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 General 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.
Proprietors and partners of a non-incorporated business, owners and directors of a corporation 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 voluntary, and as a proprietor or partner of a non-incorporated business, owner or director of a corporation or an independent operator, you may apply for coverage.

You can apply for Personal Coverage by completing a Personal Coverage Application. If you believe you are an independent operator, you must also complete an Independent Operator Checklist.

To find out if Personal Coverage is right for you, please review our Personal Coverage Frequently Asked Questions.

If you would like more information abour Personal Coverage, 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 who have workers. 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 assessments if they have not paid assessments for their workers.

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 27, 2022

WCB consulting on proposed enhancements to injured worker benefits

The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) is seeking feedback on proposed amendments to the Workers Compensation Act and General Regulations to enhance benefits for injured workers and supports for workplace fatalities. The purpose of workers compensation is to reduce the impact of workplace injuries. The WCB Board of Directors continuously monitors trends and emerging issues to ensure that injured workers are compensated fairly and supported in their recovery and return to work, while maintaining system sustainability and affordability for the employers who fund the system. The WCB Board of Directors is responsible to recommend any legislative changes necessary to ensure the workers compensation system remains responsive to the needs of Island workers and employers. As a result of a recent review, the Board is proposing enhancements to:Benefit rates for injured workersCost of living adjustments for long term benefits.Earnings covered by the WCBSupports for workplace fatalitiesBefore making recommendations to Government on the associated legislative amendments, the WCB Board of Directors is seeking input from interested Islanders by July 17, 2022. “We believe that these enhancements are particularly important in our current economic environment, and can be implemented with minimal impact to employer costs as a result of the WCB’s strong funded position,” said James MacPhee, WCB Board Chair. “We encourage our partners and stakeholders to consider the proposed enhancements and to provide their feedback.” The consultation summary and online feedback form can be found on the WCB website at wcb.pe.ca/Information/LegislativeReview Aussi disponible en français.

June 17, 2022

Your feedback is requested on proposed benefit enhancements

The WCB requests your feedback on proposed amendments to the Workers Compensation Act and General Regulations to enhance worker benefits. These amendments will: Enhance the current benefit rate for injured workers. Increase the current Consumer Price Index (CPI) cap on annual cost of living increases for Extended Wage Loss (EWL), pension and survivor benefits recipients. Adjust the current maximum assessable earnings level to better reflect current average wages in PEI. Increase lump sum and burial expense benefits paid as a result of a workplace fatality. The proposed enhancements are in keeping with the WCB’s commitment to providing fair and comprehensive compensation to Island workers, and continue the trend of incremental benefit increases over the past decade. At the same time, the WCB has been able to provide additional savings to Island employers through regular rate reductions and surplus distributions. All of this has been made possible by the WCB’s healthy financial position, a result of an overall reduction in claims costs and strong investment returns. More details about the proposed changes, as well as the online feedback form, are available here

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