WCB Saskatchewan clearances: check before you pay, and when homeowners are exempt

Saskatchewan's clearance system is built around the moment of payment: check the contractor's status, then pay. Getting the order wrong can make you liable for someone else's premiums.

The rule

Under WCB Saskatchewan policy POL 39/2025, effective December 1, 2025, if a principal does not get a clearance before paying and the contractor has not paid its premiums, the principal is liable for the premiums on the labour portion of the contract, up to the amount owed on the contractor's account, with interest until paid.

When to check

Clearances are obtained after the work is completed and before payment. Checking before hiring is optional but useful.

What the status means

A clearance can come back as Cleared, Deemed or Hold, and WCB lists other statuses such as Demand and Pending. 'Deemed' means you must release payment but are responsible for premiums on the labour portion; 'Hold' means do not pay until WCB says the status is cleared.

You usually cannot deduct

In most cases you cannot deduct WCB premiums from what you pay the contractor; the Act prohibits it, with an exception for equipment contracts with an operator.

Exemptions

Clearances are not required when a business only supplies goods, even with delivery, or when a homeowner who has not applied for voluntary coverage hires contractors to build or renovate their residence. Out-of-province contractors are covered by the same rule: get a clearance before the final payment.

Prevention Checklist

• Businesses: get a clearance after the work and before each payment.
• Follow the status: Cleared, Deemed or Hold.
• Do not deduct premiums from the contractor except where the Act allows.
• Homeowners renovating their own residence: a clearance is not required unless you have voluntary coverage.
• Get a clearance for out-of-province contractors before final payment.

References

1. WCB Saskatchewan. Employer Accounts - Clearances (POL 39/2025), Web page, Liability, exemptions. Accessed 2026-11-01.
2. WCB Saskatchewan. Employer Accounts - Clearances (procedure), Web page, Statuses, interest. Accessed 2026-11-01.
3. WCB Saskatchewan. Clearance letters, Web page, Timing. Accessed 2026-11-01.

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