At the turn of the 20th century, changing social and economic conditions (such as increased mechanization of production leading to more accidents), led Ontario to establish a Commission of Enquiry, headed by then Chief Justice of Ontario Sir William Meredith, to consider workers’ compensation reform. By the time he issued his “Final Report” in 1913, Meredith had gathered written evidence, travelled to several countries in Europe to see up close how workers’ compensation systems were working there, and, most importantly, held 27 sittings around the province where he heard from almost 100 witnesses.

Meredith’s report and draft law led the Ontario Legislature to pass the 1914 Workmen’s Compensation Act, based on a “historic compromise” that gave both employers and workers financial security:

• Employers would be protected from lawsuits by injured workers and be able to calculate payments as a cost of doing business.
• Injured workers would receive prompt benefits for as long as the disability lasted in a non-adversarial system.

In the 100+ years since Sir William Meredith’s Act became law, advocates and injured workers have needed to actively engage to keep the system true to the “Meredith Principles” underlying the founding of Ontario’s modern workers’ compensation system set out in Meredith’s Final Report.

More specifically, the Meredith Principles are:

No Fault
No need to prove the accident was the employer’s fault, no extra charge to
the employer.

Non-adversarial
An inquiry system, based on benefit of the doubt that “seeks to compensate,” and cannot be challenged in court.  No blame.

Compensation for as long as disability lasts
Worker can depend on security of benefits based on lost wages and promptly paid. The injured worker was not to become a financial burden on their
family or the community.

Employer pays
Employer pays the rates because the costs can be passed on to others (in prices of goods and services, and in wage negotiations.)  Meredith noted that workers cannot pass the cost on and pay in other ways, including some level of lost
income despite the compensation.

Collective liability
Employers pay into single accident fund and do not suffer financial consequences from the cost of a specific accident. 

Independent Public Agency
Set up to be a non-partisan organisation to administer claims and assessments.  Meredith indicated the system was to provide “full justice” not “half-measures,” to the injured worker. The early wcb had a motto:  Justice and Humanity Speedily Rendered

To learn more about the history of workers’ compensation, visit https://injuredworkersonline.org/workers-compensation/history/