Automated external defibrillator (AED) reimbursement program

The Ontario government passed regulations requiring AEDs at certain construction projects and the reimbursement program. These measures aim to make workplaces safer by improving the chances of surviving a cardiac event on a construction site and help businesses cover the additional equipment costs.

Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 construction businesses must meet these criteria to be eligible for reimbursement:

• be the constructor of the project, as defined under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (the constructor is the party with the greatest degree of control over health and safety on the project and responsible for the health and safety of people working on the project)
• be registered with the WSIB and have an active account
• expect the construction project to run for three or more months
• expect to have 20 or more people (including subcontractors) regularly working on site
• have a person trained in first aid on site when work is underway

You can apply for reimbursement between January 1, 2026, and July 31, 2027. AEDs purchased between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2027, are eligible for reimbursement through the program.

You must download and complete the

You can receive a reimbursement up to $2,500 for one AED per qualifying construction project.

The reimbursement only covers the purchase cost and applicable taxes for one AED (up to $2,500) per qualifying construction project. The reimbursement does not cover things such as signage or installation and maintenance of the AED.

No. You can only apply for reimbursement for one AED per qualifying construction project.

Yes. You can apply for reimbursement for one AED for each of your qualifying construction projects. You must submit a separate reimbursement form for the AED for each qualifying project.

No. You’re only eligible for reimbursement for the cost of purchasing an AED (up to $2,500) per qualifying construction project.

Yes. You must have proof that you purchased the AED before you applied for reimbursement, and you must have purchased the AED between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2027.

AEDs purchased between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2027, are eligible for reimbursement through the program. You need to submit your reimbursement request between January 1, 2026, and July 31, 2027. The project site is required to meet all eligibility criteria at the time you submit your reimbursement request.

You’ll receive a credit on your WSIB account within 60 days of your reimbursement request, if approved. If you have an outstanding balance on your WSIB account, your reimbursement will first be applied to that balance and any remaining amount will be added as a credit. If you’re up to date with your premium reporting and payments, you can request your reimbursement by cheque by emailing [email protected].

AEDs must be approved by Health Canada to be eligible for reimbursement. You can confirm if an AED is approved by Health Canada by searching for it on the Medical Devices Active Licence Listing (MDALL) database. You can search using criteria like the device's name, manufacturer or licence number. Additionally, many AED suppliers will indicate if a device is Health Canada-approved on their product information or website.