Doing our part to support healthy, safe return to work.
In the fall of 2024, the provincial government amended the Workers' Compensation Act to include the Stronger Workplaces for Nova Scotia Act. This legislation empowers WCB Nova Scotia to hold both workers and employers accountable for their collective responsibilities and underscores the importance of cooperation in the return-to-work process. Read about the Stronger Workplaces for Nova Scotia Act here.
The WCB is committed to fostering a collaborative environment where employers and workers actively participate in the return-to-work process. "Duty to Cooperate" is a crucial aspect of this commitment, ensuring that all parties work together to support and benefit workers injured on the job.
What is Duty to Cooperate?
Duty to Cooperate requires employers and workers to engage in the return-to-work process.
People that can stay at work, or stay connected to work, while they recover from an injury have better outcomes.
Employers that have an accommodation plan in place can reduce time loss, benefit their bottom line, and improve employee outcomes—everyone wins.
Cooperation is an essential ingredient for achieving better recovery outcomes and reducing time loss due to injuries.
Why is this happening?
We are changing how we work, because return to work is the problem in Nova Scotia. Too many people are off for too long, and too many go on to receive long-term benefits. We all want the same thing—we want Nova Scotians working.
We’re holding employers accountable. Most time-loss injuries come from just a few employers in this province. We’re focused on them. And we’ll ensure all employers understand the new Duty to Cooperate legislation before it comes into effect.
When is this happening?
Duty to Cooperate legislation will come into effect on July 15, 2025.
Webinars
We are scheduling webinars from January to July as the WCB helps employers and workers better understand what the new legislation means for them.
Jan. 30: GPI Update and Duty to Cooperate Introduction | Slide deck
Mar. 6: WCB Nova Scotia Info Session on Duty to Cooperate Draft Policy | Slide deck
Mar. 27: Draft policy consultation session on Return to Work - Duty to Cooperate (1 of 2) | Slide deck
Apr. 3: Draft policy consultation session on Return to Work - Duty to Cooperate (2 of 2) | Slide deck
Apr. 24: Accommodations - Tips and Best Practices | Slide deck
Save these dates! We will provide registration links as we get closer to the webinar events listed here. In the meantime, please add these dates and times to your calendar so you don't miss a webinar on Duty to Cooperate.
- May 29, 3 - 4 p.m. ADT: Duty to Cooperate - In-depth Preview
- June 26, 3 - 4 p.m. ADT: Final policy - Preparing for Implementation
What can employers do now?
Learn more and get involved. Here's how:
Policy consultation
Consultation on the draft background policy paper for Return to Work and Duty to Cooperate is open until April 28, 2025.
You can find the Return to Work and Duty to Cooperate draft background policy paper under "What's New" on the Policy page of our website.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Contact us
Do you have questions about your organizations preparations for Duty to Cooperate legislation? We're here to help. Contact us at our dedicated email, dutytocooperate@wcb.ns.ca and someone will be in touch.