Message from the Chair
May 23, 2025
It’s been a very busy, exciting and somewhat challenging 5 years; just think… COVID, remote work, WSIB leadership and Senior Management changeover, provincial government legislative change, as well as WSIB service delivery organizational restructuring and technology enhancements.
In this time of major change, the Schedule 2 Employers’ Group (S2EG) has not only survived but has flourished; pivoting to videoconference for its educational sessions, maintaining engagement with Senior Management of the WSIB/WSIAT/PSHSA/MLISTD, expanding our collaboration with other employer groups, and expanding our reach within the employer stakeholder community. In 2023, there was a well-received return to an in-person conference, and in 2024 the annual 2-day concurrent session conference was successfully re-launched.
In midst of the increasing complexity and volume of WSIB claims, and changes in our workplaces and working conditions, I have been incredibly impressed by the positive attitude, open communication and collaboration between members and the system partners. Not only has this served to grow networks and peer-to-peer relationships, I believe it all has resulted in significant contributions to the recovery / RTW successes that otherwise would not likely have been possible. You should all be very proud.
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that none of these accomplishments could have been possible without an incredible Executive – all volunteers from various Schedule 2 employers – many other volunteers that make the conference so great, employer personnel at-large who attend our events and contribute their experiences and knowledge, and so many WSIB staff that communicate and collaborate with the Schedule 2 employer community on an ongoing basis. Thank you all so much.
And just as a reminder, we remain true to our long-standing Constitution which sets out the following:
The purpose of the Employers’ Group is to:
- provide a forum to communicate and exchange information regarding workers’ compensation and occupational health and safety;
- provide opportunities for the professional development of its members; SCHEDULE 2 EMPLOYERS’ GROUP;
- present an annual “not for profit” conference on workers’ compensation, disability management, health and safety, and related topics;
- review legislative and policy initiatives of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and government agencies;
- present the position of the Employers’ Group to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and government agencies; and
- co-operate and participate with appropriate agencies or groups when the Employers’ Group deems it suitable or necessary.
I have been privileged in my career, and in the role of a member of the S2EG Executive to meet and engage with so many people from all areas of the system. Keep up the great work everyone.
Now that the S2EG is over 35 years old, it is time for a ‘refresh’ and the new website is a great first step – with more to come. Stay tuned and stay involved.
Sincerely,

Laura Russell, B.Sc., CRSP, Licensed Paralegal
Chairperson