Can Your Alberta Employer Ask Why You Were Sick?
You called in sick. Now your employer wants to know what was wrong with you. Do you have to tell them? The short answer: No, you do not have to disclose your diagnosis. But there are nuances.
What Your Employer CAN Ask
Under Alberta law, your employer has a legitimate interest in managing absences. They can ask:
- Whether you are able to work (yes or no)
- When you expect to return (estimated date)
- Whether you need any workplace accommodations upon return
- For a sick note confirming your absence was medically necessary
- Whether there are any work restrictions (e.g., no heavy lifting)
What Your Employer CANNOT Ask
Alberta's Health Information Act (HIA) and the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) protect your medical privacy. Your employer cannot:
- Demand to know your specific diagnosis or symptoms
- Ask what medications you're taking
- Contact your doctor directly without your written consent
- Require you to disclose the nature of your illness to coworkers
- Ask about your medical history unrelated to the current absence
- Require a sick note that contains your diagnosis
What a Sick Note Should Contain
A proper Alberta sick note only needs to include:
1. That you were seen by a physician (or assessed)
2. That you were unable to work on the specified date(s)
3. When you are expected to return to work
4. Any functional limitations relevant to your job (if applicable)
5. The physician's name, signature, and registration number
It should NOT contain:
- Your diagnosis
- Your symptoms
- Treatment details
- Medication information
The Alberta Human Rights Commission Position
The Alberta Human Rights Commission has published clear guidance on medical information in the workplace. Their position:
> "Employers are entitled to enough information to manage the absence or accommodation, but not more. The duty to accommodate does not require full medical disclosure."
This means even when requesting workplace accommodation, you only need to provide functional limitations - not the underlying medical condition.
What If Your Employer Pushes for More?
If your employer demands your diagnosis or detailed medical information:
1. Politely decline - "I'm not comfortable sharing my diagnosis, but I can confirm I was medically unable to work."
2. Provide a sick note - A proper sick note from a CPSA physician confirms your absence without revealing private details.
3. Reference the law - Alberta's PIPA and HIA protect your medical privacy.
4. Contact Alberta Human Rights Commission - If your employer retaliates, you may have grounds for a complaint.
MedLetter Protects Your Privacy
Every MedLetter sick note is designed to satisfy your employer's legitimate needs while protecting your privacy:
- No diagnosis disclosed - We only confirm you were unable to work
- Minimum necessary information - Dates, fitness to work, physician signature
- CPSA-registered physician - Legally valid documentation
- Official letterhead - Professional format employers recognize
Your employer gets the verification they need. Your medical privacy stays intact.
Common Scenarios
Scenario 1: "My boss texted asking what's wrong with me."
Answer: You can simply say "I'm unwell and unable to work today." You don't owe them more.
Scenario 2: "HR says they need my diagnosis for their records."
Answer: They don't. A sick note confirming inability to work is sufficient. If they insist, ask them to put the request in writing and consult Alberta Human Rights.
Scenario 3: "My employer called my doctor's office."
Answer: Your doctor cannot release information without your written consent. This may violate the Health Information Act.
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Related: [Calgary Sick Note](/sick-note/calgary) | [Edmonton Sick Note](/sick-note/edmonton) | [Banff Sick Note](/sick-note/banff) | [All Services](/services)
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Medically reviewed by a Licensed Alberta Physician, CPSA-Registered
Last reviewed: May 2026
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.