What Should BC Employers Know About Sick Note Policies? BC employers cannot require a sick note for the first 5 paid sick days under the Employment Standards Act. For absences beyond 5 days, employers may request documentation but cannot demand a specific diagnosis. Notes from virtual telehealth are equally valid as in-person notes under BC law.
Need a sick note in BC? 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 British Columbia.
Need a sick note in BC? 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 British Columbia.
Need a sick note in BC? MedLetter provides official physician-signed documentation for $49 with same-day delivery. No walk-in clinic visit needed — submit your request in 2 minutes and receive your note by email. Valid for employers, universities, and insurance across British Columbia.
New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time.
Updated August 2026, Current BC Employment Standards and CPSBC telemedicine guidelines.
BC Employer Guide: Creating a Fair Sick Note Policy
As a BC employer, you need documentation policies that protect your business while respecting employee rights under the Employment Standards Act and Human Rights Code. Navigating the intersection of operational needs and employee privacy can be challenging, especially in a province with robust labor protections. Whether you manage a small retail shop in Victoria or a large corporate office in downtown Vancouver, understanding the legal landscape is crucial.
What BC Law Says
The British Columbia Employment Standards Act (ESA) provides clear guidelines on what employers can and cannot demand when an employee falls ill. The recent updates to the ESA have solidified the right to paid sick leave, making it essential for employers to update their policies accordingly.
You CANNOT:
- Require a note for the first 5 paid sick days (ESA entitlement)
- Ask for a specific diagnosis
- Contact an employee's doctor without consent
- Penalize employees for using their legal sick day entitlements
- Require employees to find their own replacement
You CAN:
- Request a note after 3+ consecutive days (if in your policy)
- Ask for confirmation of inability to work
- Request an estimated return date
- Require a fitness-to-return note for safety-sensitive roles
Best Practices for 2026
1. Accept online/virtual sick notes, The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC) recognizes virtual care as legitimate. Telemedicine has become a standard of care, and refusing virtual notes can lead to unnecessary friction.
2. Don't make it harder than necessary, Requiring in-person notes when employees are sick is counterproductive. It forces sick individuals into crowded waiting rooms, potentially spreading illness and delaying their recovery.
3. Be consistent, Apply your policy equally to all employees. Inconsistencies can lead to claims of discrimination or favoritism.
4. Document your policy, Put it in writing and ensure all employees have access. A clear, accessible policy prevents misunderstandings and sets expectations.
Should You Accept MedLetter Notes?
Yes. MedLetter notes are issued by CPSBC-registered physicians following a clinical assessment. They are legally equivalent to notes from any other licensed physician in BC. By accepting MedLetter, you support a modern, efficient healthcare solution that benefits both your business and your employees.
Cost Considerations
Many BC employers now reimburse sick note costs or accept free alternatives. Consider:
- Reimbursing the $49 MedLetter fee as a business expense
- Reducing your note requirements to reduce costs for both parties
- Accepting employee self-declarations for short absences
Understanding the Urgency: Why Employees Need Fast Solutions
In today's fast-paced work environment, employees often find themselves in situations where they urgently need a sick note. Imagine an employee at a major BC employer like BC Hydro, ICBC, Telus, Lululemon, BC Ferries, Vancouver Coastal Health, or Fraser Health. They might wake up on a Monday morning with a severe flu, only to have their boss demand a note by tomorrow. Or perhaps they called in sick without one, unaware of a recent policy change.
Weekends and evenings present another significant challenge. When clinics in cities like Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Kamloops, or Prince George are closed, employees are left scrambling. This urgency is where services like MedLetter become invaluable, providing a reliable, fast solution when traditional avenues are unavailable.
Comparing Sick Note Options in BC
To help you understand the landscape, here is a comparison of common sick note options available to BC employees:
| Option | Cost | Timeline | Convenience | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MedLetter | $49 | Same-day delivery | High (Online) | Brief online assessment |
| Walk-in Clinic | Varies (often free with MSP, but notes may cost $20-$50) | Hours of waiting | Low (In-person) | In-person visit, travel time |
| Family Doctor | Varies (notes may cost $20-$50) | Days to weeks for an appointment | Medium (In-person or phone) | Existing patient relationship |
| Emergency Room | $20-50 (note fee) | Hours of waiting | Very Low (In-person) | Only for severe emergencies |
Learn more about MedLetter for employers, Contact us
University and College Sick Note Policies
Most Canadian post-secondary institutions require medical documentation for:
- Missed midterms or final exams (exam deferral)
- Late assignment submissions (academic consideration)
- Extended absences from labs or tutorials
- Withdrawal after the deadline (medical withdrawal)
Important Timelines
- Most universities require documentation within 3-5 business days of the missed assessment
- Some institutions accept documentation dated up to 24 hours after the absence
- Medical withdrawal applications typically have a 2-week window
- Always check your specific institution's academic calendar for deadlines
Tips for Students
1. Read your institution's policy - Each university has specific forms and requirements
2. Contact your registrar early - Don't wait until grades are posted
3. Keep copies - Always keep a copy of any medical documentation you submit
4. Academic advisors - They can help navigate the process and advocate on your behalf
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note online in British Columbia?
Yes. CPSBC-licensed physicians can assess patients through virtual consultations and issue legally valid sick notes accepted by BC employers.
How much does an online sick note cost in BC?
MedLetter charges a flat $49 for a sick note with same-day delivery. This is often faster and more affordable than visiting a walk-in clinic.
Will my BC employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC recognizes virtual care. Online sick notes are legally equivalent to in-person notes.
How many paid sick days do I get in BC?
BC employees are entitled to 5 paid sick days per year after 90 days of employment, plus 3 additional unpaid sick days.
Can I get a sick note on a weekend in BC?
Yes. MedLetter accepts submissions 7 days a week, including Saturdays, Sundays, and statutory holidays. Most BC walk-in clinics have severely limited weekend hours, many close by noon Saturday and are completely closed Sunday. Submit your request before 3pm PT for same-day delivery. This makes MedLetter the fastest option when you get sick on a weekend and need documentation for your employer.
What if my employer demands a note for a single sick day?
Under the BC Employment Standards Act, employers cannot require a sick note for the first 5 paid sick days. If your employer insists, you can refer them to the ESA guidelines or contact the BC Employment Standards Branch for assistance.
Can my employer contact my doctor directly?
No. Employers cannot contact your doctor without your explicit written consent. This is protected under privacy laws and the Human Rights Code.
What happens if I don't provide a sick note when required?
If your employer's policy legally requires a note (e.g., after 3 consecutive days) and you fail to provide one, you may face disciplinary action or be denied paid sick leave for those specific days. It's crucial to understand your employer's specific policy.
Related:
Sick Note Vancouver
Sick Note Surrey
Online Sick Note BC