BC's New Sick Note Rules (November 12, 2025)
British Columbia made significant changes to sick note requirements effective November 12, 2025. Under the new Employment Standards Regulation amendments, employers are now restricted from requesting medical notes for short-term absences.
The New Rules at a Glance
| Rule | Details |
|------|---------|
| Short-term absence (5 days or fewer) | Employer cannot ask for a sick note for the first two absences per year |
| Third+ short absence | Employer can request a note, but must pay for it |
| Absence longer than 5 consecutive days | Employer can request a note, but must pay for it |
| Who pays for the note? | The employer must pay when they request one |
Key Changes from the Old Rules
Before November 12, 2025:
- Employers could request a sick note for any absence
- Employees paid for their own sick notes ($20-$80+)
- No limit on how often employers could request notes
After November 12, 2025:
- First two short absences (5 days or fewer): NO note allowed
- Third+ absence or 6+ days: Note can be requested, but employer pays
- Reduces burden on healthcare system
Understanding the "5-Day Rule"
The 5-day threshold is crucial:
Absences of 5 Days or Fewer
For your first two health-related absences of 5 consecutive days or fewer in a calendar year:
- Your employer cannot ask for a sick note
- You don't need to provide any medical documentation
- You simply need to inform your employer you're taking sick leave
After Your First Two Short Absences
Starting with your third short-term absence in the same year:
- Your employer can request a sick note
- But they must pay for the cost of obtaining it
- The note only needs to confirm you were ill — not diagnose your condition
Absences Longer Than 5 Consecutive Days
If you're off for 6 or more consecutive days:
- Your employer can request a sick note from the first instance
- They must pay for it
- The note should confirm the duration of illness and expected return date
BC's 5 Paid Sick Days — How They Interact
BC provides 5 paid sick days per year under the Employment Standards Act. These interact with the new sick note rules:
| Sick Day # | Paid? | Note Required? |
|-----------|-------|----------------|
| Days 1-5 (first absence) | Yes (if within 5 paid days) | No |
| Days 1-5 (second absence) | Yes (if paid days remain) | No |
| Days 1-5 (third+ absence) | Depends on remaining paid days | Yes (employer pays) |
| Days 6+ (any absence) | No (unless employer policy) | Yes (employer pays) |
When You Still Need a Sick Note in BC
Despite the new protections, there are situations where you'll still need medical documentation:
1. Third+ short absence in a year — Employer can request (but must pay)
2. Absences over 5 days — Employer can request (but must pay)
3. WorkSafeBC claims — Workplace injuries require medical documentation
4. Short-term disability claims — Insurance requires medical evidence
5. Accommodation requests — BC Human Rights Code accommodations need supporting documentation
6. Return-to-work clearance — Safety-sensitive positions may require medical clearance
How MedLetter Helps BC Workers
For those times when you DO need a sick note — whether it's your third absence, an extended illness, or a return-to-work letter — MedLetter provides:
- CPSBC-registered physician signs your note
- Same-day delivery — no waiting for a walk-in appointment
- $49 flat fee — and if your employer is required to pay, you can submit for reimbursement
- Available 7 days/week — including weekends
- Online review — complete a questionnaire from home
Common BC Scenarios
"I've already used my two 'free' absences this year"
Your employer can now request a note for your third absence, but they must pay for it. Get your note from MedLetter and submit the $49 receipt to your employer.
"I've been sick for 6 days"
Your employer can request a note, but must cover the cost. MedLetter can provide documentation covering your full absence period.
"My employer is asking for a note on my first absence"
This is now illegal under BC Employment Standards. You can refuse and point them to the November 2025 regulation changes.
"I work in construction and need return-to-work clearance"
Safety-sensitive positions can still require medical clearance. MedLetter provides return-to-work letters confirming fitness for duty.
Employer Obligations Under the New Rules
BC employers must:
- Not request sick notes for the first two short absences
- Pay for any sick notes they do request (third+ absence or 6+ days)
- Not require the note to disclose diagnosis or treatment details
- Accept notes from any qualified health practitioner (including virtual care)
- Not penalize employees for exercising their rights
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note online in Canada?
Yes. Licensed Canadian physicians can assess patients through virtual consultations and issue legally valid sick notes accepted by employers across all provinces.
How much does an online sick note cost?
MedLetter charges a flat $49 for a sick note with same-day delivery. No hidden fees, no clinic wait times.
Will my employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. All Canadian provincial medical colleges recognize virtual care. Online sick notes are legally equivalent to in-person notes.
How long does it take to get a sick note from MedLetter?
Most sick notes are delivered within 2-6 hours of submission. Same-day delivery is standard.
The Bottom Line
BC's 2025 sick note rules are among the most employee-friendly in Canada. For most short absences, you won't need a note at all. But when you do — extended absences, third+ absences, or accommodation requests — MedLetter has you covered.