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Canadian provinces, Ontario conâ€" * tinues to have a lot of work to do. We should be ashamed of the fact that 222 people died on the job in 1995, that a further 6000 died from occuâ€" pational diseases, and that 119,470 Ontario workâ€" ers were injured seriously enough last year to lose work time. is the current Ontario government ashamed? is it doing anything to stop the carnage on the shop floor? No, on the contrary, it seems determined to make the problem worse. In its first year in office, the Harris government dismantled the bipartite Workplace Health and Safety Agency and cut the number of Health and Safety inspeciors. A cabinet document leaked in October revealed plans to radically alter the workâ€" er‘s compensation system in Ontario. In addition to cutting benefits for injured workers by five per cent, the Conservatives would eliminate the requirement that a worker give consent before his or her confidential medical information is released to his or her employer. Apparently, health care professionals consulted by the government biank cheque, because "at the time the workers provided such consent the workers would have no reasonable understanding of the nature of the information that would be released following an assessment by the health professional." (such as forestry or fishing). But, in large measure, we have been able to point to the most stringent salety standards in the country as Over the past decade, Ontario UTJNM of being the safest province in which to work. Part of that record stems from the fact that other provinces, particularly on the east and west coasts, have a higher percentage of Workpmfd slipping Uimited Quantities . Shop Early for Best Selection . Sale Prices do not apply to ; Inventory Clearance Let‘s hope that she‘s willing to listen to reason on the changes proposed for the WCB as well. If she is not, our standing as the safest province in which to work could soon be nothing more than a dis~ Ever mindful of the public relations implica tions of government decisions, the document also reveals that the government expects a significant public outcry. Hypothetical headlines in the docuâ€" ment predicting the "worst case scenario" regardâ€" ing the changes included "WCB Overhaul Attack on Workers" and "No Compassion for Injured Workers." Not at all imaccurate headlines at that. Public outcry has already forced Labour Minister Elizabeth Witmer to withdraw several other controversial proposals over the past several months, in August, she dropped a plan for "fexiâ€" bie employment standards" that would have allowed management to table bargaining demands that are below legislated standards for hours of work, overtime pay, holidays, vacation and severâ€" ance pay. More recently, she has given in to presâ€" sure and agreed 1o maintain full funding for the - rebates from the WCB last year than newly injured workers got in compensation). And, for no apparent reason, the government would spend over a million dollars to rename the WCB as the Workplace Safety and HOURS: Mon.. Tues.., Wed., Thurs. 10520 sn .. . Fh 104 Sat 96 27 Scolt SL., Kitchener appalling" A second leaked cabiâ€" net document provided details of :":zmphsloalb- workers by a wual 'dm:-dhyh* completely in cases of chronic stress or chronic pain. Meanwhile, employers would get a $6 billion bonanza through reduced WCB assessments (despite the fact that charged that, "the potential for harassment and intimidation of wotkers who dare o challenge J | The Baden Emporium invites you to enjoy a festive shopping experience. Choose from hundreds of handmade articles perfect for gift giving & decorating your home including stained glass, pottery, jewellery, clothing, quilts, hand knit sweaters, hats, mittens, furniture, framed prints, candy, gift baskets & much more. The Baden Emporium offers a wide variety of products and services to help you plan your wedding day celebrations! You‘ll discover custom made wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses, veils, head pieces, ushers vest or cummerbund & tie sets; as well as accessories, table favours, flower arrangements, gifts for your wedding party and much more. Join us on November 9th...we‘ll be glad to help you plan Off Hwy 7 & 8 Exit at Waterloo Rd #51 North * Follow to end & turn right onto Snyder‘s Rd. 43 Snyder‘s Rd. E. Baden, Ont. â€"_â€" (519)634.â€"5 344 You‘rE InvitE» to ourR BRIDAL FasHION SHOW Saturday, November 9th â€" 2 p.m. no EVERYTHING IN THE STORE November 6th â€" 10th nurcuitiinge €10% OFF for the custom made wedding of your dreams‘! TUES â€" SAT 10 AM â€" 6 PM SLUNDAY 12â€"5 shop