She spent 13 years serving her community with honour, integrity, and a deep sense of duty. A seasoned police officer with a spotless record and a reputation for excellence. But in May 2020, everything changed.
Following a civilian complaint—later found to be unsubstantiated—this officer became the subject of a stressful investigation by the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD). Though she had done nothing wrong, the weight of the investigation, and the emotional toll of having her character questioned took a serious toll. On May 20, 2020, she suffered a heart attack.
When she turned to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) for support, her claim was denied. The Board concluded that her emotional distress didn’t meet the threshold for entitlement under its Heart Condition Policy. You can read their decision here.
But this wasn’t just about policy. This was about a person.
We took her case to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT). There, the Panel saw what the WSIB had missed: the human impact. They recognized that this wasn’t just an abstract “stressor”—this was a direct emotional blow to someone whose career was built on pride, professionalism, and public service.
This officer wasn’t just battling a heart condition. She was battling to be seen. To be understood.
The Panel allowed her appeal, rejecting the idea that the OIPRD investigation was just a generic workplace stressor. They understood the personal and professional devastation it caused—and how it contributed directly to her heart attack. The decision can be found here.
This case wasn’t won with technical arguments alone. It was won with empathy.
It’s a powerful reminder that at the heart of every claim, there’s a human story. And when we truly listen, we can make sure that justice isn’t just done—but felt.