Workplace Safety and Insurance Board v. Curtis

2018 ONCA 441 (CanLII)Court of Appeal for OntarioDecided Workplace injury and workers' compensation

WSIB Appeal: Mens Rea for Injured Worker Offences

Summary

This is an appeal from the Court of Appeal for Ontario regarding criminal offences under s. 149(2) of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997, where injured workers failed to report material changes in their circumstances. The court addressed the mens rea required for the offence, specifically interpreting the term 'wilfully' and considering whether mistaken belief or wilful blindness negates liability. The appeal was allowed, and acquittals were restored or new trials ordered based on errors in the lower courts' application of the mens rea standard.

Outcome

appeal allowed; acquittals restored or new trials ordered

Key Factors

  • mens rea
  • workers' compensation
  • statutory interpretation
  • Workplace Safety and Insurance Act
  • mistaken belief

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