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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Return to Work

Ontario Tech is committed to making every reasonable effort to enable employees to remain in the workplace and/or to ensure a safe, early return to work after illness/injury.  The Ontario Medical Association has stated: "Prolonged absence from one’s normal roles including absence from the workplace, is detrimental to a person’s mental, physical and social wellbeing”.

The Return to Work (RTW) program is a collaborative process and a shared responsibility involving the employee, manager and the Health and Disability Management Specialist.  Depending on the complexity and individual circumstances, the RTW program may also involve the Environmental Health and Safety Officer, Disability Case Manager and the WSIB Officer (in cases of workplace injuries).

The purpose of the RTW program is to facilitate a safe and sustainable return to work from absence due to injury, illness or a medical condition. The program is designed to be compliant with legislation under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, Ontario Human Rights Code and Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Employees who have been absent due to illness/injury often return to their regular duties and on a full-time basis while others may require a gradual return to work plan. The Health and Disability Management Specialties will develop a personalized return to work plan based on the needs of the employee. These plans will take into consideration any limitations and restrictions the employee may have as well as accommodations that may need to be put in place on a temporary or permanent basis.

Once a return to work plan is implemented, it will be monitored and regular follow-ups will be scheduled.

Employee & Manager Resources

Return to Work Transition Guide for Employees

Gradual Return to Work Plan Template

Return to Work Participant Guide

Canadian Human Rights Commission - A Guide for Managing the Return to Work

Questions?  

Please email Julie Day, Health and Disability Management Specialist or call 905-721-8668 ext. 3649.