COVID-19 Resources

Workers' Compensation

The language used by various WCB provincial boards seem restrictive at first, but claims may be accepted when workers contract COVID-19 as a direct result of the duties of their employment. In every case, WCB adjudicates work-relatedness and benefit entitlement based on the specific and unique circumstances of each case.

A claim is likely to be accepted if a worker contracts the illness and is performing what the province deems to be an “essential service”. A worker will also likely be covered in the event of a widespread outbreak at their place of work.

Federal:
Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)

British Columbia (WorkSafeBC):
Information for workers

Alberta (WCB AB):
Report an injury

Saskatchewan (WCB SK):
Information for workers on COVID-19

Manitoba (WCB MB):
How to Report an Injury

Ontario (WSIB ON):
FAQs about claims and COVID-19

Report an injury or illness

Quebec (CNESST QC):
As with other types of employment injuries, a worker seeking compensation for an industrial accident must fill out the Worker’s Claim form and send it to the CNESST. For all COVID-19 claims, the worker must consult a physician to obtain a medical certificate confirming the diagnosis. However, in exceptional cases, the CNESST may process a claim for a confirmed or probable COVID-19 infection if the worker completes the Worker's Claim form, declares that they are a carrier of COVID-19 and have received a positive test result or have been ordered to self-isolate by a nurse. The worker must notify their employer as soon as possible.

The CNESST encourages workers to make their claims online at My CNESST Space (in French only)

New Brunswick (WorkSafe):
Application for Workers’ Compensation Benefits (PDF)

Workers’ compensation is available for a work-related injury or illness and is not provided for workers who withdraw from work for preventive reasons. Claims submitted for a COVID-19 virus infection contracted through a work-related exposure are adjudicated on a case-by-case basis. For a claim to be accepted, evidence must show that the infection arose out of and in the course of employment and the risk of contracting the disease through the employment is greater than the risk associated with contracting it through day-to-day living. Learn more about the application of benefits.

See also: Policy 21-109 Conditions for Entitlement – Infectious Diseases

Nova Scotia (WCB NS):
Supporting workers and employers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Making a claim

Prince Edward Island (WCB - PEI):
COVID-19 and Workers Compensation Claims

Newfoundland (WorkPlace NL):
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

What if a worker believes they contracted COVID-19 at work? If a worker tests positive for COVID-19 and believes they contracted it at work, they should contact their health care provider and ask them to complete a Physician’s Report (Form MD). The worker must give a copy of this report to their employer so they can complete an Employer’s Report of Injury (Form 7). You are required to report workplace injuries or illnesses resulting in lost time or the requirement to seek medical treatment within three business days of being made aware of them. You can file your Employer’s Report of Injury (Form 7) through connect. Any claims submitted for COVID-19 will be reviewed and adjudicated on a case by case basis.

Trusted Websites

For the most up to date information on COVID-19 in Canada, how to protect yourself, symptoms and treatment, travel advisories, etc visit:

Information Lines

Government of Canada

1-833-784-4397
canada.ca/coronavirus

Provincial Health Authorities

Manitoba: 1-888-315-9257
Ontario: 1-866-797-0000
All other provinces: 8-1-1

Hard-surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers

List of disinfectants with evidence for use against COVID-19.

EI Inquiries re COVID-19

For all EI inquiries regarding COVID-19, the government has set up a dedicated line for assistance and information:
1-833-381-2725

You can also find information at:
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development.html

Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

The Government of Canada has outlined various programs to support Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html