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.
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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.
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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.

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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.

June 01, 2020

Workplace Harassment Regulations Come Into Effect July 1

With new workplace harassment regulations coming into effect on July 1, 2020, the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) of Prince Edward Island wants to ensure that employers are prepared for the upcoming changes. Since announcing the new regulations in October 2019, the WCB has developed many resources to support employers and workers through the transition, including a Guide to Workplace Harassment Regulations, templates that employers can adapt for their own organization, and Frequently Asked Questions. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, WCB was also offering free educations workshops for employers and workers across the province on the regulation changes. While the WCB was unable to continue in-person workshops, they have developed a new educational video that employers, supervisors and workers can access wherever they are working. The video provides an overview of the new Regulations and will provide employers with the information they need to ensure that they are in compliance. “With a heightened awareness around the importance of workplace safety during the COVID-19 Pandemic, we know that Island employers are doing everything they can to protect their workers,” said Jim MacPhee, Chair of the Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island. “The new regulations are just one more tool that employers can use to promote a positive and respectful workplace, in order to keep their workplace safe.” For more information on the workplace harassment regulations or to access the new video, please visit www.wcb.pe.ca/WH. If employers want additional information or would like to discuss virtual workshop options, related to the workplace harassment regulations, please call 902-368-5697.

May 14, 2020

Employer assessment due dates deferred until September 30

In an effort to support employers and workers, the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) is announcing a further deferral of assessment due dates related to 2020 employer payrolls until September 30, 2020.This means that covered employers will not have to pay WCB premiums until September 30, and will not be charged interest or penalties during this time. "We know that Island Businesses are at the early stages of a phased approach to reopening through Renew PEI, Together, and we want to offer our support during this transition," said Jim MacPhee, Chair of the Workers Compensation Board of PEI. Employers are asked to submit any revisions to their 2020 payroll estimates to the WCB before August 15th to ensure that it is reflected on their September statement of assessment amounts due. Employers can easily resubmit their payroll estimates electronically anytime using WCB Online Services or by completing the Payroll Revision Form on the WCB website and submitting it by email, mail, or fax. For more information related to COVID-19, including occupational health and safety resources for employers, workers and service providers can visit the COVID-19 section of the WCB website at www.wcb.pe.ca/COVID19.

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