Generally, if your out-of-province business brings workers into New Brunswick for more than 5 or 10 days in a calendar year, you must register with WorkSafeNB. You either need to pay local premiums or secure an Interjurisdictional Agreement exemption to prove your home province’s coverage extends here.
New Brunswick is a hub for growth, frequently drawing specialized contractors, consultants, and construction crews from neighbouring provinces like Nova Scotia, Quebec, and beyond. Whether you are bringing a specialized roofing crew to Moncton, or IT consultants to a corporate centre in Fredericton, crossing provincial borders means crossing legal jurisdictions.
Many business owners mistakenly assume that the workers’ compensation coverage from their home province automatically travels with them. This is a dangerous assumption. Failing to properly register with WorkSafeNB can lead to massive fines, stop-work orders, and devastating personal liability if an out-of-province worker is injured on New Brunswick soil. Here is a clear guide on how to stay legally compliant when working out-of-province.
Step-by-Step Process for Out-of-Province Employers
New Brunswick strictly enforces workplace insurance rules to ensure all workers within its borders are protected. Navigating the registration process requires careful attention to the duration and nature of the work being performed.
Step 1: Determine the Duration of Your Work in NB
The first critical step is counting the days your team will spend physically working in the province . Under WorkSafeNB policy, an out-of-province employer is generally required to register if they employ workers in New Brunswick for 5 or more days (for highly hazardous industries like construction or logging) or 10 or more days (for most other general industries) within a single calendar year.
Step 2: Check for Interjurisdictional Agreements (IJA)
If you are only in New Brunswick temporarily, you might not have to pay double premiums. Canada has an Alternative Employer Assessment Procedure (AEAP). If your home province’s workers’ compensation board (such as WSIB in Ontario or WCB in Nova Scotia) confirms your workers are fully covered while travelling, you can apply for an exemption in New Brunswick so that your home coverage applies seamlessly.
Step 3: Register with WorkSafeNB
If you do not qualify for an exemption, or if your stay exceeds the temporary limits, you must formally open an employer account with WorkSafeNB. You are required to submit an application detailing your business activities, your estimated payroll for the time spent in New Brunswick, and your CRA business number. You must do this within 15 days of hiring or bringing your first worker into the province.
Step 4: Request a Clearance Certificate
Once registered and paying premiums, you should immediately request a Clearance Certificate from WorkSafeNB. Most large project owners and general contractors in cities like Saint John or Bathurst will legally refuse to let your crew step foot on their site or pay your invoices until you hand them a valid clearance proving your account is in good standing.
Industry Classifications and Rules
The rules can shift slightly depending on exactly what type of work your team is doing. Here is a general comparison:
| Type of Out-of-Province Work | General WorkSafeNB Rule |
|---|---|
| Business Meetings & Conferences | Attending a brief corporate meeting or trade show is generally exempt and does not require registration. |
| Construction & Forestry (High Hazard) | Registration is typically mandatory if you operate in the province for 5 days or more in a calendar year. |
| Independent Contractors (Sole Proprietors) | If they have no employees, they may not be forced to register, but they often must buy Personal Coverage to get onto unionized or large job sites. |
How Much Does it Cost in New Brunswick?
Your financial obligations to WorkSafeNB will depend entirely on the total wages paid while in the province:
- Base Premiums: WorkSafeNB charges a specific rate per $100 of assessable payroll. In 2026, standard rates can range from roughly $1.00 to over $4.00 per $100, depending on how dangerous your specific industry is.
- Fines for Non-Compliance: If you are caught operating in the province without the required coverage, WorkSafeNB can issue administrative penalties ranging from $500 CAD to thousands of dollars, plus back-charging you for unpaid premiums.
- Cost of Injury: If an unregistered worker is injured, your business could be held directly liable for all their medical bills, wage losses, and rehabilitation costs.
How Long Does the Process Take?
You must initiate contact with WorkSafeNB within 15 days of becoming an employer in the province. Once you submit the required registration forms and payroll estimates, the board typically processes the application and issues an account number within 3 to 7 business days. Obtaining a Clearance Certificate online takes only a few minutes once your account is fully active and paid up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if an out-of-province worker gets injured in NB?
If the worker is properly covered under an Interjurisdictional Agreement, they can usually choose to file the injury claim either with WorkSafeNB or with their home province’s workers’ compensation board. The two boards will communicate to ensure the worker receives prompt medical care and wage replacement.
Do truck drivers travelling through New Brunswick need coverage?
Generally, interprovincial trucking companies have specific interjurisdictional agreements that cover their drivers while passing through New Brunswick. As long as the transport company is fully registered and paying premiums in their home province, they usually do not need a separate NB account.
Can I just have my contractors sign a waiver?
Absolutely not. Under Canadian law, you cannot legally contract out of workers’ compensation requirements. Any piece of paper where a worker waives their right to WorkSafeNB coverage is completely null and void in the eyes of the government and the courts.
Do I have to report the payroll to both provinces?
If you register directly with WorkSafeNB, you only report the specific wages earned by your workers while physically in New Brunswick. You must ensure you prorate your payroll correctly so you do not accidentally pay premiums to two different provinces for the same hours worked.
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