Bill 168 Bullying Mental Health -Ontario

http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/committee-proceedings/committee_transcripts_details.do?locale=en&BillID=2181&ParlCommID=8875&Date=2009-11-24&Business=&DocumentID=24548



PAUL MURPHY
The Chair (Mr. Shafiq Qaadri): Our next presenter is coming to us by way of teleconference. Mr. Murphy, are you on the line?
Mr. Paul Murphy: Yes. Hello?
The Chair (Mr. Shafiq Qaadri): Yes, Mr. Murphy; welcome. You have 10 minutes in which to make your presentation. The committee and Parliament are standing by for your words. Please begin.
Mr. Paul Murphy: Thank you very much for having me. My name is Paul Murphy and I was a front-line child and youth care worker in Thunder Bay from 1993 to 2005. My issues began basically from the onset of my career in 1993 with the Creighton centre. This bullying continued to escalate and my entire workplace became toxic. In 2003, I went to the executive director to bring the bullying issue forward. The entire problem was downloaded on to me, and I was encouraged to attend EAP for counselling. After 13 sessions and a brief period away from the job, I returned. Upon returning to work, my weight exploded to nearly 350 pounds. I could not sleep and I lost interest in all activities. In March 2005, I was assaulted on the job, and this ended my career at the Creighton centre. I suffered a physical injury and lost the ability to cope.
I have been fighting with the WSIB for years to establish a claim. I went to the Smith Clinic for two years addressing my binge eating disorder with a therapist. I did attend an LMR from October 2007 to April 2008, and I was placed in a program with several ex-clients from my jail. The LMR broke down and I finally filed a WSIB claim for PTSD. My doctor ended the LMR participation and I was referred to a social worker for further counselling and supports. This involved weekly sessions, and in February 2009 I began attending group treatment on mindfulness, and I completed that program in August 2009.
OWA is addressing my WSIB issues. My mental health claim was refused because I worked as a jail guard. This makes no sense to me. I bear no ill will to anybody and I became ill from long-term bullying effects. I would not wish this on to anyone. This legislation will improve workplaces all over Ontario and it will improve situations for many.
Many want to speak to costs relating to time and insurance premiums. I want to discuss the human cost: losing your identity; losing family time; reaching dark, dark places to cope; the hopelessness; the anger; the rage; the real cost to the community. I was bullied by the employer, WSIB, Confederation College and the union, and I need this bill to reflect hope.
In closing, I want my voice to be added so as to promote healthy workplaces and encourage workplaces to invest in their employees. Bullying undermines communities, families and souls. The cost is staggering. Let’s move Ontario into a “have” province by developing articulated bullying models built on hope and thus improving the lives of many.
The Chair (Mr. Shafiq Qaadri): Thank you, Mr. Murphy. We’ve got two minutes per side, beginning with Mr. Dhillon of the government.
Mr. Vic Dhillon: Thank you, Mr. Murphy, for your presentation.
The Chair (Mr. Shafiq Qaadri): Ms. Jones of the Progressive Conservative Party. Ms. Jones?
Ms. Sylvia Jones: Mr. Murphy, do you believe that Bill 168 will resolve your issues?
Mr. Paul Murphy: I think Bill 168 is a wonderful beginning, a wonderful starting point, a very positive step in the right direction, and I think once we start moving and shifting, the natural ebb and flow is going to take over, and we’re going to improve health for all Ontarians.
Ms. Sylvia Jones: Thank you.
The Chair (Mr. Shafiq Qaadri): I now offer the floor to Ms. DiNovo of the NDP.
Ms. Cheri DiNovo: Mr. Murphy, we’re hoping to table an amendment that will include violence as being psychological violence as well. Bullying, currently, is just psychological violence. Would you support such an amendment?
Mr. Paul Murphy: Oh, most definitely.
Ms. Cheri DiNovo: Thank you.
The Chair (Mr. Shafiq Qaadri): Thanks to you, Mr. Murphy, on behalf of the committee for coming to us via teleconference from Thunder Bay.