Breaking News: Ontario Construction AED Reimbursement Details Released by Government of Ontario

AaronBlog, News, Provincial First Aid Requirements, Safety

With Regulation 157/25 coming into effect on January 1, 2026, many construction projects in Ontario will need an AED on site. The good news is that the province has introduced a reimbursement program for qualifying projects.

The WSIB officially launched the program this week, and we now have confirmed details about how it works.

 

The Purchase and Application Timeline

Here’s what the program requires:

  • AED purchases must be made between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2027. This two-year purchase window gives you flexibility to time your equipment acquisition.
  • Reimbursement applications can only be submitted after January 1, 2026. Even if you buy your AED in July 2025, you’ll need to wait until January 2026 to apply for reimbursement.
  • All applications must be submitted no later than July 31, 2027. This is a hard deadline. Miss it, and you miss out.
  • The reimbursement is up to $2,500 per qualifying project. The WSIB will reimburse you for the purchase cost of one AED per project, including applicable taxes, up to a maximum of $2,500.
  • Only one AED reimbursement is available per construction project. If your project requires multiple AEDs due to site size or layout, only one will be eligible for reimbursement. However, if you have multiple qualifying projects, you can apply for reimbursement for each one.

 

Project Eligibility Requirements

Not every construction project qualifies. Your project must meet specific criteria:

  • The project must regularly employ 20 or more workers. This includes subcontractors. It’s based on regular staffing levels throughout the project duration.
  • The project must be expected to last 3 months or longer. Short-term projects under three months won’t qualify.
  • The project must meet eligibility requirements at the time you submit your reimbursement request. All conditions need to be satisfied when you apply, not just when you purchase the AED.
  • Equipment and Compliance Standards. Your AED needs to meet specific requirements to qualify:
  • The AED must be Health Canada licensed. You can verify this by searching the Medical Devices Active Licence Listing (MDALL) database on Health Canada’s website.
  • The AED must be properly installed and maintained. This includes quarterly inspections by a competent worker, proper storage with required accessories, and clear signage.
  • A person trained in first aid must be on site when work is underway. Training in CPR and AED operation is required, and that person needs to be present whenever work is happening.

 

How to Apply

The WSIB processes reimbursements through their online services portal:

  1. Complete the reimbursement request form
  2. Submit it through your WSIB online services account
  3. You’ll need to submit a separate form for each qualifying project
  4. Include proof of purchase showing the date, cost, and equipment details

If your application is approved, you’ll receive a credit on your WSIB account within 60 days. If you have an outstanding balance, the reimbursement will first be applied to that balance.

 

What the Reimbursement Covers (and Doesn’t Cover)

The reimbursement covers:

  • The purchase cost of one Health Canada-licensed AED
  • Applicable taxes
  • Up to a maximum of $2,500

The reimbursement does not cover:

  • Installation costs
  • Training costs
  • Maintenance supplies or ongoing costs
  • Additional AEDs beyond one per project
  • Accessories, storage cabinets, or signage purchased separately

 

Our Advice: Plan for Readiness First

While the reimbursement program provides valuable support, the most important consideration is ensuring your construction site is properly equipped to respond to cardiac emergencies. Here’s how to approach this:

  • Treat reimbursement as support, not as the entire plan. Budget for the full cost of equipment, installation, training, and maintenance. The reimbursement helps offset costs but shouldn’t be the only reason you’re putting an AED on site.
  • Keep detailed records from day one. Document everything: purchase receipts, installation details, training certificates, maintenance logs, and project information confirming worker count and duration. You’ll need this documentation for your reimbursement application.
  • Make sure training, storage, and maintenance are documented. The regulation requires quarterly inspections, proper storage conditions, and trained personnel. Keep records of all of this.
  • Choose quality equipment that meets or exceeds requirements. An AED is life-saving equipment. Choose a device that’s appropriate for construction environments and will hold up to the conditions on your site.

 

What Regulation 157/25 Actually Requires

The reimbursement program is separate from the compliance requirements. Here’s what the regulation itself mandates:

Starting January 1, 2026, if your construction project regularly employs 20 or more workers and is expected to last three months or longer, you must:

  • Have a Health Canada-licensed AED installed and maintained on site
  • Store required accessories with the AED (razor, scissors, towel, gloves)
  • Post proper signage showing where the AED is located
  • Conduct quarterly inspections and keep written records
  • Have a person trained in CPR and AED operation present whenever work is underway
  • Protect the AED from environmental hazards

The Ministry of Labour has indicated they’ll start with an education-based approach to enforcement, but that doesn’t mean you should wait to comply.

 

Common Questions:

What if my project duration changes after I purchase the AED?

Your project needs to meet eligibility requirements at the time you submit your reimbursement request. If circumstances change, contact WSIB to discuss your specific situation.

Can I purchase an AED before July 1, 2025?

Yes, and if you have a project starting soon, you may need to for compliance. However, purchases made before July 1, 2025 won’t qualify for reimbursement under this program.

What if I already have an AED from a previous project?

The reimbursement applies to new purchases made within the July 2025 to June 2027 window. Your existing equipment can still be used for compliance if it meets all requirements.

Do I need to purchase from a specific vendor?

No. The program doesn’t restrict you to specific vendors. Choose a reputable supplier who can provide documentation of Health Canada licensing and ongoing support.

 

Why This Matters

Beyond compliance and reimbursement, there’s a practical reason for these requirements.

When used with CPR, an AED can increase chances of survival from sudden cardiac arrest by more than 50%. Construction workers face heightened risks due to the physical demands and stressful nature of their work. Having an AED on site means you can respond in minutes rather than waiting for emergency services to arrive.

This isn’t just about meeting a regulatory requirement. It’s about being prepared to act when it matters most.

Need Help?

If you’re unsure whether your construction site qualifies for the Ontario AED reimbursement program, or if you need help choosing compliant equipment that meets your specific project needs, we’re here to help.

We can walk you through:

  • Evaluating project eligibility
  • Selecting appropriate Health Canada-licensed equipment
  • Understanding installation and maintenance requirements
  • Organizing documentation for your reimbursement application

For complete program details and to apply for reimbursement, visit wsib.ca/aed.

For questions about equipment selection, training, or compliance, reach out to our team.