On January 1st of each year, the WCB adjusts (increases or decreases) long-term benefits by one half of the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for the preceding year.  The Consumer Price Index is essentially a cost-of-living adjustment.  We use the annual average Consumer Price Index calculated by Statistics Canada. 

Over the past ten years or so, Nova Scotia’s Consumer Price Index has gone up and as a result, the WCB increased workers’ benefits each year.   

Statistics Canada has determined the Consumer Price Index for Nova Scotia for 2009 went down (is negative).  Given that the Consumer Price Index went down, we will maintain benefits at their current level this year.  We will not reduce benefits but there will be no cost-of-living increase. 

We will continue to adjust benefit levels based on Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index for Nova Scotia annually.   If you have questions after reading this information, please call us at (902) 491-8999 in Halifax, or 1-800-870-3331 toll free in Nova Scotia.

You may also find the answers to frequently asked questions on CPI Indexing, here.