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
Recent Changes to Alberta Sick Leave (2026)
As of January 1, 2026, Alberta increased long-term illness and injury leave from 16 weeks to 27 weeks per calendar year. This aligns Alberta more closely with federal EI sickness benefit duration (26 weeks). The change was part of broader amendments to the Employment Standards Code aimed at supporting workers with serious health conditions.
How Alberta Compares Nationally
| Province | Unpaid Sick Leave | Paid Sick Days (Legislated) | Long-Term Leave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | 5 days | 0 | 27 weeks |
| British Columbia | 5 days | 5 days | 27 weeks |
| Ontario | 3 days | 0 | 27 weeks |
| Saskatchewan | 12 days | 0 | 12 weeks |
| Federal | 5 days | 10 days | 27 weeks |
Alberta remains one of the few jurisdictions in Canada that does not mandate any paid sick days for provincially regulated employees.
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Sources
1. Alberta Employment Standards Code, RSA 2000, c E-9, Part 2, Division 7.1 - [alberta.ca/employment-standards](https://www.alberta.ca/employment-standards)
2. Government of Alberta - Personal and Family Responsibility Leave - [alberta.ca/personal-family-responsibility-leave](https://www.alberta.ca/personal-family-responsibility-leave)
3. Government of Alberta - Long-Term Illness and Injury Leave - [alberta.ca/long-term-illness-injury-leave](https://www.alberta.ca/long-term-illness-injury-leave)
4. Canada Labour Code, Part III - [laws-lois.justice.gc.ca](https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/l-2/)
5. Service Canada - EI Sickness Benefits - [canada.ca/ei-sickness](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness.html)
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Related: [Do I Need a Sick Note in Alberta?](/blog/do-i-need-sick-note-1-day-off-alberta) | [How Many Sick Days in Alberta?](/blog/how-many-sick-days-entitled-alberta) | [Can My Employer Fire Me for Being Sick?](/blog/can-employer-fire-me-calling-in-sick-alberta)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note online in Canada?
Yes. Licensed Canadian physicians can assess patients through virtual consultations and issue legally valid sick notes accepted by employers across all provinces.
How much does an online sick note cost?
MedLetter charges a flat $49 for a sick note with same-day delivery. No hidden fees, no clinic wait times.
Will my employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. All Canadian provincial medical colleges recognize virtual care. Online sick notes are legally equivalent to in-person notes.
How long does it take to get a sick note from MedLetter?
Most sick notes are delivered within 2-6 hours of submission. Same-day delivery is standard.