Premier’s Chief of Staff nominated to take over WSIB
By STAFF REPORT
Construction Health & Safety Skills DevelopmentOntario’s top political staffer has been nominated to take over the leadership of the province’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).
Thomas Teahen, currently chief of staff to the premier, would head up one of North America’s largest workers’ compensation systems and promoters of workplace health and safety. He would succeed David Marshall who will begin his new role as Special Advisor to the Minister of Finance in February 2016.
Teahen has held key government positions, including a role on the WSIB’s senior executive team as Chief Corporate Services Officer from 2010 to 2013. A labour lawyer by trade, Teahen has experience in labour, employment and administrative law.
The nomination is subject to review by the Standing Committee on Government Agencies.
The WSIB administers a no-fault compensation system for workers and employers for workplace injuries and illnesses. The WSIB’s goal is to work with others to eliminate all workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. It is an independent agency overseen by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, entirely funded by employers.