The Government of Ontario has proposed legislation to expand WSIB coverage to frontline care workers in privately operated residential care facilities, retirement homes, and group homes. The changes would also increase Loss-of-Earning (LOE) benefits from 85% to 90% and extend benefits beyond age 65. If passed, the legislation could cover approximately 29,000 additional workers.
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development proposed the expansion in a recent press release. They stated the proposed expansion is a step in the “Government’s plan to protect workers and build a more resilient Ontario.” More specifically, the changes target the province’s changing workforce demographics.
Most Asked Questions Regarding WSIB Changes
Will WSIB Rules Require Private Retirement Homes to Carry Coverage?
Under the new proposed WSIB changes, privately operated facilities will be required to have WSIB coverage. Operating care facilities and group homes will also be required.
How Much Will LOE Benefits Increase With These Changes?
LOE benefits would increase from 85% to 90% of pre-injury earnings. This will help workers keep more of their income during the recovery process.
Will WSIB Changes Still Stop At Age 65?
No, the age limit will be removed from WSIB. People aged 65 and older will now be able to receive benefits.
Who Will Benefit The Most From The WSIB Changes?
Frontline care workers such as personal support workers, nurses and social workers in private facilities will benefit the most from the WSIB changes.
What Is WSIB Coverage In Ontario?
WSIB is a no-fault collective liability insurance system for Ontario. It provides wage-loss benefits, medical coverage and other support for individuals after a work-related injury or illness. Within the province, over 75% of Ontario employers are subject to mandatory WSIB coverage. Unfortunately, some employers are excluded from this coverage.
Before the proposed changes, only publicly operated residential care facilities were eligible for WSIB coverage. Under O. Reg. 175/98 of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, residential care facilities cilities that are operated by a private employer are explicitly excluded from mandatory WSIB coverage. This also includes group homes.
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What Changes Does the Government Propose in 2026?
If passed, the proposed legislative changes to WSIB would expand protection for eligible frontline workers by requiring care facilities, retirement homes, and group homes to maintain WSIB coverage.
According to the Government of Ontario, the following are examples of workers who may be eligible for coverage from the proposed legislation:
- Personal support workers
- Registered Nurses
- Social Workers
- Occupational therapists
- Operations staff
According to a news release from the Government of Ontario, the legislation would provide protection to roughly 29,000 additional frontline care workers.
Increase to Loss-Of-Earning Benefits
As part of these WSIB changes, the Government of Ontario has also announced proposed changes that would impact eligible workers across different types of covered workplaces.
There are two proposed amendments as part of the WSIB changes. The first would increase LOE benefits from 85% to 90% of a worker’s pre-injury earnings.
LOE, or Loss of Earning, is income support that is paid when a worker cannot earn their usual wages due to an injury or illness in the workplace. This means that workers could keep more of their income during the recovery process and help cover everyday costs such as housing, groceries, and bills.
Another important update to WSIB coverage focuses on older workers. As of now, workers aged 63 and older are generally limited to 2 years of Loss of Earning benefits. With the proposed changes, workers can now extend their benefits beyond age 65 and remove the current time-based limitation.
This recognizes a reality many are already aware of: People are working longer, and support should assist them regardless of age. These changes also form part of a broader legislative package aimed at modernizing workplace safety.
Key Takeaways Of WSIB Changes
So, what if you’re an employer in Ontario that is covered by the WSIB? Well, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with the changes. Employers should remain aware of the scope of benefits that are available in Ontario. The changes regarding LOE benefits for workers past the age of 65 are particularly important. This is because it lengthens the employer’s liability for workers, exceeding what was once known as “retirement age.”
WSIB and other forms of business insurance remain crucial to ensuring employers and workers across Ontario remain protected. If you have any questions regarding business insurance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at isure today!
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