WSIAT Stakeholder Event of January 27, 2022

  • February 14, 2022
  • Teresa Gianfelice, Office of the Worker Advisor

The notes below touch upon the highlights of each presentation. Please contact the Tribunal (event.coordinator@wst.gov.on.ca) to receive a copy of the accompanying power point presentations for more details.

1. Chair’s Update

Recent survey on WSIAT’s adjudicative process and resources:

  • 42% response rate to survey
  • Summary of results will be posted on website
  • One of issues raised – can we receive decisions via email. Chair advised that they won’t be taking any steps in this direction because of privacy concerns.
  • People want larger font sizes on forms and larger file size for e-files
  • Respondents want documents to be more plain language – working on this but will take time
  • Concerns expressed about website not being visually appealing, well organized and helpful – Chair acknowledged these concerns, but noted require significant resources to address
  • Respondents noted stigma around requesting accommodations and WSIAT will work to communicate better on this because both reps and parties have right to accommodation

Hearings during COVID:

  • WSIAT won’t impose remote hearing after COVID restrictions lifted but will encourage remote hearings in appropriate cases. WSIAT is working on criteria for deciding when remote hearings are appropriate
  • Feedback from OICs – moving to Zoom audio has improved sound quality
  • Successfully addressed privacy concern about people’s phone numbers being shared – will not be read out and will not be visible.
  • There are 4 in person hearings scheduled for first quarter of 2022. These are in Toronto. They are still exploring safe options for in person hearings in the regions.

Transition to paperless:

  • e-filing improved – confirmation email being sent
  • e-filing forms upgraded – now compatible with modern browser & viewable on mobiles
  • e-share is still a pilot project with only a few reps. WSIAT hopes to open it to all later in 2022
  • WSIAT call centre improved – more people available to answer phones during peak hours
  • Fax services are being phased out (quality of e-filing is better and WSIAT expects most professional reps will be able to e-file). But will keep in mind that in remote areas and when don’t have internet, parties will still need to fax.
  • In going paperless – will always honour an accommodation request.