NLIS 2
Government Services
May 6, 2026
Provincial Government Strengthens Retirement Benefits for Workers with a Workplace Injury or Illness
The Provincial Government is taking action to better support workers who have experienced a workplace injury or illness by proposing strengthened retirement benefits under the workers’ compensation system in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Bill 10, An Act to Amend the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act, 2022, is designed to change how the retirement benefit is calculated.
If the bill is approved by the House of Assembly, Temporary Earnings Loss (TEL) benefits beyond 24 months would be included when calculating a worker’s retirement benefit. Currently, only Extended Earnings Loss benefits are counted. The change would apply retroactively to January 1, 2019.
If passed, 3,100 workers who have or had a WorkplaceNL claim would be eligible for a one-time increase to their retirement benefit, now or when they turn 65, and more than 700 of these workers would receive a retroactive lump sum payment. While the amount a worker receives depends on their TEL benefits, on average, that increase would be about $5,800 per worker.
This proposed change does not affect benefit eligibility and is strictly about how retirement benefits are calculated. The benefit is not taxable and will be provided to a worker’s dependents if the worker passes away before receiving the benefit. WorkplaceNL’s Injury Fund, which is in a strong financial position, would cover the estimated $14.3 million cost of this change. The Injury Fund is funded by employers and investment returns. The 2026 average assessment rate paid by employers would not change as a result of the proposed legislation.
Affordability is about making life manageable for all of us and the Provincial Government is working to ease the financial pressures facing residents by taking steps to put more money back into the pockets of the hardworking people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Quotes
“A workplace injury or illness can have a real and lasting impact on a person’s life. When workers are forced to step away from their jobs, it can affect their income, health, and long‑term financial security. Time away from work may make it difficult to plan for the future or save for retirement. Retired workers have spent years, often decades, contributing their skills and experience to our workplaces, communities, and economy. Affordability was a pillar of our government’s platform, and this legislation would help ensure eligible workers can retire with the dignity, security, and respect they deserve.”
Honourable Mike Goosney
Minister of Government Services
Minister of Labour
Minister Responsible for WorkplaceNL
“WorkplaceNL understands the challenges a long-term injury or illness can create for workers and their families. We support this increase to the retirement benefit, which will help provide eligible workers with added retirement support.”
Elizabeth Lane, Chief Executive Officer, WorkplaceNL
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Media contacts
Nicolle Iovanov, Government Services | 709-725-2191 | [email protected]
Carla Riggs, WorkplaceNL | 709-778-1590 | [email protected]
WorkplaceNL