Hundreds of Ontario Injured Workers Gather at Queen's Park

"Our workers have fallen into poverty because of either a workers' compensation claim or workplace injury,"

Despite the rain, hundreds of injured workers and supporters from across Ontario gathered at Queen's Park today to press the government to remember the plight of injured workers.

It was the 23rd anniversary of injured workers' day.

"Our workers have fallen into poverty because of either a workers' compensation claim or workplace injury," said Peter Page, president of the Ontario Network of Injured Workers' Groups (ONIWG).

Many of the workers at today's event were frustrated with the delays in receiving an injury claim and how little money is awarded.

"We are living in poverty," said Brandy Crocker, a 64-year-old grandmother who suffered a back injury while lifting a patient at a hospital in 1992.

"We are hungry and some of us are homeless," she added.

Standing outside Queen's Park, the workers held signs and listened to speeches given my union members, the labour minister and the chair of the Workers' Safety Insurance Board.

"Over the next 18 months, there will be a 7-and-a-half per cent increase in injured workers' benefits, more than any increase the workers have seen in 10 years," said labour minister Steve Peters. "But is the work done? No. There is still more work to do."

On Thursday, a 24-hour vigil was held by the Women of Inspiration Group at Queen's Park to remember those who lost their lives in workplace accidents.