Nova Scotia Workers' Compensation Appeals System: engagement
About the engagement
The WCAS provides a structured process for workers and employers to challenge decisions made by the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB). This includes internal reviews at the WCB, appeals to the Workers' Compensation Appeals Tribunal and, in limited situations, reviews by the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal.
While this appeals system plays a critical role in ensuring fairness and confidence in workers' compensation, it has not undergone a full review since 1999.
The review of the WCAS builds on the 2024 Workers' Compensation System Review (WCSR) (PDF), which identified the appeals process as an area needing clearer timelines, greater transparency and a more user‑friendly experience for workers and employers.
LSI wants to hear from workers, employers, advocates and members of the public about their experiences with the WCAS and ideas for improvement.
The WCAS review will focus on strengthening fairness, accessibility and efficiency across all levels of appeal.
Get informed
What this review will examine
- how to reduce delays and improve overall timelines
- ways to improve decision clarity, communication and consistency
- how organizations involved in appeals can work together more effectively
- opportunities to make the system easier to navigate
2024 Review of the Nova Scotia Workers' Compensation System (PDF)
The review is being led by independent chair Douglas Reid, with support from LSI.
Areas for feedback
- your experience with review or appeal processes
- any barriers you faced or areas that worked well
- ideas for improving fairness, clarity and communication
- suggestions to improve timeliness and reduce delays
- ways to make the system easier to access and understand
Your input will inform final recommendations to modernize and improve the Nova Scotia Workers' Compensation Appeals System for everyone who relies on it.
How to participate
You can participate by taking a survey or attending an engagement session.
Attend an engagement session
Virtual engagement sessions will be hosted for workers, employers and other interested Nova Scotians. Register for one of the following engagement sessions:
Session number |
Date and time |
Venue |
Register |
1 |
16 March 2026 |
Virtual |
|
2 |
17 March 2026 |
Virtual |
Take the survey
Share your experiences and suggestions for improvement through the online survey by 1 April 2026.
Contact
Toll-free: 1-800-9LABOUR (1-800-952-2687)
safetybranch@novascotia.ca