Do You Need a Sick Note for 1 Day Off in BC?

Most BC employers require a sick note for any absence — even a single day. Don't risk your job over a missing document.

The Short Answer


Under BC Employment Standards, employers generally cannot require a sick note for a single day of absence.

What BC Law Says


The Employment Standards Act allows employers to request proof of illness, but this is generally interpreted as applying to absences of 3+ days.

Common Employer Policies


Despite the legal position, many employers require notes for any absence, particularly in:
  • Retail and food service

  • Manufacturing and warehouse work

  • Call centres

  • Industries with high absenteeism


When to Push Back


Consider pushing back if the cost is unreasonable, you'd need to travel while sick, or the policy is applied selectively.

When to Just Get the Note


Sometimes it's easier to get documentation than fight the policy. MedLetter provides $49 sick notes same day — often less expensive than disputing an employer's policy.

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


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


What BC Law Actually Says About Single-Day Absences

The BC Employment Standards Act (ESA) was amended effective January 1, 2022 to provide:

  • 5 paid sick days per year (after 90 days of employment)

  • 3 additional unpaid sick days per year

  • For these ESA-protected days, employers cannot require a doctor's note


This is a significant change from pre-2022 rules. Many employers have not updated their policies to reflect this.

When Your Employer CAN Require a Note for One Day

Despite the ESA protections, a sick note may still be required if:

  • You have exhausted your 5 paid + 3 unpaid ESA days

  • Your collective agreement has different provisions

  • Your employer has a bona fide attendance management program

  • There is a documented pattern of suspicious absences (e.g., always sick on Mondays/Fridays)

  • You work in a safety-sensitive position (healthcare, transportation, construction)


When Your Employer CANNOT Require a Note for One Day

Your employer cannot require documentation for:

  • Your first 5 paid sick days under the ESA

  • Your 3 unpaid sick days under the ESA

  • Absences covered by other protected leave (bereavement, jury duty)

  • If requiring a note would constitute harassment or discrimination


Common Employer Tactics (and Your Rights)

Some BC employers still pressure employees for notes despite the law:

  • "It's company policy" — Company policy cannot override the ESA

  • "You need to prove you were sick" — Not for ESA-protected days

  • "No note, no pay" — Illegal for your 5 paid sick days

  • "We need it for our records" — Self-declaration is sufficient for ESA days


What to Do If Your Employer Insists

1. Politely reference the Employment Standards Act, Section 49.1
2. Offer a self-declaration in writing (email confirming you were ill)
3. If they persist, contact the Employment Standards Branch (1-833-236-3700)
4. Document the interaction in case of retaliation
5. If you want to avoid conflict, getting a note is quick and inexpensive online

The Practical Reality

Even though the law is on your side, workplace dynamics matter. Some employees choose to provide documentation to:

  • Maintain a positive relationship with their employer

  • Create a paper trail in case of future disputes

  • Demonstrate good faith and professionalism

  • Protect themselves from future attendance management actions


Statistics on Single-Day Absences in BC

According to Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey (2025):

  • The average BC worker takes 8.2 sick days per year

  • 62% of sick days are single-day absences

  • Only 23% of single-day absences result in a sick note request

  • Workers without paid sick leave are 3x more likely to go to work while ill

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

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 all 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.