WSIB letter sparks doubt in wife of GE worker

RE: WSIB CHANGES WON’T PUT PEOPLE’S BENEFITS AT RISK, NOV. 16

With all due respect, Mr. Teahen, I take your letter with a healthy dose of doubt.

It certainly makes the WSIB look great, fair and for the injured workers.

In my opinion, and on my claim on my husband’s behalf, WSIB is taking a very limited, almost tunnel-vision look at all the evidence, scientifically proven by one of the most comprehensive studies of chemicals within the GE Peterborough site, done by former workers and highly respected researchers.

The WSIB picks and chooses which chemicals cause which diseases in which claimants. My husband was affected by asbestos and beryllium, clearly stated as the cause of his COPD. I don’t know about his esophagal cancer. Yet his claims were denied twice. Why is that, Mr. Teahen? You and the world know that asbestos is lethal for many people, even with limited exposure. One size never fits all, but that, I believe, is what WSIB uses in decisions to approve or deny.

I can only speak for myself, Sir, but you have not brought answers or closure to me. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt what my husband suffered because of

GE’s shameful chemical legacy.

I watched him die from the effects of asbestos, not a pretty sight. I lost my Dad to asbestos lungs, so I know.

I truly hope your vision of making Ontario the safest and healthiest place to work comes to fruition. But first you must own your mistakes of the past, Sir, as the Ontario government needs to take a good look at the existing labour laws so workers have rights and are released of the burden of proof they carry now.

A public inquiry is necessary. Dialogue between parties involved needs to happen to clear the air within and perhaps then your vision can take hold. Mutual trust and respect, honesty and openness is my vision that would leave fairness for all. Ingrid Buck, Fairbairn Street