WCB also announces plans for province’s first employer rate cut in over 30 years

The government of Nova Scotia has introduced new legislation aimed at significantly strengthening benefits for injured workers and their families.

At the same time, the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) of Nova Scotia has announced plans for the province’s first employer rate cut in over 30 years.

The amendments to the Workers’ Compensation Act are designed to make it easier for people injured at work to access support, recover, return to work, and care for their families. Employers will also gain new tools to better support employee recovery.

“These amendments will provide meaningful improvements to the benefits that injured workers and their families rely on and modernize the system to ensure it is clear, fair and effective for everyone,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration.

Changes for injured workers

Key changes in the legislation include:

• Increasing the cost-of-living adjustment for benefits from 50 per cent to 100 per cent of the consumer price index, up to three per cent annually
• Expanding presumptive cancer coverage to include wildland firefighters and fire investigators
• Modernizing the definition of “spouse” from “husband and wife”
• Extending the appeals period for claim decisions from 30 to 90 days
• Expanding survivor benefits, including payments to an estate when no dependents exist
• Requiring employers to report workplace injuries within two days instead of...

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