Official Logo for Legacy of our Veterans’ Military Exposures (LOVME)
Compensation has started flowing to some Ontario government workers who were exposed to the chemical 2,4,5-T, an ingredient in Agent Orange, but the compensation packages being offered for exposure are not what some had hoped.
The chemical was used decades ago to clear brush along provincial highways, railways and hydro lines.
In 2013, the province apologized and directed people to make claims with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.
Ronald Deshane of Renfrew handled the chemical while working for the Ministry of Transportation.
He has had a number of health problems since retiring, including prostate and skin cancer.
Deshane said WSIB did not dispute that he was exposed to the chemical, but it didn’t offer much by way of compensation.
“After 50 years of neglect, my entitlement would be somewhere around $1,500,” he said.
Deshane said he has refused the settlement, and is considering appeal options.
“To go to the extent that they have to make this a very small problem is something that is not human,” he said.
