Amid “Team Canada” approach, WSIB contracts US firm

TORONTO, ON –(COMMUNITYWIRE)– Despite the calls from the federal and provincial governments to put “elbows-up” in defence of Canadian sovereignty, Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board is taking another approach. WSIB spent over $14.5 million on an American company known as BetterUp, a professional coaching service based in Austin, Texas, despite many homegrown options right here in Ontario.

“WSIB is solely funded by Ontario companies that pay for safety training and workplace insurance for Ontario workers. This funding should stay in Ontario, end of story.” said Harry Goslin, president OCEU/CUPE Local 1750, the union representing workers at the WSIB.

Just last year the WSIB CEO told WSIB staff that he and the Chief Operating Officer enjoyed a golf trip in Austin, Texas while in the states to meet with BetterUp executives. This year during meetings with staff, WSIB leaders reported an expansion of the American coaching services for all employees. This expansion came at a time when “Team Canada” was well underway. Early in April of this year WSIB leaders enjoyed a two-day summit to New York City for a conference hosted by BetterUp.

Despite having options for Ontario vendors, the WSIB board has apparently decided that “elbows up” doesn’t apply to them.

“The message from the Prime Minister and Premier on down has been clear: we’re all in this together to protect Canadian jobs and secure our economy. In fact, every party in every province along with Canadian workers, families, and consumers are united in investing in Canada and in Canadian jobs. It appears WSIB is the only one betraying the team,” said Harry Goslin.

Members of OCEU/CUPE 1750 remain on strike today at locations across Ontario.

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For more information, please contact:

Bill Chalupiak, CUPE Communications Representative
wchalupiak@cupe.ca  
416-707-1401