b'GOVERNMENT RELATIONSGOVERNMENT RELATIONS UPDATEBY JIM WILKINSONA s you know, the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic hasONTARIO EXPLORING INCREASE TO COMPENSATION FOR meant that regulations and public health advice haveINJURED WORKERSbeen very fluid and changing every day. We encourageThe Ontario government is working for workers by directing the you to look up your local public health authorities for informationWSIB to explore an increase in compensation for workers who on rules and advice.are injured or become ill on the job. The plan to raise benefits To receive the most up-to-date information on whats happeningwould direct more money to injured workers and their families in the scaffold and access industry, and the latest COVID-19while minimizing the impact on the Boards financial health and developments, visit www.siac-ontario.com or email info@siac- employers premium rates.ontario.com and sign up for our email newsletter. BUSINESSES CAN NOW VIEW CLAIM INFORMATION REMOVING BARRIERS FOR OUT-OF-PROVINCE SKILLEDTHROUGH THEIR WSIB ONLINE SERVICES ACCOUNTWORKERS WSIB has expanded their online offerings to make it easier for businesses to work with them and support their employees after The Ontario government has introduced changes that would helpa workplace injury or illness. Now, through theirWSIBonline workers in over 30 in-demand professions move here with theirservices account, businesses can get the information they need families while continuing their careers. The changes, if passed,about registered claims including claim status, latest payments and would tackle Ontarios historic labour shortagethe largest in aapproved benefits. They can also submit documents directly to generationby ensuring out-of-province workers can register inclaim files and send messages.their regulated profession or trade within 30 days of applying.LABOUR MOBILITY DEDUCTION FOR TRADESPEOPLELAUNCHING FIRST-EVER REVIEW OF OCCUPATIONALThe federal government will soon introduce a Labour Mobility ILLNESSES Deduction, which would provide tax recognition on up to $4,000 The Ontario government is launching the first-ever review of theper year in eligible travel and temporary relocation expenses to provinces occupational illness system. Conducted by the MAPeligible tradespersons and apprentices. This measure would apply to Centre for Urban Health Solutions, an independent research centre2022 and subsequent taxation years.at St. Michaels Hospital in Toronto with expertise in studyingBRINGING WORKERS TO THE DECISION-MAKING TABLEcomplex community health issues, the review will evaluate howIn its annual budget, the Government of Canada has committed occupational illnesses in Ontario are identified, monitored andto provide $2.5 million in 2022-23 for Employment and Social prevented. The review will deliver lasting change for injuredDevelopment Canada to launch a new union-led advisory table that workers and their families. brings unions and trade associations together. In the coming year, SAFE EMPLOYERS RECEIVING UP TO $1.5-BILLIONthe table will advise the government on priority investments to help REBATE workers navigate the changing labour market, with a particular focus on skilled, mid-career workers in at-risk sectors and jobs. Ontarios safe employers are receiving a rebate of up to $1.5Further details will be announced in the coming months.billion as Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) surplus funds are returned for the first time. This rebate will returnDOUBLING THE UNION TRAINING AND INNOVATION approximately 30 per cent of annual premium payments toPROGRAM300,000 businesses, helping create new jobs and allowing forCanada will be providing $84.2 million over four years to double bigger paycheques for workers. This builds on the governmentsfunding for the Union Training and Innovation Program. $2.4 billion that has already been returned to employersEach year, the new funding would help 3,500 apprentices from through premium reductions, while maintaining benefits forunderrepresented groups begin and succeed in careers in the skilled injuredworkers. trades through mentorship, career services and job matching. 8THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SCAFFOLD INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF CANADA'