April 7, 2026

A Better Compensation Plan Than Insurance for Work-Related Accidents

If you need to take time off work due to a disability and that disability is work-related, you should know that there is a Quebec compensation plan that offers several advantages over group disability insurance coverage.  

An injury or illness that occurs as a result of or in connection with a work-related accident may be compensated under the Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases. This Québec law applies even to a federal organization such as Radio-Canada.

This public program offers numerous benefits. First, if the injury or illness occurs at the workplace while the employee is on the job, there is a presumption that the event constitutes a compensable work-related injury. 

Second, the compensation amounts to 90% of net income, whereas insurance coverage is 80%. Additionally, there is protection against the loss of benefits, meaning, in particular, that vacation time continues to accrue as if the person returning to work had not been absent.

Another advantage is that, in the event of a disagreement between the attending physician and Radio-Canada’s physician, there is a neutral and binding medical evaluation procedure. Furthermore, if a recognized work-related injury resurfaces after a return to work without any triggering event, it is possible to have the injury recognized as a relapse, recurrence, or aggravation. 

Finally, if the employee or Radio-Canada challenges the decision, a hearing is held before the Administrative Labour Tribunal, where the CSN provides representation.

Keep in mind that the claim deadline is 6 months and that you should not wait for an injury or illness to become chronic before filing a workers’ compensation claim. The STTRC is here to support you throughout this process.