The NS Federation of Labour welcomes improvements to the Workers’ Compensation Act, but more needs to be done

The NS Federation of Labour welcomes improvements to the Workers’ Compensation Act, but says more needs to be done, including the introduction of universal coverage.

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour welcomes the government’s announcement of long-overdue improvements to the Workers’ Compensation Act, which will provide improved support for injured workers and their families. However, the Federation warns that lowering employer rates is premature and that leaving 26 percent of workers outside the system is unacceptable.

The new amendments will:

• increase cost-of-living indexing for benefits from 50 per cent to 100 per cent of the Consumer Price Index, up to three per cent annually;
• expand presumptive cancer coverage to wildland firefighters and fire investigators;
• extend the appeals period for claim decisions from 30 to 90 days;
• modernize definitions, improve survivor benefits, and strengthen employer reporting requirements.

“These are real wins for workers, and we acknowledge the progress,” said Danny Cavanagh, President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour. “Full cost-of-living indexing is a major step forward for injured workers and their families who have been left behind for too long. Extending cancer coverage to wildland firefighters is also a critical recognition of the risks these workers take every day.”

At the same time, the NSFL cautions against the Workers’ Compensation Board’s plan to lower employer rates in the near future. “Let’s be clear: this is not the time to hand employers a rate cut,” said Cavanagh. “For decades, injured workers have borne the brunt of an underfunded system. Before employers see any relief, the priority must be ensuring that benefits are fair, accessible, and sustainable for people who are hurt on the job. Workers should not have to worry about whether financial sustainability is being sacrificed for the sake of lower employer costs.”

The Federation also points out that more than a quarter of Nova Scotia’s workforce remains excluded from coverage. “It is unacceptable that 26 per cent of workers in this province still have no access to workers’ compensation,” said Cavanagh. “Universal coverage must be the goal. Every worker deserves the same protection if they are injured at work, no exceptions.”

The NSFL says today’s changes show that when workers and their unions fight for fairness, real progress is possible. The Federation will continue to advocate for a system that truly prioritizes workers, including expanding coverage to all workers.