Updated August 2026, Current Alberta Employment Standards (applies to workers at Suncor, CNRL, WestJet, Telus, ATCO, and all Alberta employers) and CPSA telemedicine guidelines.
Alberta's New 27-Week Sick Leave Law (2026): What Changed and What It Means for You
Effective January 1, 2026, Alberta's Employment Standards Code was amended to expand job-protected long-term illness and injury leave from 16 weeks to 27 weeks per calendar year. This is the most significant change to Alberta sick leave rules in over a decade.
What Changed on January 1, 2026
| Feature | Before 2026 | After January 1, 2026 |
|---------|-------------|----------------------|
| Long-term illness leave | 16 weeks | 27 weeks |
| Personal/family leave | 5 days unpaid | 5 days unpaid (unchanged) |
| Eligibility | 90 days employment | 90 days employment (unchanged) |
| Medical note required | After employer request | After employer request (unchanged) |
| Job protection | Yes | Yes (unchanged) |
The 27-week window now aligns Alberta with federal Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits, which also provide up to 26 weeks of income replacement. This means Alberta employees can take their full EI sickness benefit period without losing job protection.
Who Qualifies for the 27-Week Leave
To be eligible for long-term illness and injury leave in Alberta, you must:
1. Have worked for your employer for at least 90 consecutive days
2. Be unable to work due to your own illness, injury, or quarantine
3. Provide your employer with a medical certificate if requested
The leave is unpaid but job-protected. Your employer cannot terminate you, lay you off, or change your working conditions because you took this leave.
When Do You Need a Sick Note?
Alberta's Employment Standards Code does not automatically require a medical note for every absence. Here's when documentation is typically needed:
Short-term absences (1-5 days):
- Alberta law does not require a sick note for personal and family responsibility leave (5 days/year)
- However, your employer's internal policy may request one after 2-3 consecutive days
- Employers should still consider getting a note for the first day of absence under most collective agreements
Long-term illness leave (up to 27 weeks):
- Your employer can request a medical certificate confirming you are unable to work
- The note does not need to disclose your specific diagnosis
- It only needs to confirm that you have a medical condition preventing you from working and an estimated return date
How This Affects Your Employer's Sick Note Policy
Many Alberta employers are still operating under pre-2026 policies. Key points:
- Employers cannot require a sick note for absences covered by the 5-day personal leave entitlement
- For longer absences, employers can request reasonable medical verification
- The medical note does not need to come from a family doctor; any licensed physician (including telehealth) is valid
- Employers cannot demand to know your specific diagnosis
Getting a Sick Note for Long-Term Leave
If your employer requests medical documentation for long-term illness leave, you need a note from a licensed physician confirming:
1. You have a medical condition
2. The condition prevents you from performing your job duties
3. An estimated duration or return-to-work date
MedLetter connects you with a licensed Alberta physician who can provide this documentation. Our notes are accepted by employers across Alberta and meet Employment Standards requirements.
New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time.
Urgent Situations: When You Need a Note Now
Life doesn't always happen during business hours. Many Albertans find themselves in urgent situations where they need a sick note immediately. Common scenarios include:
- The Demanding Boss: Your manager texts you at 8 PM demanding a sick note by tomorrow morning, or you'll face disciplinary action.
- The Weekend Sickness: You wake up sick on a Saturday. Most walk-in clinics in Calgary (Downtown, Beltline, NW, SW, and surrounding areas) or Edmonton are closed or have hours-long waits, and you need a note for your Monday shift.
- The Shift Worker Dilemma: You work a 14-on, 7-off rotation in Fort McMurray or Grande Prairie. You get sick during your days off and need a note before your next rotation starts, but you're miles away from your regular doctor.
- The "Forgot to Ask" Scenario: You called in sick without a note, and now HR is asking for one before you can return to work.
In these situations, MedLetter's online service is a lifesaver. You can request a note 24/7, and our CPSA-registered physicians will review your case and provide a valid sick note, often on the same day.
Alberta-Specific Details: Navigating Local Policies
Alberta's workforce is diverse, and sick leave policies can vary significantly depending on your employer and location. Here's what you need to know:
- Major Employers: Companies like Suncor, CNRL, Syncrude, Shaw, Telus, Alberta Health Services (AHS), and WestJet have strict HR policies regarding sick leave. They often require detailed medical documentation for extended absences. Ensure your note meets their specific requirements.
- Regional Differences: Access to healthcare varies across the province. While residents of Calgary and Edmonton might have more options, those in Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie, or Fort McMurray may struggle to find a walk-in clinic with availability. Telemedicine bridges this gap.
- Regulatory Bodies: The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) regulates medical practice in the province. MedLetter's physicians adhere to CPSA telemedicine guidelines, ensuring your note is legitimate and accepted by employers.
- Government Resources: For more information on your rights, consult Alberta Employment Standards or Alberta Health.
Comparing Your Options for Getting a Sick Note
When you need a sick note in Alberta, you have a few options. Here's a comparison to help you decide:
| Option | Cost | Timeline | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Doctor | $20-50 (note fee) | Days to weeks | Low (requires appointment and travel) | Routine checkups, ongoing care |
| Walk-in Clinic | $20-50 (note fee) | Hours (long wait times) | Medium (requires travel and waiting) | Urgent but non-emergency issues |
| MedLetter (Online) | $49 | Same-day | High (request from home, 24/7) | Urgent sick notes, shift workers, weekends |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take 27 weeks for mental health reasons?
Yes. The 27-week leave covers any illness or injury, including mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, burnout, and PTSD. You do not need to disclose your specific diagnosis to your employer.
Do I get paid during the 27-week leave?
The leave itself is unpaid under Alberta law. However, you may be eligible for EI sickness benefits (up to 26 weeks at 55% of insurable earnings, max $668/week in 2026) or your employer's short-term disability plan.
Can my employer fire me while I'm on sick leave?
No. The leave is job-protected. Your employer cannot terminate you for taking illness leave. If they do, this may constitute wrongful dismissal and you should contact Employment Standards or a lawyer.
Does the 27-week leave reset every year?
Yes. The entitlement is 27 weeks per calendar year (January 1 to December 31). It does not carry over.
Can I get a sick note on a weekend in Alberta?
Yes. MedLetter accepts submissions 7 days a week, including Saturdays, Sundays, and statutory holidays. Most Alberta walk-in clinics close by noon on Saturday and are completely closed on Sunday. Submit your request before 3pm MT for same-day delivery, no appointment needed, no waiting room, no driving to a clinic that might not even be open.
What if my employer refuses to accept a telemedicine sick note?
Under Alberta Employment Standards and CPSA guidelines, employers must accept valid medical certificates from licensed physicians, regardless of whether the consultation occurred in person or via telemedicine. If your employer refuses, you can contact Alberta Employment Standards for assistance.
Do I need a sick note for a single day off?
Generally, no. Alberta law provides 5 days of unpaid personal and family responsibility leave per year, which does not require a medical note. However, your employer's specific policy might differ, so it's always best to check your employee handbook.
Can MedLetter provide a note for a retroactive absence?
Yes, in many cases. Our physicians can review your symptoms and provide a note covering a recent absence, provided the medical information aligns with your request.
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Sources: Alberta Employment Standards Code (Part 2, Division 7.1), Alberta Human Rights Act (s.7, s.44), Canada Labour Code (Part III). Last verified: August 2026.
Related: How Many Sick Days in Alberta? | Can My Employer Fire Me for Being Sick? | Alberta Employment Standards Sick Leave | Online Sick Note Alberta
See Also
Also serving: Ontario Sick Notes | BC Sick Notes | New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time.
Need a sick note in Alberta? MedLetter provides official physician-signed documentation for $49 with same-day delivery. No walk-in clinic visit needed — submit in 2 minutes, receive your note by email. Valid for employers, universities, and insurance across Alberta.
Alberta's Healthcare Access Challenge
With Alberta's growing population and physician shortage, getting a same-day appointment is nearly impossible in Calgary and Edmonton. The average wait at a walk-in clinic is 2-4 hours, and many clinics close by 5 PM. If you work shifts at Suncor, CNRL, WestJet, or in the oil sands, you can't afford to spend half a day waiting for a $20-50 note. MedLetter: $49, same-day, from your phone. CPSA-registered physician.
Need a sick note in Alberta? MedLetter provides official physician-signed documentation for $49 with same-day delivery. No walk-in clinic visit needed — submit in 2 minutes, receive your note by email. Valid for employers, universities, and insurance across Alberta.
Need a sick note near me in Alberta? Whether you're searching for a doctor's note near me in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, or Fort McMurray — MedLetter delivers same-day for $49. Skip the walk-in clinic near you with its 2-4 hour wait. Our physician is available 24/7, weekends and holidays included.
100% Refund Guarantee: If your request is declined for any reason, you receive a full refund — no questions asked. Our physician reviews every submission personally, and you only pay if your sick note is approved and delivered.
How It Works — 3 Simple Steps
Step 1: Fill out our secure 2-minute intake form with your basic information and reason for needing a sick note.
Step 2: A licensed physician reviews your submission and assesses your situation (no video call required).
September 2026: Back-to-School and Flu Season
September brings the start of flu season and the return to school and work after Labour Day. Whether you caught a cold from your kids, picked up a stomach bug at the office, or got sick during the first week of classes — MedLetter delivers same-day sick notes for $49. No appointment needed, available 24/7 including weekends.
Alberta Industries We Serve
MedLetter provides same-day sick notes for workers across all Alberta industries: oil and gas (Suncor, CNRL, Imperial Oil, Cenovus, TC Energy), construction (PCL, Graham, Ledcor, Bird Construction), healthcare (Alberta Health Services), retail (Walmart, Costco, Canadian Tire, Home Depot), hospitality (Fairmont, Marriott, WestJet), tech (Benevity, Attabotics, Shareworks), and agriculture (Viterra, Richardson Pioneer). Whether you work a desk job downtown or a 12-hour shift at a plant site — we deliver documentation within hours.
People Also Ask About Sick Notes
Can I get a sick note without seeing a doctor in person?
Yes. In Canada, licensed physicians can issue sick notes through virtual consultations. MedLetter provides official physician-signed sick notes for $49 without requiring an in-person visit. Your employer cannot distinguish between a note from a virtual consultation and one from a walk-in clinic — both are equally valid.
How quickly can I get a sick note?
MedLetter delivers sick notes same-day — typically within 2-4 hours for standard delivery, or under 2 hours with Express Delivery ($75). Most walk-in clinics require 2-4 hours of waiting just to be seen, plus additional time for the note to be prepared.
Do employers have to accept online sick notes?
Yes. Canadian employers must accept sick notes from any licensed physician, regardless of whether the consultation was in-person or virtual. The College of Physicians in every province recognizes telehealth consultations as valid medical practice.
Why Choose MedLetter Over a Walk-In Clinic?
Walk-in clinic: 2-4 hour wait, $20-50 fee, only open weekdays 9-5, may not have availability, requires driving and parking.
MedLetter: 2-minute form, $49 flat fee, available 24/7 including weekends and holidays, same-day delivery, no appointment or video call needed. Same legal validity — signed by a licensed physician registered with the provincial College.
Step 3: Your signed sick note is delivered to your email — same-day for most requests submitted before 3 PM.
The entire process takes less time than driving to a walk-in clinic parking lot. New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time..