Office of the Worker Adviser

Ministry

Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development

URL

www.owa.gov.on.ca

Address

123 Edward Street, Suite 1300
Toronto
M5G1E2

Phone

416-325-8570/ 1-800-660-6769

Fax

416-325-4830

Background

Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, S.O. 1997, C. 16, PART XIII, S. 176 (1) (opens a new window)

Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O 1990, Part VI, S. 50.1(1) (opens a new window)

Function

The Office of The Worker Adviser (OWA) provides free advice, education, and representation in workplace insurance matters and on occupational health and safety reprisal issues. The OWA has provided assistance with workplace insurance matters since 1985 and health and safety reprisals since April 2012.

The OWA provides workplace insurance services to non-unionized injured workers and their survivors. Occupational health and safety reprisal services are provided to non-unionized workers. The OWA represents workers at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) and the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB).

The OWA develops community partnerships with other groups that assist injured workers or who promote health and safety in the workplace. The OWA also provides educational services in local communities on topics related to its mandates.

The OWA is headquartered in Toronto and has fifteen offices located throughout Ontario

Membership

The Chair is appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council and serves as the head of the agency.

Term

There is no limitation in legislation.

Meetings

As Required

Remuneration

Appointees are remunerated according to Schedule A, Level 1 of the Agencies and Appointments Directive

Appointments & Vacancies