Coverage

Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island

Coverage

On Prince Edward Island, most industries are required by law to have coverage under the provincial compensation system.

As an employer, you are also responsible for confirming the contractors and subcontractors you hire have coverage, also known as clearance, with the WCB.

The Workers Compensation Act Regulations describes the industries and employers that are not covered under the Act. If you are one of these employers, you may choose to be covered.

Employers in excluded industries can apply for optional coverage.
Employers and independent operators can apply for personal coverage.

Optional Coverage

If you are an employer in an industry not covered by the Act, you can apply for optional coverage. Simply register with the WCB using WCB Online Services or submit an Employer Registration Form.

If you would like more information about optional coverage, please contact us.
(back to top)

Personal Coverage

Personal coverage is optional, and as an employer, independent operator, executive officer or director of a company, you may apply.

To find out if personal coverage is right for you, please contact us.
(back to top)

Clearances for Contractors and Subcontractors

As an employer, it is in your best interest to request a clearance letter from the WCB whenever you hire contractors or subcontractors. The clearance letter confirms that the contractor's account with the WCB is in good standing.

Clearance ensures that the employer is protected and that all employers carry their fair share of the cost of the compensation system. Without clearance, as an employer, you may be liable for your contractors or subcontractors assessment.

Obtaining a clearance letter for your contractors and subcontractors can be done in two ways:

Electronically, any time and anywhere you have access to the Internet, with the WCB's Online Services.
By requesting clearance through WCB Employers Services. Simply contact us.

(back to top)

More information about coverage and clearance can be found in the Information for Employers booklet and in the WCB employer services policies.

If you have any questions, or would like a copy of a form or publication, please contact us.

April 28, 2021

Commemorating workers injured or killed on the job

Wednesday, April 28th is the National Day of Mourning, a day set aside to honour the memory of workers who have been injured or killed on the job. On this day, and throughout the year, Islanders are encouraged to remember those we have lost and those affected by workplace tragedy, by raising awareness of workplace safety. The Day of Mourning was first recognized in Canada in 1984, and since then has been commemorated in over 100 countries worldwide. “Let us all take a moment to remember the people that were lost too soon because of a workplace injury or illness,” said Jim MacPhee, Workers Compensation Board Chair. “We must all work together to ensure safe work places so we can all return home from work, said Carl Pursey, President, PEI Federation of Labour.

April 20, 2021

Amendments to PEI’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and Fall Protection Regulations

The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) has introduced changes to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act General Regulations and Fall Protection Regulations. The amendments are part of the National Occupational Health and Safety Reconciliation Agreement, signed by Ministers responsible for labour legislation across Canada. The goal is to reduce jurisdictional trade barriers by ensuring regulatory requirements are simplified and consistent across the country. The agreement sets out standards in relation to personal protective equipment and first aid kits that will be recognized by all jurisdictions, as reflected in the proposed regulatory amendments. “The amendments will help harmonize regulatory requirements to enable employers and workers to work more seamlessly across jurisdictions,” said Jim MacPhee, Chair of the Workers Compensation Board. The amended regulations are also a result of a review of all provincial regulations that reference standards (for example, Canadian Standards Association). As part of this review, the WCB reviewed 3 sets of its regulations that reference outdated standards and made regulatory updates as a result.The new regulations came into effect March 6, 2021. The WCB will work with employers and workers to provide further education and awareness on the amendments. For more information on what has changed specifically and how it impacts businesses, visit wcb.pe.ca/Workplace/AmendmentstoRegs.

View All