BC's 5 Paid Sick Days: Complete Guide
Since January 1, 2022, all employees in British Columbia covered by the Employment Standards Act have been entitled to 5 paid sick days per year. This was a landmark change that made BC one of the most employee-friendly provinces in Canada for sick leave.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible:
- Full-time employees (after 90 days)
- Part-time employees (after 90 days)
- Casual employees (after 90 days)
- Temporary employees (after 90 days)
Not eligible:
- Employees in their first 90 days
- Independent contractors (not employees)
- Federally regulated workers (separate rules apply)
- Some professionals excluded from ESA (certain managers, etc.)
How Paid Sick Days Work
1. Accrual: All 5 days are available after 90 days of employment (no gradual accrual)
2. Payment: At your regular wage rate for the hours you would have worked
3. Carry-over: Days do NOT carry over to the next year (use them or lose them)
4. Documentation: Employers generally should not require a note for these days
5. Timing: Calendar year (January 1 - December 31)
Do You Need a Sick Note?
For your 5 paid sick days:
- Generally no: The intent of the legislation is that employees can use these without barriers
- Employer policies vary: Some employers still request notes (legality is debatable)
- Best practice: If your employer insists, a simple note confirming your absence is sufficient
- Extended absences: Beyond 5 days, employers can reasonably request documentation
What If Your Employer Refuses to Pay?
If your employer denies your paid sick days:
1. Document everything: Save the request and denial in writing
2. Cite the ESA: Reference Section 49.1 of the Employment Standards Act
3. File a complaint: Contact the Employment Standards Branch
4. Timeline: Complaints must be filed within 6 months
5. Remedies: Can include back pay plus interest
Common Employer Violations
- Requiring a sick note for every paid sick day
- Deducting sick days from vacation time
- Requiring you to find a replacement before taking a sick day
- Paying less than your regular rate for sick days
- Retaliating against employees who use sick days
- Not providing sick days to part-time employees
Beyond 5 Days: Your Additional Rights
If you're sick for more than 5 days:
- You have 3 additional unpaid sick days (no note required for short absences)
- Extended illness may qualify for short-term disability (if your employer offers it)
- EI Sickness Benefits provide up to 26 weeks at 55% of earnings
- WorkSafeBC covers work-related illness at 90% of net earnings
MedLetter: When You Do Need a Note
If your employer requires documentation or you've exhausted your 5 paid days:
- Get a CPSBC-registered physician note in same day
- $49 flat rate, available 24/7
- No walk-in clinic wait required
- Accepted by all BC employers
Related: [Sick Note Vancouver](/online-sick-note-vancouver) | [Sick Note Surrey](/online-sick-note-surrey) | [Online Sick Note BC](/online-sick-note-bc)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sick days do BC employees get?
Under the BC Employment Standards Act, employees are entitled to 5 paid sick days and 3 unpaid sick days per year after 90 days of employment.
Can my BC employer require a sick note?
Yes, but only for absences of 4 or more consecutive days under the ESA. Employers may have stricter policies in their employment contracts.
Are BC sick days paid?
Yes. BC provides 5 paid sick days per year, making it one of the most employee-friendly provinces for sick leave in Canada.
Can my employer fire me for taking sick days in BC?
No. Taking ESA-protected sick leave cannot be grounds for termination. BC employment law protects employees who use their entitled sick days.