Are MedLetter documents legitimate?

Yes. Every letter is reviewed and signed by a physician registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Our documents include the physician's CPSA registration number, official letterhead, and signature.

How quickly will I receive my letter?

Most letters are delivered within 2-4 hours during business hours. Some complex requests may take up to 24 hours.

Is this service available outside Alberta?

No. This service is exclusively for Alberta residents. Our physicians are licensed with the CPSA and can only provide medical documents to patients within their jurisdiction.

What is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter?

An ESA letter is an official document from a licensed physician stating that you have a mental health condition that benefits from the companionship of an emotional support animal. This letter can be used for housing accommodation requests.

How much does a sick note cost?

A sick note from MedLetter costs $49 CAD. This is a one-time flat fee with no hidden costs.

Alberta Employment Standards: Sick Leave Rules Explained

Understanding your sick leave rights under Alberta Employment Standards is crucial. Here's a clear breakdown of what the law says and what your employer can require.

## Alberta Sick Leave: What the Law Actually Says Alberta's employment standards have evolved significantly in recent years. Here's what you need to know about your sick leave rights in 2026. ### Personal and Family Responsibility Leave Under the **Employment Standards Code**, Alberta employees are entitled to: - **5 days** of unpaid, job-protected personal and family responsibility leave per year - This can be used for personal illness, injury, or health matters - Also covers family care responsibilities - Available after 90 days of employment ### Long-Term Illness and Injury Leave For more serious health issues: - **16 weeks** of unpaid, job-protected leave for long-term illness or injury - Available after 90 days of employment - Employer may request a medical certificate ### What Documentation Can Employers Require? Alberta employers can request: 1. **A medical certificate** - A note from a physician confirming the need for absence 2. **Expected duration** - How long you anticipate being away 3. **Fitness to return** - Confirmation you're able to resume duties They **cannot** require: - Your specific diagnosis (only that you have a medical condition) - Access to your full medical records - A note from a specialist when a general practitioner's note suffices ### Paid vs. Unpaid Sick Leave in Alberta Unlike some provinces (BC, for example), Alberta does **not** mandate paid sick days. Whether you receive paid sick leave depends on: - Your employment contract - Collective agreement (if unionized) - Company policy - Whether you have short-term disability benefits ### What Happens If You're Fired for Being Sick? Terminating an employee for taking legitimate sick leave may constitute: - **Wrongful dismissal** under common law - **Discrimination** under the Alberta Human Rights Act (if related to a disability) - **Violation of employment standards** if the leave is job-protected ### Getting Your Sick Note Quickly Don't lose additional work time sitting in a clinic waiting room. MedLetter provides official sick notes from licensed Alberta physicians in as little as 1-4 hours. [Get your sick note online →](/get-started/sick_note) --- **Related:** [Calgary Sick Note](/sick-note/calgary) | [Edmonton Sick Note](/sick-note/edmonton) | [Banff Sick Note](/sick-note/banff) | [All Services](/services)