WCB Strives to Create More Employable Nova Scotians with Recent Policy Updates
Together with employers and workers, we are helping more people stay connected and return to work after an injury. This is built on shared accountability across the system and recognition that work is good for Nova Scotia - financially, physically, and mentally.
While some claims can be more complex, we want to help more Nova Scotians remain or return to work – including those who have been off work with an injury for some time.
To continue these efforts, we are modernizing our policies, helping workers build skills to set them up for employment success, and gain the benefits the value of work provides.
New Vocational Rehabilitation Policies
On June 25, 2026, WCB's Board of Directors approved two new Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) policies, replacing a framework that hadn’t been reviewed in 30 years. The new policies remove barriers and provide job-skill enhancements when all other avenues have been exhausted, making it easier for people to find safe and suitable work.
The new policies do that by:
- Providing workers access to the Vocational Rehabilitation program sooner.
- Focusing on building job skills that lead to employment.
- Aligning with Duty to Cooperate for greater worker and employer accountability.
These changes build on the flexibility already in place for Extended Earnings Replacement Benefit (EERB) reviews. Read the full details in Vocational Rehabilitation: Final Policy Decision and Supporting Rationale.
Update to Permanent Medical Impairment Policy
On June 25, 2026, WCB's Board of Directors approved an update to Policy 3.3.6 - Permanent Medical Impairment Process. The update improves readability and removes a rating table that was included in error from an old policy. The rating of PMIs can be found in the most current edition or version of the American Medical Association Guidelines to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment.
If you have questions about WCB's policies, contact us at Policy@wcb.ns.ca.
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