Changes to the Workers’ Compensation Act

Important amendments take effect January 1, 2026

Nova Scotia’s Workers’ Compensation Act is changing to better support workers, families, and employers. These amendments modernize the system, expand protections, and make processes clearer and faster for everyone.

Most changes take effect January 1, 2026. Some benefit improvements, including full cost-of-living indexing, take effect in 2027.

We’re updating our policies, forms, and processes to reflect these changes. This page will be updated as more details become available.

What’s changing for workers and families

More time to appeal decisions

Workers now have 90 days to appeal a claim decision, up from 30. This gives you more time to gather medical records, seek advice, and make informed decisions about your appeal.

Expanded survivor benefits

In the tragic case of a worker’s death due to a workplace injury, survivor benefits will now extend to dependent adult children or other dependents. If no dependents exist, benefits will go to the worker’s estate. These benefits were earned by workers — they belong to their families.

Presumptive cancer coverage for more firefighters

Wildland firefighters and fire investigators will now have the same presumptive cancer coverage as municipal firefighters. If you’re diagnosed with a job-related cancer, your claim will be automatically presumed work-related. This coverage applies retroactively to eligible workers diagnosed before the law takes effect.

Updated definition of spouse

The Act now explicitly includes common-law partners and same-sex spouses, ensuring equal access to survivor benefits for all families.

Faster benefits when new evidence emerges

If new medical evidence comes forward during an appeal, it will go back to the original decision-maker for review. This means faster, more accurate decisions without unnecessary delays.

Full cost-of-living adjustments (effective 2027)

Starting in 2027, benefits will be indexed to 100% of inflation, up to 3% per year. This long-awaited change means workers won’t fall behind as prices rise. WCB’s strong financial position makes this possible without increasing employer premiums.

What’s changing for employers

Faster injury reporting

Employers must report workplace injuries within two days, down from five. Faster reporting means workers can access benefits sooner, and return-to-work planning can begin earlier. Every day matters.

Better access to return-to-work information

Employers will receive functional ability information — such as lifting restrictions — so you can offer safe modified duties. Only the information necessary for safe accommodation will be shared, protecting worker privacy while enabling faster, safer returns to work.

Transportation costs now part of medical aid

Getting an injured worker to care (such as by ambulance) is now part of overall claims costs, not a separate expense for employers. One less thing to think about during an already stressful time.

More responsive benefit reviews

Extended Earnings Replacement Benefits can now be reviewed when a worker’s situation changes, rather than waiting for the three-year or five-year review period. This makes the system fairer for both workers and employers.

Public reporting of non-compliance

WCB will have the option to publish the names of employers who receive administrative penalties. This transparency encourages compliance and reassures workers that rules are being enforced.

Other updates

The amendments also include several technical and administrative changes that make the Act clearer and easier to understand:

• Clarifies how CPP/QPP disability benefits interact with WCB benefits
• Removes outdated language around chronic pain (chronic pain remains a compensable injury)
• Updates annuity payments to lump sums at age 65, reflecting current practice
• Simplifies fatality reporting by removing duplicate requirements for hospitals
• Removes restrictions on funding for workplace safety research and prevention programs

You can also read the Government of Nova Scotia news release for more details on these changes.

What happens next

We’re working to implement these changes and will share updated policies, forms, and guidance as they become available. Check back here for updates, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.

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Questions?

If you have questions about how these changes affect you, email us at info@wcb.ns.ca or speak with your WCB case worker, workplace consultant, or business partner.