The Ford government’s choice to evaluate Ontario’s agencies, including the Worker Safety and Insurance Board, has resulted in job losses in Windsor.
“Ontario’s agencies are central to our government’s plan to protect Ontario, delivering vital services that millions of families, workers, and businesses rely on every day,” said Treasury Board President Peter Bethanfalvy earlier this month. “By launching these reviews, our government is ensuring agencies have the strong financial footing needed to improve operations while respecting taxpayer money.”
Windsor West MPP Lisa Gretzky released a statement on Thursday indicating that due to the review, ten WSIB offices throughout the province will shut down, leading to nearly 500 job losses.
In Windsor alone, 131 positions have been marked as redundant.
“Windsor workers deserve better than Doug Ford’s plan to close WSIB offices and cut 131 good jobs from our community,” said Gretzky. “These experienced workers who have spent years helping injured workers navigate a complex compensation system, and losing that local expertise will have real consequences, making it harder for injured workers to get the support they need.”
Gretzky argues that closing local offices and reducing staff with experience will lead to longer wait times, delays in claims processing, and less assistance for workers already struggling financially.
“Doug Ford can’t claim that he is creating good jobs in Windsor, as he did in a recent self-promotional text message campaign while his government cuts 131 good local jobs,” added Gretzky. “The WSIB and this government need to explain why Windsor is being singled out for these cuts and how closing offices will improve service for injured workers.”
The WSIB office in Windsor states it continues providing services without any changes. It hasn’t offered in-person service from the Windsor office since the pandemic began in 2020.
“The WSIB is modernizing how we deliver service, and we have made some difficult business decisions to consolidate some claim and account management functions,” read an email from the Windsor office. “We recognize this is difficult news for affected team members and their families. We will treat everyone fairly and with respect in recognition of the valuable role they have played on our team, including opportunities to relocate, access to resume writing, job-seeking services, and a continuation of benefits including unlimited mental health support during this transition.”
The government mentioned it chose which agencies to review based on their dependence on government funding, financial performance metrics, size and complexity levels as well as workforce growth trends.
Gretzky stated it seems like there was no consultation before making these cuts.
“I do know the workers and the union that represents them were completely caught off guard when the job cuts were announced so it doesn’t sound like the workers or those who access the services were consulted,” she said.
Other agencies under evaluation include the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation, Legal Aid Ontario, and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission.
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