Changes coming to WSIB requirements, following death of Welland Captain Craig Bowman
The touching story of a late Welland fire fighter has moved the province to make eligibility for WSIB benefits applicable after 15 years of service, instead of 25.
Captain Craig Bowman died this year of cancer, after 22 years of service.
Labour Minister David Paccini announced the changes in Welland yesterday, alongside Bowman's daughter Lexi.
She spoke of his final hours. "In hospice, his nurses told us that they felt he wasn't at peace, and that he was unable to let go due to unfinished business. Myself, my brother, and my mother had already told him it was ok to let go. We knew that he was holding on because of his WSIB denial. He couldn't go on without knowing his family was taken care of."
The legislation, if passed, would match federal benefits.
Labour Minister Paccini credited Bowman's his wife Allison for calling Premier Ford and the previous Labour Minister to do something.
"She called them and told about Craig's story. He was hanging on, wanting to know his family would be supported. And it's not just Captain Bowman's story, it's every other fire fighter," he said.
The legislation would also push the benefits to cover inflation.
President of the Ontario Professional Firefighters Association Greg Horton thanked the Ontario government for recognizing the legislation ensures firefighters such as Captain Bowman don't fall through the cracks, and their families receive fair treatment should they become ill or die due to their job.
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