pfizer Canada. "Pfizer is proud to
join this partnership as the QPRN initiative is a unique
model which could streamline research efforts aiming
“The Quebec government is pleased to partner with
the FRSQ to establish this important chronic pain
research initiative. This investment will enable the
QPRN to structure clinical research, facilitate the
transfer of discoveries and practical knowledge to
medical professionals and improve the treatment of
chronic pain sufferers. The QPRN‟s activities are
among the most pertinent and essential in improving
the quality of life for the 20% of Quebecers who suffer
from pain at some point in their lives,” said Philippe
Couillard, Minister of Health and Social Services.
to improve diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain.
The transfer of these research findings to healthcare
professionals in hospital, clinic settings and research
organizations such as Pfizer, will be key in our
collective capacity to develop better treatment options
for people living with chronic pain.”
The partnership investment is $4.35 million over four
years. The FRSQ has committed $2 million over four
years, Pfizer Canada $1.2 million over four years,
AstraZeneca $750,000 over three years, and MSSS
$400,000 over four years.
Pfizer and AstraZeneca have research facilities around
the world and are both major investors in R&D in
Canada, with Pfizer investing about $190 million a year
and AstraZeneca more than $100 million a year. As
the health-research funding arm of the Quebec
Ministry of Economic Development, Innovation and
Export Trade, the FRSQ invests about $90 million a
year in health research and education in Quebec.
Pain facts:
Chronic pain strikes one in five adults - 1.2 million Quebecers will suffer from chronic pain during their
lifetime. Among the elderly, the proportion rises to 50 percent.
Women are more at risk of developing chronic pain than men.
People with chronic pain have been suffering on average for 7 years.
Nearly half (47%) say their pain is not under control.
Chronic pain adversely affects quality of life, both in terms of emotional well-being and ability to function
normally.
For more information please contact:
For more information, or to arrange interviews with leading pain experts in Montreal, Sherbrooke and
Quebec City, please contact:
Michelle Dubuc, FRSQ, (514) 873-2114 Ext. 235
Sylvie Tessier, Pfizer Canada Inc., (514) 693-4609
Jennifer Robinson, AstraZeneca R&D, (514) 518-3505
Isabelle Merizzi, Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS), (418) 266-7171
These press releases were issued in Canada and are intended as reference information for Canadians. The
information contained in each press release was accurate at the time of issuance, and Pfizer Canada assumes no
responsibility for updating the information to reflect subsequent developments.
Page 5
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
NEWFOUNDLAND
April 28-Day of Mourning
Hello Fellow Injured Workers and Concerned Citizens,
April 28 is International Day of Mourning for Injured
and Dead Workers. I mourn today for three men from
Newfoundland and Labrador. Neil Lockyer, Jason
House, and myself.
Neil was injured in B.C. with a head injury in 1989.
Jason fell through a roof in Alberta in 2005 suffering
multiple injuries including his skull cracked in three
places, both shoulders, right hip and pelvis broken,
two disks and a broken vertebra, in 2005.
I was involved in a railway accident in Ontario in 1979
suffering a crushed ankle, shattered shoulder, broken
arm, broken collar bone, post concussion syndrome,
three herniated disks, and more.
All of us permanently disabled from our employment.
From three different Provinces we came home to lick
our wounds. Family and friends our only comfort.
But they followed and watched like vultures on a
perch. Waiting. "Did he walk?" "I saw him today and
he smiled so he must be okay?" They report back to
Ontario and B.C. and Alberta. The checks stop. The
appeals begin, and always under the microscope.
Forced to relive all the events since the accident and
justifying what does not need justifying. Forced to live
off family and welfare, demeaned, belittled, slandered,
maligned, and otherwise abused. Forced to stay in a
merry go round of abuse.
Poor Neil. His injured brain could not take it. He killed
a man. A WCB spy he thought. Stabbed him nineteen
Times in his daughters kitchen. She tried to get help.
Said her Father needed help because he was believing
WCB spies were after him to cut him off. How many
times between 1989 and 2005 was he cut off? How
many spies did he really see?
But he was paranoid because of his brain injury they
said, before they locked him away in the Waterford
Psychiatric Hospital. Not even a look at factors that
might involve the WCB in B.C.
Labour federation has questions
Published Wednesday August 5th, 2009
Page 6
I watch, and protest , and try to get in court to help
him but no one listens to me. They think I am mad.
Then comes along Jason. He lost a $300,00.00 home,
a mustang, a truck, a motorbike, a framing business,
and lost it all in three years.
WCB spies, posing as hunters, followed him to
Newfoundland one year after his accident. They
videotaped him walking with a cane and getting into
his fathers truck. They declared him fit for work and
cut him off. He has since appealed and won a partial
victory.
But at what cost? Will he, in another two, five or ten
years, be cut off again, hounded again? How many
times?
Then there is me. I don't care if they look. I will do as
much as my body can do, no more, no less. But me
they ignore. 1979 to present. Ignore me to the point I
have no doctor or medical care. How many videos of
me do they show behind closed doors to "prove" I am
not disabled?
I grieve for Mr. Lockyer whose life has been ruined
and for his distraught daughter who could find no
help.
I grieve for Mr. House because I know the road he is
now forced to travel.
I grieve for me because everyone thinks I am crazy
and a welfare bum. I am so helpless to help them or
myself.
Decades apart but yet the same mistreatment. I
wonder how many more suicides and murders it will
take for everyone to wake up and demand
fundamental change?
So today mourn not only the injured and dead, mourn
for the abused too.
Best Regards, Fred Palmer
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
http://miramichileader.canadaeast.com/opinion/article/751885
Letter to the editor
The New Brunswick Federation of Labour is calling on Minister Donald Arseneault to immediately conduct an internal
enquiry into the governance of Worksafe New Brunswick.
Discrepancies in the information given to Board members has rendered an internal enquiry crucial for all injured
workers in New Brunswick. Our representative on the Board of Directors of Worksafe New Brunswick found out that
the board has been making decisions based on misleading and non-factual information."
In mid-June the Corporate Board were presented with a plan, by CEO Doug Stanley to discontinue operations of the
therapeutic pool at the Workers Rehabilitation Centre in Grand Bay-Westfield. Concerns surrounding this plan were
raised and information provided to the Board were that only the staff uses the pool, almost no injured workers and the
cost to operate the pool were $238,000 per year. Since then, our Labour representative has learned that, in fact, there
were up to 16 injured workers per week using the therapeutic pool and the cost to operate was in fact $160,000 per
year. Only yesterday at a Corporate Board Meeting, Mr. Stanley informed members that the heat had been shut off for
three weeks, when in fact it was only turned off that day. Furthermore, injured workers were using it for therapeutic
rehabilitation.
How many services to injured workers have been discontinued at the Rehabilitation Centre based on erroneous
information? Injured workers are being failed by a system that was intended to facilitate rehabilitation and return to
work. Workers made great sacrifices, including giving up the right to sue our employers in exchange for this service.
We are calling on Minister Arseneault to look very closely at the decision making process of the Worksafe New
Brunswick Board of Directors. Is the rehabilitation of injured workers still a priority or is it another issue that is being
driven at any costs?
Michel Boudreau,
NBFL President
Do you know what happens when you get injured at work? Find out here.
www.ciws.ca and www.wcbcanada.com
Page 7
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Worker’s compensation doesn’t work
Email
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Published: August 11, 2009 11:00 PM
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The recently minted MLA’s of the province of British Columbia are an expensive commodity. An enlarged body of
governing brilliance naturally expected to achieve profound goals. Time is money, and the talents of so few, to which
we are all beholding, should not be wasted in frivolous pursuits. This leads one to ask the question: Why is it that over
sixty percent of all MLAs’ time spent in his riding is deployed in conflict resolution with WCB, or Work Safe BC.
This alarming fact was confirmed by Rich Colman, then Solicitor General, and Robin Austin our returning MLA from
Terrace. I have had the pleasure of working with both members of the house pertaining to my ongoing battles with
WCB.
The root of the majority of problems within WCB relate directly to the indiscriminate changes foisted on the system by
Gordon Campbell during his first tenure in office. The Liberal government had been lobbied long and hard as to the
unsustainable cost of WCB operations. Remember that this is a corporation that must be self supporting, no
government funding required. WCB was to be funded by the employer, offsetting the loss of the employee’s right to
sue the employer, and the government, regarding injury in the work place. The foundation theory is very sound with
the anticipation that the employee and the employer would both support the benefit of working safely. Long term
saving would be realized by all parties. The actual charge to the government was that the cost of the program was too
high for the employer.
The Liberal government was extremely shortsighted in its inept handling of the issue. I suggest that if they could have
foreseen the growing outrage that now fuels this fight they would have taken a different venue.
At present, permanently disabled workers are shocked to find that at age sixty five, any disability pension they may
have clawed from this government is suddenly stopped. I can only presume that we are dead, in recite of a miracle
cure, or cast aside to live in abject poverty. The answer, unfortunately, is the latter. A case in point, a worker reaches
his prime earning years, the time to build future equity, plan for retirement, stabilize his family, then in the instant of
time that becomes an eternity, the worker is injured, permanently! The worker’s ability to project a future is gone,
family stability, retirement plans, life savings, gone in an instant. A future totally dependent on the social conscious of
governments. A life change of command, to servitude. Why must the injured worker be cast with the lot of poverty
through no neglect of his own? Why does Work Safe BC think it has the right to lessen the value of a human being
because of injury?
A rotten house covered with vinyl siding is still a rotten house. WCB, draped in the new name of Work Safe BC, it is
still a rotten house.
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�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
The endorsement of Work Safe BC, its methods of operation, its abuse of injured workers, its unlimited powers of
control, are all planks of support in a rotten house.
The impact of the deceit, lies, and self interest that governs the operation of WCB has resulted in direct confrontation
with the workers it is designed to help. The BC. Federation of Labour is uniting against the tyranny of Work Safe BC.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada has formed an investigation body to review the process of WCB. A paper is
being drafted for presentation to the Auditor General requesting an internal investigation in to the operation, goals,
and methods employed by Work Safe BC.
The operations area of Work Safe BC has been transformed into a highly regulated security zone. Guards are
abundant and obtrusive. The reception desks are made so that people can not achieve physical contact with the
administrators. The interview rooms are small segregated cells with one way door locks, cramped seating, and hidden
audio, and visual recording capabilities. Escorts are required to travel the maze of deliberately confusing passages.
The order of the day is control.
The public is no longer willing, nor able, to wait for the honesty, humanity, and helping hands they have been
deceived into expecting.
The single question arising from the reality that is Work Safe BC, should be “how has this come to pass”? The people
of British Columbia should become much more politically alert to the intrusions of all levels of government. People
should become much more vigilant in the protection of their freedoms. Society should not be afraid to challenge
government doctrine. The statements and judgements of our provincial leaders should be questioned, and held to
account. The status quo must be reviewed, and if a deficiency is found the will of the people must mandate change.
Tony Vincenzi lives in Terrace.
SUPREME COURT ISSUES MAJOR PENSION RULING
>
> In a precedent-setting decision, issued on August 7, the Supreme Court of Canada
> has ruled that an employer did not violate its obligations as administrator of
> its employee pension plan when it used the funds in the plan to pay the plan's
> administrative expenses, or when it allowed surplus funds arising from the defined
> benefit (DB) component of the plan, covering one group of employees, to be used
> to meet its funding obligations to another group of employees covered by the
> defined contribution (DC) component of the plan.
>
> The rest of this report is available at: http://www.lancasterhouse.com/
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�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Website Links – Information Resources
PFIZER
Has this page where you can look up organizations in Canada by type:
http://www.morethanmedication.ca/en/find_support/?gclid=CKOx0I_ziZkCFRhhnAodlTSQmA
Worker’s Advocate Information Kit for Ontario (from the Office of the Worker Advisor Website)
http://www.owa.gov.on.ca/workers_kits/NEL_kit.html
Workers Compensation Boards of Canada
http://www.awcbc.org/en/
Ron Ellis Award
June 5, 2008:
The Workers‟ Compensation Section of the Ontario Bar Association honoured Steve Mantis of Kaministiquia, Ontario a
longtime leader and grassroots organizer of Ontario‟s injured worker movement, with the Ron Elis Award for
excellence and outstanding contribution to workers‟ compensation.
OBA Centre, 200 – 20 Toronto Street, Toronto, Ontario.
See the Tribute prepared and delivered by Marion Endicott at the award:
http://www.injuredworkersonline.org/Documents/Ron_Ellis_Award08.pdf
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�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
IRSST News Releases
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT (PDF) at: http://www.irsst.qc.ca/files/documents/PubIRSST/RG-546.pdf
When we are deterred by what others think
A study published by the IRSST reveals, among other things, the disastrous consequences for
injured workers when they do not feel believed or supported during their absence from work.
Researchers actually observed the importance of workers' social reality for better understanding
their rehabilitation process by listening to representations of health, illness and pain by workers
unable to return to work due to musculoskeletal-related pain.
The meaning of work generates stress or well-being.
Meaningful work has vitamin effects on the worker's mental health and encourages his commitment towards an
organization, while work without it promotes the onset of symptoms of stress, and even distress. This is one of the
findings of a study funded by the Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST) on the
meaning of work, mental health and organizational commitment, whose results have just been published.
Research Projects by the IRRST
Development of a complete solution for supporting prevention and intervention on psychosocial risks in
the workplace
#099-698: Ongoing
Jean-Pierre Brun / Université Laval,
Michel Vézina / Institut national de santé publique du Québec,
Caroline Biron / Université Laval
#099-698 :
Companies, unions and joint sector-based associations are increasingly concerned about psychological health in the
workplace. The research team's objectives are to inform, equip, train and support workplaces by developing a
complete and diversified support solution for the prevention of psychosocial risks and interventions in this regard. The
result of this activity will be a range of easily accessible information and tools that can be referred to by managers,
union representatives, employees and resource people in the occupational health and safety field so that they can
successfully carry out their procedures to prevent psychosocial risks in the workplace.
TO FIND OUT MORE:
http://www.irsst.qc.ca/en/_projet_3665.html
Survey and analysis of the strategies for evaluating exposure to workplace contaminants
#099-694
Daniel Drolet, Nicole Goyer, Brigitte Roberge / IRSST Jérôme Lavoué / Institut universitaire romand de Santé au
travail André Dufresne / Université McGill Guylaine Beauchamp / IRSST
Calculation of the work/rest regimen
Quebec Occupational Health and Safety Research Institute (IRSST) and Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR)
conceived a computer-based tool allowing to estimate the alternate work/rest regimen during work in a hot
environment. This bilingual tool is intended to support occupational health and safety practitioners in managing hot
periods in the work environment. The computer-based tool calculates the alternate work/rest regimen during work in
a hot environment using the following parameters: metabolic rate, WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) temperature
values at the workstation and at the rest location, as well as the clothing worn by the worker.
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�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Chronic Pain
SIX MILLION CANADIANS LIVING IN PAIN FACE BARRIERS TO CARE
The Painexplained.ca Campaign targets five top barriers preventing Canadians from accessing effective
pain care. For more information: Ingrid Thompson, Campaign Coordinator, 647-428-7133 or info@painexplained.ca
Ingrid@painexplained.ca
701 Rossland Road East, Suite 373, Whitby, ON L1N 9K3
Ph: 647-428-7133 / Fx: 905-668-3728 / Web: www.painexplained.ca
Toronto, November 3, 2008 – Canadian doctors,
patients, researchers, and other healthcare
professionals are condemning the barriers that prevent
Canadians from accessing proper and timely pain care.
As part of this year‟s National Pain Awareness Week
(November 2 – 8, 2008), the Painexplained.ca
Campaign is targeting key reasons why Canadians are
suffering needlessly or excessively from acute and
chronic pain.
“Our concern is this: how many of the six million
Canadians out there in moderate-to severe chronic
pain are suffering unnecessarily?” said Dr. Barry
patients, leaving them with nowhere to turn. 15% of
chronic pain patients also report being discouraged
from receiving a pain treatment necessary to relieve
their pain. (Source: Nanos Research, Oct 2008)
3. Doctors feel reluctant to prescribe needed
pain medications: Best practice pain management
often calls for the use of opioids and other powerful
medications. Historic regulatory actions against pain
doctors have put a „chill‟ on general willingness to
prescribe pain medications, making it harder for
legitimate pain patients to access proper pain care.
Sessle, President of the Canadian Pain Society and
Campaign Co-Founder. “We know that too many are
4. Wait times for effective pain care are
unacceptable: An audit of wait times confirmed that
some Canadians must wait as long as five years to
receive care from an academic pain clinic. The risk of
suicide while waiting for care is double that of the
general population. (Source: CPS).
“When you or someone you love is suffering, every
5. Out-dated attitudes make us reluctant to
‘speak up’ for proper pain care: Many Canadians
mistakenly feel that pain is a normal part of their
disease or the healing and aging processes, and
therefore don‟t speak up to get treatment. But over
time, the chemical and structural changes in the
nervous system of those suffering unrelieved pain
actually causes our nerve pathways to become
„sensitized‟. This makes the pain more difficult (if not
impossible) to treat effectively.
not getting the timely care they desperately want and
deserve. That‟s why we are targeting key barriers that
cause greatest delay and distress to Canadian pain
patients.”
minute spent waiting for proper pain care feels like a
travesty,” said Lynn Cooper, President of the Canadian
Pain Coalition and Campaign Founding Member. “It is
unacceptable that so many of us are living with pain
that could have been prevented, cured, or reduced
with proper and timely care.”
Five key issues have been identified which are
exacerbating the struggle of Canadians with untreated
or undertreated pain:
1. Canadian Healthcare Professionals are
insufficiently trained about pain: A 2007 audit of
41 Canadian undergraduate Healthcare Professional
programs revealed that 67% of all healthcare
programs surveyed could not identify specific training
in the mechanisms, diagnosis or treatment of pain.
The same study revealed that Canadian veterinary
students get five times as much specific training about
pain as medical students. (Source: WattWatson/McGillion/Hunter, 2007)
2. Pain Patients are struggling to find doctors
able and willing to help: Over 14% of chronic pain
patients report being refused care by a doctor or
having their care terminated because of their pain.
Many new physicians are refusing to take on these
Page 12
“New knowledge and best practices now exist that
can help prevent, manage and even cure chronic
pain,” Dr. James Henry, Scientific Director of the
Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Pain Research and
Care at McMaster University, and President of the
Canadian Pain Foundation. “But patients aren‟t yet
benefiting from this knowledge, in part because of
these systemic barriers. It‟s time we did better for
Canadians living with pain.”
Painexplained.ca is a new campaign supported by
the Canadian Pain Society, Canadian Pain Coalition,
the Canadian Pain Foundation and other partner
groups, companies and individuals. The campaign
seeks to raise awareness and promote better
prevention and management of all types of pain in
Canada.
�Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Page 13
�Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
Alliance canadienne des victimes d’accidents et de maladies du travail
Our Goals
CIWA/ACVAMT
Is about
Support
We are a national network of
injured worker's groups (IWG's)
and we exist to strengthen
and support the work of local
and provincial IWG's across
Canada.
Independence
We believe that injured
workers should be in control of
their own destinies & Injured
Workers Groups must be
democratically controlled by
injured workers.
Partnerships
We believe that we can best
assist these objectives by
providing training and
educational resources in
partnership with provincial or
territorial organizations of
injured workers and the trade
union movement at all levels.
Information Sharing
We believe that by sharing
our stories and our experience
we can learn from each other
and become better
educated and exert more
control over our lives.
To work towards a just
system of compensation,
rehabilitation and reemployment in all of Canada.
To provide a national forum
for debating issues
concerning injured workers at
national conferences and
board workshops.
To gather and share
information with groups
across Canada.
To improve the Occupational
Health & Safety of workers
across Canada.
To identify and make
available, educational and
training resources produced
by the union movement and
other agencies, that focus on
organizing and maintaining
effective injured worker
groups.
To enhance the local base of
the injured workers
movement through all our
activities.
To form partnerships that will
achieve common goals.
Publications
Available
The VOICE OF INJURED WORKER
PLAIN TALK
HOW TO IMPROVE RELATIONS BETWEEN
INJURED WORKERS & ORGANIZED
LABOUR
REPORT ON RELATIONS WITH LABOUR
SESSION AT CIWA NATIONAL
CONFERENCE, REGINA 1992
RETURNING TO WORK
VOC REHAB & RE-EMPLOYMENT FROM
THE INJURED WORKER'S PERSPECTIVE
INJURED WORKERS … ON THE MOVE
COMING TOGETHER
VIDEOS & WORKBOOKS
YOUTH PROJECT MANUAL, 2002
SURVIVORS, 1997
TOGETHER WE CAN WIN, 1997
PEER HELPER TRAINING MANUAL, 2000
- "PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE"
LE COMBAT QUOTIDIEN DES VICTIMES DU
TRAVAIL, 1999
To find out more, please contact us at:
CIWA/ACVAMT
1201 Jasper Drive
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6R2
Ph: 807-345-3429/Fx: 807-344-8683
Toll Free: 1-877-787-7010
Email: ciwa@vianet.ca
Web Site: www.ciwa.ca
Connect with an injured workers group near you.
Check out our web site at: www.ciwa.ca
OR
Call our office at (807) 345-3429 or Toll Free at 1-877-787-7010
This Newsletter is intended to share information of interest to
injured workers/ groups / organizations, union activists and their supporters.
It provides a forum for sharing our experiences - so we can learn from each other - in order to improve the lives of
injured and disabled workers and the system that is there to assist them.
Please help - by sharing your story with us.
Page 14
�
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Canadian Injured Workers Alliance
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CIWA Highlights Newsletter 2009
Description
An account of the resource
Articles about medical marijuana in Ontario, Ontario WSIB losing $3.34B to payouts and stock market drops, chronic pain research in Quebec, the Day of Mourning deaths in the workplace in Newfoundland, news and research projects by the IRRST, the Painexplained.ca campaign for education on chronic pain. Letter to the editor about issues with the governance of Work Safe New Brunswick. List of website links to resources for injured workers.
Creator
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CIWA
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2009
Format
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PDF
Language
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English
Type
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Text
Subject
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Labour and Labour Unions