Sick Notes for Seasonal Workers in BC (Tourism, Agriculture, Ski)
Working seasonally in BC? Your sick leave rights still apply. Here's what seasonal workers need to know about documentation.
## 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.
### 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
### 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.
**Get a sick note — [Start here](/get-started/sick_note)**