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
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
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:
Provincial Health Authorities
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
COVID-19 Fact Sheets
The following fact sheets are provided in PDF format.
- About Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
- COVID-19: How to choose, use and care for a mask
- COVID-19 mask use: How to make your mask fit properly
- Going Out? Do it Safely.
- What you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine for Canada
- Being Prepared (IBB & BCA)
- COVID-19 Toolbox Talk (IBB & BCA)
- Reduce the spread of COVID-19. Wash you hands.
- How to isolate at home when you have COVID-19
- Vulnerable populations and COVID-19
- P.A.C.E. Yourself: Keep public health measures up to keep COVID-19 down
- Safer Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting Strategies
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
Boilermaker Communications
The following are provided in PDF format.