Association News Category Archives

Changes to ODSP Exemptions for Pain and Suffering Awards

The recent changes to the ODSP Regulations are a positive step forward in improving access to justice for some of the most vulnerable Ontarians. OTLA will continue to lobby on behalf of the rights of the injured and injusticed.

Helmets On Kids Campaign Reaches Milestone Donation Total

4 girls wear their new bike helmets

The final numbers are still rolling in, but it’s safe to say that the OTLA Helmets on Kids Campaign has reached another major milestone. When tallying the totals since the program’s inception in 2002, we discovered the happy coincidence that over 25,000 helmets had been donated by OTLA’s 25th anniversary. Now, we are thrilled to see donations in 2016 bring our grand total to over 30,000 helmets, valued at an estimated $450,000!

Facebook Defamation Case Sets New Standard for Social Media Commentary

While social media has quickly become a popular and efficient way to keep in touch, it can be dangerous to forget the public nature of this technology. Facebook and Twitter users are often bolder behind a screen, making statements that they would never say in person. Defamatory statements can spread swiftly across and among social networks, exponentially increasing the likelihood of false information damaging the …

2016 Helmets on Kids campaign kicks off in Toronto

By law, it is mandatory for every cyclist under the age of 18 to wear a helmet, while those who are under 16 need to have a parent or guardian make sure they are wearing them. Helmets have been proven to greatly reduce the risk of brain and head injuries, preventing concussions and potentially even death. Studies have shown that helmet use reduces head injury …

Terror victims find redress in Canadian Courts

The threat of terror is a global travesty that seems to respect no geographic boundaries. It is incumbent on Canada and other countries to work together to deter the sponsorship of terrorism and to obtain civil justice against those entities that support and enable its proliferation. What is the Justice For Victims of Terrorism Act? On March 13, 2012, the Canadian Government enacted the Justice For …

Diagnosis Denied: “Systemic Disregard” for Medical Assessments of Injured Workers

In November 2015, the Ontario Federation of Labour (“OFL”) and the Ontario Network of Injured Workers’ Groups released Prescription Over-Ruled, a report criticising how the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (“WSIB”) evaluates medical evidence when it processes claims. The OFL is Canada’s largest provincial labour federation and represents roughly one million workers. Their report alleges that the WSIB ignores medical evidence and opinions when it …