Photo courtesy of: davidpiccinimpp.ca
The province is proposing the first increase in nearly 30 years to income replacement benefits for injured workers through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, as part of a broader effort to strengthen worker protections.
If passed, the changes would raise loss-of-earnings benefits to 90 per cent of a worker’s take-home pay, up from the current 85 per cent. Officials say the increase is intended to help injured workers better manage rising living costs while they recover and maintain financial stability. The province estimates a worker earning $60,000 annually would receive about $2,400 more in benefits over a year under the new rate.
The proposal would also update legislation to reflect a growing number of Ontarians working past age 65. Eligible workers would be able to continue receiving benefits beyond that age if they had planned to remain in the workforce, instead of automatically losing support.
Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP and Labour Minister, David Piccini, said the changes are meant to ease financial pressure on injured workers. “No worker should have to worry about paying their bills while they recover from a workplace injury,” he said. “By proposing the first increase to income replacement benefits in nearly 30 years, our government is helping ensure injured Ontarians can focus on getting better. Ontario’s workers built this province, and we will always have their backs.”
The proposed changes are expected to be introduced as part of a broader package of measures aimed at supporting workers and strengthening Ontario’s economy.
(Written by: Jordan Mercier)
