Durham Region police officers with PTSD allege the service challenges their WSIB claims, hindering recovery, despite medical diagnoses and provincial legislation.
Durham Region Police Officers Report PTSD Claim Challenges
Multiple Durham Region police officers diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) say the service is hindering their recovery by contesting their access to workplace mental health benefits.
Chief’s Statement on Claims
Chief Peter Moreira stated that the service challenges very few Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) claims, and only does so to obtain more details about the worker’s case.
These officers’ accounts follow a six-year report from the Ontario Civilian Police Commission. The report found that the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) “vigorously opposed virtually every” officer’s PTSD application to the WSIB.
The report was released through a freedom of information request and was heavily redacted, lacking details about officers’ testimonies.
Continued Opposition Under New Leadership
While the report is based on an investigation that began in 2019, five of the six officers who spoke with CBC News say the service has continued to push back under Moreira, who became chief in March 2023.
“When it comes to what police stand for, we’re helping people. I figured I’d get the same help, and I didn’t,” said Connor.
Objections to Claims
According to DRPS data, the service has submitted intent to object forms for about 10 percent of all WSIB claims since 2023. Most of these claims are related to mental health, but the service rarely escalates objections to a formal appeal.
All six officers interviewed by CBC News had their cases objected to, and three are now in the formal appeal process.
A WSIB spokesperson mentioned that there are several ways for employers to obtain information about a worker’s claim without challenging it.
Delays in the WSIB System
Moreira explained that the provincially-run system suffers from delays, so the service submits objections to gain timely access to more information.
“There’s no other mechanism by which, as an employer, we can find out any information regarding how the injury happened, how we can best support it, and how we can prevent it from happening to somebody else,” he said in an interview at police headquarters.
Personal Accounts of Officers
When the WSIB approved Stephen’s PTSD claim, he reported dealing with bursts of rage, sadness, and frequent nightmares. He felt disconnected from his family and friends. He also had a PTSD diagnosis from his psychologist and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
However, DRPS appealed his claim.
“It makes you feel worthless when you’ve poured so much into your employer and you’ve been so faithful,” Stephen said. “It’s unreal. It’s infuriating.”
Feelings of Betrayal
Almost all the officers interviewed described feeling betrayed when DRPS objected to their claims. After years of dedicated service, including responding to traumatic events that caused their PTSD, some felt DRPS was calling them liars.
Several officers said the service’s response set back their recovery. They reported difficulty sleeping and noted that their loved ones often bear the brunt of their mood swings.
“I’ve never had a period of time [since I’ve been off] where I can say that I was able to heal,” said Kevin. “Every time I get a little bit better, DRPS will do something.”
Medical Assessments and Challenges
Officers expressed frustration that the service challenges claims despite medical assessments. This includes diagnoses and evaluations of their fitness to return to work.
Many underwent multiple medical assessments from institutions like CAMH and Trillium Health Partners, only for DRPS to challenge their claims anyway.
“Why are they not believing independent professionals that are trained in this or think they know better?” asked Kevin.
Current Statistics on Claims
| Statistic | Figure |
|---|---|
| Members off work receiving WSIB benefits | 102 |
| WSIB claims from 2023 to 2025 | 623 |
| Claims with intent to object | 60 |
| Formal appeals filed | 14 |
Impact on Mental Health
Psychologist Sean O’Brien, who has treated DRPS members for nearly 30 years, stated that objections without arguments are “absolutely devastating” to the mental health of his patients.
CBC News has asked DRPS how many appeals are successful.
Employers can appeal WSIB decisions at almost every step in an employee’s case, according to Hamilton-based paralegal Michelle Zare, who specializes in first responders’ claims.
Information Access and Communication
When an employer files an intent to object form, they receive the worker’s case file, which may include doctors’ notes and psychological assessments, Zare explained.
Employers are not required to provide an argument when submitting objection forms, said Luke Hamer, a Toronto-based employment lawyer.
For some officers, this lack of explanation can be harmful.
O’Brien reiterated that objections without arguments are “absolutely devastating” to the mental health of his patients.
Moreira’s Perspective on the WSIB System
Moreira stated that the service needs to object to receive information they cannot obtain from the WSIB in a timely manner.
“It’s never the intent of the organization to re-aggravate an injury to a member, but there are very few steps that we can take,” he said.
Legislative Challenges
Under the WSIB system, workers or employers can request a functional abilities form before returning to work. Moreira noted that obtaining this form can take years.
He believes the WSIB system has struggled to handle PTSD claims effectively since provincial legislation passed in 2016.
“The WSIB presumptive legislation was never designed to deal with the situations that we have today,” Moreira said.
Communication with WSIB
Employers can request updates on an injured worker directly from the WSIB case manager, said WSIB spokesperson Christine Arnott. This includes updates on a worker’s functional abilities or “impairment level.”
Arnott stated that WSIB response times vary by contact method: within 24 hours for phone inquiries, within two business days for online messages, and within 10 business days for letters.
Officers’ Views on Support
While Moreira pointed to WSIB system limitations, Stephen said he only blames the DRPS for causing him harm.
“WSIB has helped me immensely. Durham Regional Police has not,” he said.
Responses from Officials
CBC News reached out to Shaun Collier, DRPS board chair and mayor of Ajax, for this story, but he declined an interview.
Durham Regional Police Association president Andrew Tummonds also declined an interview. In a statement, he expressed concern about the impact of ongoing employer challenges to mental health claims, which can impair members’ recovery and delay their return to work.
