Presumptive WSIB Entitlement For First Responders With PTSD

On February 18^th, following the leads of Alberta and Manitoba, the Government of Ontario introduced Bill 163 – Supporting Ontario's First Responders Act (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), 2016.  Once passed, the Bill will amend the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 and the Ministry of Labour Act.

Amendments to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997

The core purpose of the Bill is to create presumptive entitlement to workplace safety and insurance benefits for first responders who develop post-traumatic stress disorder.  The condition must be diagnosed in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V or DSM IV) diagnostic criteria by a psychologist or psychiatrist.  The presumption can be rebutted with contrary evidence.