Ontario Moves to Expand WSIB Coverage for 29,000 Frontline Care Workers

The move is aimed at closing a long-standing gap in workplace protections and ensuring workers across the sector receive consistent support if they are injured or become ill on the job.

Closing Coverage Gaps in the Care Sector

If passed, the legislation would require all privately operated residential care settings to provide mandatory WSIB coverage — aligning them with publicly operated facilities where such protections are already in place.

Officials say the change would apply to a wide range of frontline roles, including:

• Personal support workers (PSWs)
• Registered nurses
• Social workers
• Occupational therapists
• Operations and support staff

Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini said the changes are about fairness and worker protection.

“They do this work with compassion and dedication, and they deserve to know they’ll be protected if something goes wrong,” Piccini said. “By extending WSIB coverage across the sector, we’re closing long-standing gaps and making sure no worker caring for others… is left without support.”

Strengthening Worker Protection and System Stability

The WSIB provides wage-loss benefits, medical coverage and return-to-work support for injured or ill workers. It currently covers more than five million workers across 300,000 workplaces in Ontario.

By expanding coverage, the province aims to:

• Improve workplace safety outcomes
• Ensure consistent protections across care settings
• Provide financial security and support for injured workers
• Create a more level playing field for employers

Jeff Lang, President and CEO of WSIB, said the organization is prepared to support newly covered workers.

“We hope people never need us, but if they do, we’re here to help,” Lang said.

Recognizing the Value of Frontline Care Work

The expansion has been welcomed by labour groups and sector advocates, who say it recognizes the risks faced by care workers — many of whom work in physically and emotionally demanding environments.

Tyler Downey, President of SEIU Healthcare Canada, called the change “recognition of the dignity of care work,” while Laura Walton of the Ontario Federation of Labour described it as a “much-needed step” toward ensuring all workers have access to compensation benefits.

According to provincial data, approximately 165,000 workers were employed in Ontario’s nursing and residential care facilities sector in 2025.

Part of Broader Workforce Strategy

The proposed legislation is part of a broader package of measures the government says it will introduce to strengthen worker protections and support economic growth.

Officials say expanding WSIB coverage aligns with Ontario’s plan to build a resilient workforce while maintaining a competitive business environment.

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