Ontario WSIB Cuts 466 Regional Claims and Administrative Jobs in Operational Consolidation

TORONTO, ON — The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) announced a sweeping corporate restructuring Thursday afternoon, eliminating 466 back-office, claims processing, and administrative positions across its regional Ontario operations.

Digital Consolidation and Affected Regional Offices

The workforce reductions primarily impact remote-working staff and regional service hubs in Sudbury, Windsor, Thunder Bay, St. Catharines, Guelph, Sault Ste. Marie, Kingston, North Bay, and Timmins. WSIB executive leadership stated that the restructuring reflects the transition to an automated digital claims intake platform, reducing manual case file processing overhead.

The agency also confirmed the formal closure of the Second Injury and Enhancement Fund (SIEF), standardizing employer insurance premium calculations.

Union and Community Pushback

The Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU/CUPE Local 1750) condemned the cuts, warning that shedding hundreds of experienced case managers will lengthen wait times for injured workers seeking medical benefits and return-to-work support.

Northern Ontario municipal mayors voiced frustration over the loss of high-wage public sector employment in regional resource hubs.

Severance Packages and Transition Window

Affected unionized employees will receive contractual severance and outplacement transition services pursuant to collective bargaining agreements through November 2026.