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Queen's Park Report By Sam Cureatz M.P.P. Section Two The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, July 11,1984 9 Zoning By-law Likely Won't Be Approved Until September Ontario Moves On Reform of Workers' Compensation System The Workers' Compensation Board of Ontario which works out of 14 offices across the province, provides three fundamental services. It judges claims for work-related injuries and compensates ; injured or_ disabled workers. The Board : assists injured workers : to return to work by providing medical and ; vocational rehabilita- l tion services. Finally, ; the Board pays for these : services through the Î collection of funds from i the province's employ- ■ ers. : For the past several : years, the Government ; of Ontario has, in coni' coni' sultation with labor ; management and a : range of interest groups : and individuals, con- ducted a thorough study of the entire workers' compensation system. The Worker's Compensation Compensation Amendment Act, introduced recently by Labor Minister Russ Ramsay, is the result of that indispensable review process. The complexity of the issues surrounding the reform of our workers' compensation system demands a phased approach; one that deals with the administrative process, as well as with benefits. The approach adopted by the Government of Ontario recognizes that changes are needed, yet guards against the weakening of the positive features of the present law. The amendments propose significant changes to workers' compensation benefits. The maximum covered earnings ceiling will be raised from $25,500 to $31,500. Compensation benefits for accidents occurring after the Bill comes into force will be based on 90 per cent of the pre-accident earnings to ensure that they are consistent with the injured worker's "take-home pay." Rehabilitation supplements supplements for partially disabled workers will be changed to provide for inflation adjustment for their pre-injury earnings. As well, the WCB rehabilitation supplements will be integrated with Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits. The new proposals proposals would remove the restriction which prohibits CPP recipients recipients from receiving WCB supplements. Older workers who SINCE 1917 WE HAVE TO KEEP IT CLEAN Not our language or our manners BUT OUR STOCK of the finest Men's Wear in OSHAWA. So we learned long ago, that, like Spring Housecleaning, we have to make room for the new. Let's meet you at MURRAY JOHNSTON'S Vz YEARLY SALE that starts Mid July at the old stand -- 8 North Simcoe St. -- just a step from the FOUR CORNERS. Murray Johnston (OSHawa) Limited 8 SIMCOE ST. N. Downtown Oshawa © 725-4511 <8000000 DODGE TRUCK PROVINCE WIDE CLEARANCE JUNE 1-30 TN UP TO $500.00 In Factory Discounts Available on 1984 Ram tough Pkkupi and Ranxhargcf 5 yr/160,000 km Anti-Corrosion Protection Plan at No Extra Cost Available on oJI t984 Ml uze Ram lough PSdiUfH and RarrxBargen Available until July 31,1984 at MacINTOSH CHRYSLER - PLYMOUTH LTD.^ 331 Park Rd.S. 290 North Front St. !■! |< timsiMt Oshawa Belleville m 728-4638 (613)966-8610 h' v!jiMu 1 are unlikely to obtain employment will be eligible for supplements equal to the level of old age security pensions. A new scheme will be introduced for the surviving dependents of workers. It will consist of a lump sum payment between $20,000 and $60,000, depending on the circumstances of the case, and a continuous benefit, fixed as a proportion of the deceased pre-accident net earnings. As to administrative reforms, the proposed changes to the Workers' Compensation Act are equally significant. They include the establishment of an independent tripartite appeals tribunal: independent independent medical assessors will assist the tribunal in its deliberations. deliberations. To ensure that injured CATCH TED WATSON'S STRAWBERRY EXPRESS PICK YOUR OWN Also available as the Season Progresses Peas, Snow Peas, Beans and Raspberries Mon. • Fri. 9:00 a.m.-8:30 p.m. CROP REPORT PHONE 623-7252 24 hrs, a day FREE WAGON RIDES KIDS PLAYGROUND We have a playground just lor the kids so bring thorn along lor some lun. • QUALITY FARM FH€S*1 PtKXXJCE cnVhrms Hi HR 2 fkmnwnnlte Onlwnj UC3K3 Tel H16I623 Wi workers receive the annual increase in benefits this year, a second bill has been introduced. These amendments will increase the benefit levels for pensioners, surviving spouses and dependents by 5 per cent. The covered earnings ceiling will be raised by 5 per cent to $26,800 and there will be corresponding increases increases to burial and clothing allowances, and minimum benefits payable. Ontario workers' compensation system is considered to be one of the best in the world. Taken together, the specific administrative and benefit reforms that I have described, are a major step forward in enhancing our compensation compensation system in terms of fairness, equity and efficiency. Might I thank the Mayor of Oshawa Allan Pilkey and Councillor Mike Armstrong for asking me to participate with them and the parents of Terry Fox, Roily and Betty Fox, in the opening of the new Terry Fox Park in Oshawa. And good luck to Silvia Ruegger of Newtonville on her Olympic hopes in the Women's Marathon. The Town of Newcastle's consolidated consolidated zoning by-law was on the agenda for public discussion last week. But it's unlikely that the document will see final approval from council until mid-September. The 18-page regulation for land use in the town will be revised by staff so that alterations suggested by the public and members of council council can be included. That means it will have to go before before another public meeting in early September, followed by a council meeting to give the regulations regulations final approval. Approximately 30 ratepayers appeared appeared Tuesday, July 3, at a public meeting of the general purpose and administration committee to hear comments on the by-law. The creation of environmental protection areas within the by-law were the largest single complaint, especially from a group of ratepayers who live in the areas of East Beach and West Beach in Bowmanville.. Bowmanville.. Some residents told council that these designations -- mainly along the lakeshore or near creeks -- would adversely affect land values. Renovations to buildings in an environmental protection area would only be allowed with approval approval from the land division committee. committee. New construction in such an area would require a zoning amendment. R.B. Spencer told council that this kind of restriction could not help but lower the land values. Planning Director Terry Edwards told the group that he believes the beach area of Bowmanville could be placed in a shoreline residential area in order to alleviate the concerns concerns of the residents. At the close of Tuesday's meeting, councillor Marie Hubbard, chairman chairman of the committee, assured the public that council keep the electorate electorate informed of the progress of the by-law. She said council would not make any final decision until it had responded to concerns raised at the public meeting. JOIN US FOR OUR Circus of Values In Downtown Bowmanville SCUGOG Thurs., Fri., Sat. July 19-20-21 Sunrise Sale -- 6:00 a.m. Saturday, July 21 King Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from 6:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. from Division Street to Scugog Street; Temperance Street will be closed from St. John's Church corner to Church Street all three days. Pancake Breakfast starting at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 21 m o n o a a I II BOWMANVILLE .BUSINESS CENTRE N /