Background

In September 2010, the WSIB announced the establishment of an independent Funding Review, chaired by Prof. Harry Arthurs, to provide advice on how to best ensure the long-term financial viability of Ontario's workplace safety and insurance scheme. The full text of this announcement can be found here .

Subsequently, in December 2010 the Ontario government enacted Bill 135 amending sections of WSIA which will require the WSIB to maintain "sufficient funding" to meet its present and future obligations. These amendments to WSIA have not yet been proclaimed in force. For the text of Bill 135 click here .

In addition, the WSIB has initiated several reviews of its policies and processes, and has undertaken various initiatives to improve its procedures with a view to ensuring its efficient operation. Details of some of these reviews and initiatives can be found here

And not least, the Funding Review team

  • met informally with a number of groups representing stakeholders.
  • developed and distributed a Green Paper explaining the financial issues confronting the WSIB in simple and accessible language. (See the tab above for the Green Paper).
  • invited a group of technical experts - some nominated by the stakeholders, some non-aligned - to a consultation at which the WSIB provided detailed information and analysis concerning its financial issues.
  • completed public hearings across Ontario.
  • received and reviewed submissions from individuals, employers, and labour and employer stakeholder associations.
  • Kept key parties apprised throughout the process including; worker and employer stakeholder associations; workers' compensation critics from the opposition parties; WSIB; and the Ministry of Labour

Five phases of the Funding Review:

Phase One - October to December 2010 [completed]

  • Chair of the Review holds introductory meetings with key stakeholders

Phase Two - January 2011 to April 2011 [completed]

  • Release of the Green Paper in support of public hearings outlining key issues.
  • Technical consultation with expert representatives and non-aligned experts.
  • Public consultation sessions across Ontario.
  • Ongoing research.

Phase Three - May 2011 to October 2011 [completed]

  • Chair of Review meets with worker and employer stakeholders to validate what was heard and ensure common understanding of the issues.
  • Chair of Review meets with WSIB, Ministry of Labour and opposition labour critics
  • Ongoing research

Phase Four - November 2011 to December 2011 [completed]

  • Chair of Review meets with employer and worker stakeholders to discuss options and possible recommendations.
  • Chair of Review meets with WSIB, Ministry of Labour and labour critics.

Phase Five - January 2012 to March 2012

  • Report to be completed
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