Updated August 2026, Current BC Employment Standards and CPSBC telemedicine guidelines.
Sick Notes for Seasonal Workers in BC
British Columbia's economy relies heavily on seasonal workers, in tourism, agriculture, ski resorts, and fishing. If you're a seasonal worker, you have the same sick leave rights as permanent employees. Whether you are planting trees in Prince George, serving tourists in Victoria, or picking fruit in Kelowna, your health matters, and your rights are protected under provincial law.
Your Rights as a Seasonal Worker
Under the BC ESA, all employees (including seasonal and part-time) are entitled to:
- 5 paid sick days after 90 days of employment
- 3 unpaid sick days
- Job protection during legitimate illness
This means that even if you are only hired for a four-month summer contract in Nanaimo or a winter season in Kamloops, once you pass that 90-day mark, you are entitled to these protections. Employers cannot fire you simply because you fell ill and needed time to recover.
Industry-Specific Challenges
Tourism & Hospitality (Whistler, Tofino, Kelowna)
- Peak season pressure to never call in sick
- Shared staff housing can spread illness quickly
- Limited clinic access in resort towns
Agriculture (Fraser Valley, Okanagan)
- Physical work makes illness more dangerous
- Remote farm locations far from clinics
- Language barriers for temporary foreign workers
Ski Resorts (Whistler, Big White, Sun Peaks)
- Cold/flu season coincides with peak season
- Altitude and physical exertion worsen illness
- Walk-in clinics in resort towns are overwhelmed
Getting Documentation in Remote Locations
Many seasonal workers are in locations with limited healthcare:
- Tofino has one small clinic with long waits
- Whistler clinics are overwhelmed in winter
- Okanagan farm areas have no nearby walk-ins
MedLetter provides online sick notes to any BC location, no clinic visit required. This is especially crucial for workers in remote areas where the nearest walk-in clinic might be hours away.
BC Employment Standards: Your Rights
Under British Columbia's Employment Standards Act (Part 6, Division 6), employees who have been employed for at least 90 days are entitled to 5 paid sick days and 3 unpaid sick days per year. Key points:
- Employers cannot require a doctor's note for absences of 3 days or fewer under the ESA
- For absences exceeding 3 consecutive days, employers may reasonably request medical documentation
- The BC Human Rights Code protects employees from discrimination based on disability or health conditions
- WorkSafeBC claims are separate from sick leave entitlements
It is important to note that these are minimum standards. Some employers, such as BC Hydro, ICBC, Telus, Lululemon, BC Ferries, Vancouver Coastal Health, and Fraser Health, may offer more generous sick leave policies. Always check your employment contract or collective agreement.
Statistics: Healthcare Access in BC
According to the BC Ministry of Health (2025-2026 data):
- Approximately 1 in 5 British Columbians lack a regular family doctor
- Average walk-in clinic wait time in Metro Vancouver: 2-4 hours
- Rural BC communities often have no walk-in clinic within 50 km
- Virtual care visits in BC increased by over 300% since 2020
These statistics highlight the growing need for accessible healthcare solutions, especially for seasonal workers who may not have established relationships with local healthcare providers.
Practical Steps for BC Employees
1. Know your collective agreement - Many BC unions (BCGEU, HEU, CUPE) have additional sick leave provisions beyond the ESA minimum
2. Document your absence - Keep records of when you notified your employer and any symptoms
3. Understand the timeline - Most employers accept notes provided within 5 business days of your return
4. Check your benefits - Extended health plans often cover virtual medical consultations
When a Sick Note May Not Be Required
BC law does not require a sick note for:
- The first 3 days of absence (ESA Section 49.1)
- Bereavement leave
- Jury duty
- Personal emergencies covered under other leave categories
Urgent Situations: When You Need a Note Now
Sometimes, you find yourself in a situation where you urgently need a sick note. Here are some common scenarios:
- Boss demanding a note by tomorrow: You called in sick, and your manager insists on seeing a doctor's note before your next shift.
- Called in sick without one: You thought you'd recover quickly, but your illness lingered, and now you need documentation to cover your absence.
- Weekend/evening when clinics are closed: You fall ill on a Saturday evening, and all local walk-in clinics are closed until Monday morning.
In these urgent situations, MedLetter's online service is a lifesaver. You can request a note anytime, and our CPSBC-registered physicians will review your case promptly.
Comparing Your Options for Getting a Sick Note in BC
| Option | Cost | Timeline | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MedLetter Online Service | $49 | Same-day delivery | High (No travel required) | Urgent needs, remote locations, weekends |
| Walk-in Clinic | $20-50 (note fee) | 2-4 hours wait + travel | Low (Requires travel and waiting) | Non-urgent needs, complex medical issues |
| Family Doctor | $20-50 (note fee) | Days to weeks for an appointment | Medium (Requires appointment) | Ongoing health issues, established patients |
As you can see, while walk-in clinics and family doctors are free with MSP, they often involve long wait times or require appointments weeks in advance. MedLetter offers a fast, convenient alternative for a flat fee of $49.
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 my online sick note?
If your employer refuses a valid sick note from a CPSBC-registered physician, they may be in violation of the BC Employment Standards Act or the BC Human Rights Code. You can contact the BC Employment Standards Branch or the BC Human Rights Tribunal for assistance.
Do I need a sick note for a WorkSafeBC claim?
WorkSafeBC claims are separate from regular sick leave. If your illness or injury is work-related, you will need to file a claim with WorkSafeBC and follow their specific documentation requirements.
Can I use MedLetter if I don't have MSP coverage?
Yes, MedLetter's service is available to anyone in BC, regardless of their MSP status. The $49 fee covers the consultation and the sick note.
To get started, visit our New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time. page or learn more about getting a BC sick note.
Related: Sick Note Vancouver | Sick Note Surrey | Online Sick Note BC