Updated August 2026, Current BC Employment Standards and CPSBC telemedicine guidelines.
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.
Sick Leave During Probation in BC
Starting a new job is an exciting milestone, but falling ill during your probationary period can quickly turn that excitement into anxiety. Many new employees in British Columbia worry that taking a sick day during their first few months could jeopardize their new position. Understanding your rights and responsibilities under BC law is crucial for navigating this stressful situation with confidence.
Your Rights During Probation
When you are on probation, you might feel like you are walking on eggshells, but your fundamental rights as an employee remain intact.
- Still protected by the Employment Standards Act
- Entitled to unpaid sick leave from day one
- Paid sick days kick in after 90 days
- Cannot be fired solely for legitimate illness
The BC Employment Standards Act (ESA) provides a baseline of protection for all workers in the province, regardless of how long they have been employed. This means that from your very first day on the job, you have specific rights regarding illness and absence.
The 90-Day Wait for Paid Sick Days
During your first 90 days, sick leave is unpaid but job-protected. The BC Employment Standards Act mandates that employees are entitled to 5 paid sick days and 3 unpaid sick days per year. However, the paid sick days only become available after you have completed 90 consecutive days of employment with the same employer.
This 90-day waiting period is a critical detail for new hires. If you get sick on day 30, you can take the time off without fear of losing your job, but you will not be paid for those days unless your employer has a more generous policy than the legal minimum. Many major BC employers, such as BC Hydro, Telus, and Vancouver Coastal Health, have their own internal policies that may offer benefits sooner, so it is always wise to check your specific employment contract or employee handbook.
Making a Good Impression While Sick
Being sick during probation is not ideal, but how you handle the situation can actually demonstrate your professionalism and reliability.
- Notify employer as early as possible
- Provide a sick note proactively
- Offer to make up work when you return
- Communicate clearly about return date
If you wake up feeling unwell, do not wait until your shift starts to let your manager know. Send an email or make a phone call as soon as you realize you cannot work. Being proactive about providing a sick note, even if it hasn't been explicitly requested, shows that you respect the company's time and are taking your absence seriously.
Protecting Yourself with Documentation
During probation, documentation is especially important. A sick note proves your absence was legitimate and creates a paper trail protecting against unfair termination. When you are new, you haven't yet built a track record of reliability. A sick note from a registered physician provides objective evidence that your absence was necessary and out of your control.
This is particularly crucial in high-stakes environments or when dealing with strict managers. If you find yourself in an urgent situation, perhaps your boss is demanding a note by tomorrow, or you called in sick without realizing a note was required, getting documentation quickly is essential. This is where online services like MedLetter become invaluable, especially on weekends or evenings when traditional clinics in cities like Vancouver, Surrey, or Burnaby are closed.
What Employers Need to Know
Canadian employment law balances employer interests with employee privacy:
- Employers can request confirmation of illness but not specific diagnoses
- The note should state: dates of absence, that the employee was/is unfit for duties, and expected return date
- Employers cannot contact the physician directly without employee consent
- Requiring a note for every single-day absence may constitute harassment in some jurisdictions
Employers in BC, from small businesses in Kelowna to large corporations like Lululemon or BC Ferries, must navigate these rules carefully. While they have the right to manage their workforce and ensure absences are legitimate, they must also respect the privacy and human rights of their employees.
Cost Considerations for Employers
- Walk-in clinic notes cost employees $20-50 and require 2-4 hours away from work
- Virtual sick notes reduce time away from work to minutes
- Some employers reimburse sick note costs as a best practice
- The cost of replacing a sick employee for a day far exceeds the cost of documentation
When an employer requires a sick note, they are inadvertently imposing a cost on the employee, both in terms of money and time. A trip to a walk-in clinic in Richmond or Victoria can take hours, time that the employee should be spending resting and recovering. Virtual sick notes offer a modern, efficient alternative that benefits both parties by minimizing downtime and hassle.
Your Rights During Probation in BC, The Full Picture
Many new employees believe they have fewer rights during probation. While probation does affect termination notice requirements, your health-related rights remain largely intact. The concept of "probation" is often misunderstood; it is not a period where labor laws do not apply, but rather a specific timeframe where the rules around termination without cause are different.
What BC Law Says About Probation and Sick Leave
Under the Employment Standards Act:
- Paid sick days: Available after 90 consecutive days of employment (not after probation ends)
- Unpaid sick days: Available from day one of employment
- Human rights protections: Apply from day one, no probation exception
- Accommodation duty: Employer must accommodate medical conditions from day one
The BC Human Rights Tribunal is very clear that discrimination based on physical or mental disability (which includes temporary illnesses) is prohibited. This protection begins the moment you are hired.
Common Probation Periods in BC by Industry
Different industries have different norms when it comes to probation and sick leave expectations. Here is a breakdown of what you might encounter across various sectors in British Columbia:
| Industry | Typical Probation | Sick Note Expectations |
|----------|------------------|----------------------|
| Retail/Hospitality | 3 months | Often required for any absence |
| Office/Corporate | 3-6 months | Usually required after 2+ days |
| Healthcare | 6 months | Required for all absences (patient safety) |
| Construction/Trades | 3 months | Required for safety-sensitive roles |
| Tech/Startup | 3 months | Often flexible/honour-based |
| Government/Public Sector | 6-12 months | Union rules apply from day one |
Comparing Sick Note Options in BC
When you need a sick note quickly, especially during probation, you have a few options. Here is how they compare:
| Option | Cost | Time Required | Convenience | Best For |
|--------|------|---------------|-------------|----------|
| MedLetter (Online) | $49 | Minutes | High (Anywhere in BC) | Urgent needs, weekends, avoiding waiting rooms |
| Walk-in Clinic | $20-$50 | 2-4 hours | Low (Travel required) | When you also need a physical examination |
| Family Doctor | $20-$40 | Days/Weeks to book | Medium | Ongoing or chronic conditions |
| Telehealth Apps | $40-$80 | 1-2 hours | High | General medical advice with a note |
Can You Be Fired During Probation for Being Sick?
The short answer: It's complicated.
During probation, employers can terminate with less notice (or no notice in the first 3 months under the ESA). However:
- They cannot fire you specifically because of illness (discrimination)
- They can fire you during probation for "not being a good fit" (which is harder to challenge)
- The burden of proof shifts, if you were sick and then fired, you may have a human rights claim
- Document everything, keep records of positive performance feedback before your illness
If you are terminated shortly after taking a sick day, the timing alone can be suspicious. This is why having a BC sick note is so vital; it establishes a clear, documented medical reason for your absence, making it much harder for an employer to claim you were simply unreliable.
Strategies for New Employees
1. Learn the policy early, Ask about sick leave procedures during onboarding
2. Build goodwill, Strong performance before any absence strengthens your position
3. Communicate proactively, Notify your supervisor as early as possible
4. Get documentation, Even if not required, a sick note protects you during probation
5. Know the 90-day rule, Your paid sick days kick in after 90 days of employment
6. Keep records, Save any positive performance reviews or feedback emails
Navigating illness during probation requires a mix of knowing your rights and managing relationships. By being transparent and providing proper documentation, you can mitigate the risks associated with being sick early in your tenure.
What Happens If You're Sick in Your First Week?
This is a common anxiety for new employees. Practical advice:
- Be honest with your employer, most understand that illness doesn't respect start dates
- Offer to make up the time if possible
- Provide a sick note proactively to demonstrate good faith
- Remember: a good employer won't penalize you for legitimate illness
- If they do fire you for being sick in week one, you likely have a human rights complaint
Getting sick in your first week is unfortunate, but it happens. Whether you are working at a tech startup in Vancouver or a manufacturing plant in Prince George, the key is communication. Let your employer know immediately, and use a service like MedLetter to get a note quickly so you can focus on recovering.
Urgent Scenarios: When You Need a Note NOW
Sometimes, getting a sick note isn't just a formality; it's an emergency. Consider these common scenarios:
- The Boss Demands It: Your manager emails you at 8 PM saying, "I need a doctor's note on my desk by 9 AM tomorrow, or don't bother coming in."
- The Weekend Dilemma: You fall ill on a Saturday. You work retail in Nanaimo, and every walk-in clinic is either closed or has a 4-hour wait. You need a note for your Sunday shift.
- The Afterthought: You called in sick yesterday, assuming it was fine. Today, HR informs you that because you are on probation, a note is mandatory for any absence.
In these high-pressure situations, traditional healthcare routes often fail. You cannot wait days for an appointment with a family doctor, and spending hours in a walk-in clinic when you are genuinely sick is miserable. This is where online services shine, providing fast, legally valid documentation that meets BC employer requirements.
After Probation Ends
Once probation is complete:
- Full termination notice requirements apply (1 week per year of service, up to 8 weeks)
- You're eligible for all company benefits (if not already)
- Sick leave policies remain the same as during probation under the ESA
- Your employment record during probation carries forward
Passing probation is a relief, but it doesn't change the fundamental rules around sick leave. You still have the same rights to paid and unpaid days, and providing a sick note when requested remains a standard part of professional employment in BC.
If you need to New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time., ensure you choose a service that uses CPSBC-registered physicians to guarantee your documentation is accepted.
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 refuses to accept a virtual sick note?
If your note is issued by a physician registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC), it is a legally valid medical document. Employers cannot arbitrarily reject it simply because the consultation was virtual. If they do, they may be in violation of BC employment or human rights laws.
Do I have to tell my employer my specific diagnosis?
No. Under BC privacy laws, your employer is only entitled to know that you are unfit for work, the expected duration of your absence, and any specific accommodations you might need upon return. They do not have the right to know your specific medical condition or diagnosis.
Can my employer call the doctor who wrote my note?
An employer can contact the medical clinic to verify that the note is authentic (i.e., that it was actually issued by that clinic), but they cannot ask the doctor for any medical details or discuss your health without your explicit, written consent.
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Sources: BC Employment Standards Act (Part 6, s.49.1), BC Human Rights Code (s.13), WorkSafeBC Regulations. Last verified: August 2026.
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