WCB-Alberta clearance letters: check before work starts and before each payment

WCB-Alberta lets anyone check whether a contractor's account is in good standing. The check matters because the person who hires a contractor can end up responsible for the contractor's unpaid premiums, and sometimes for injured workers.

What the clearance letter does

A WCB-Alberta clearance letter confirms that a contractor's account is in good standing and clears the hiring party of liability for unpaid premiums. Without one, if the contractor has not paid premiums, you may be liable for them.

When to request one

Request a clearance on the date of hire and before each payment when you pay in instalments. You can hold back payment from a contractor until you receive a clearance.

Contractors without an account

WCB says the potential liability depends on the contractor's legal status and coverage. A contractor with a valid account is generally responsible for their own coverage; a contractor who has no account and is not eligible for one may be treated as your worker.

How to get one

Clearances can be requested through myWCB, the WCB app, or without an account.

Ask the same of subcontractors

On larger renovations, ask your general contractor to obtain clearances for its subcontractors and keep copies in the job file.

Prevention Checklist

• Request a WCB-Alberta clearance before work starts.
• Request a new clearance before each payment.
• Hold back payment until you have the clearance.
• Ask whether the contractor has their own WCB account.
• Keep all clearance letters with the contract.

References

1. WCB-Alberta. Clearance letters, Web page, Purpose and liability. Accessed 2026-11-01.
2. WCB-Alberta. When is a clearance needed?, Web page, Timing, holdback of payment. Accessed 2026-11-01.
3. WCB-Alberta. Coverage for contractors and subcontractors, Web page, Legal status and coverage. Accessed 2026-11-01.

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