The Government of Ontario says it is proposing changes to increase income replacement benefits for injured workers, marking what it calls the first such increase in nearly 30 years.
The proposed legislation would raise Workplace Safety and Insurance Board loss-of-earnings benefits to 90 per cent of a worker’s take-home pay, up from 85 per cent, and update rules to reflect a growing number of people working past age 65.
“No worker should have to worry about paying their bills while they recover from a workplace injury,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “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 province said the increase would provide additional financial support to injured workers dealing with rising living costs while maintaining the long-term stability of the system. For example, a worker earning $60,000 annually would receive about $2,411 more in benefits over one year under the proposed changes.
The government also plans to amend the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act to allow eligible workers to continue receiving benefits beyond age 65 if they had intended to keep working. Under current rules, benefits generally end at that age.
Officials said the proposed changes are part of a broader package of measures expected to be introduced in the coming days aimed at reducing red tape, protecting workers and strengthening Ontario’s economic competitiveness.
