09 April 2008
Miller Demands Immediate WSIB Overhaul
Flawed Experience Rating system rewards companies despite workplace injuries

QUEEN'S PARK—NDP MPP Paul Miller today demanded that the McGuinty government take immediate action – including the immediate removal of the chair and board – to fix the glaring problems at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).

During today’s Question Period, Miller cited the case of a Sudbury worker was killed on the job, however, the flawed WSIB Experience Rating system awarded his employer $5 million, while the Ministry of Labour fined the same employer a meagre $375,000.

“This is appalling and shameful. Workers are maimed and killed, yet irresponsible employers are rewarded,” said Miller, echoing comments made earlier today by the Ontario Federation of Labour, which has labelled the WSIB Experience Rating system as a “profit centre” for some employers.

“The very idea that an employer receives any government money as a reward from the Ministry when an employee loses their life on the job is offensive and flies in the face what should be a worker health and safety protection system,” said Miller.

Miller called on the government “to immediately remove the Chair and all Board Members” and said: “The Chair and Board Members knew that this system was flawed, they heard about it from many labour representatives and yet they ignored calls to fix the problem. They should no longer be in a position to oversee the health and safety of Ontario’s workers.”

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Media Contact: Margo Duncan (416) 325-

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