Can My Employer Require a Sick Note in New Brunswick? Under New Brunswick Employment Standards Act, employers cannot require a sick note for the first 5 unpaid sick days per year. For longer absences, employers may request documentation. Irving Oil, McCain Foods, and other major NB employers have company policies requiring notes after 2-3 days.
Can Your New Brunswick Employer Legally Require a Sick Note? Here's Why You Still Need One.
New Brunswick's Employment Standards Act was amended in August 2026, setting clearer limits on when employers can request medical notes for employee absences. This update is key for workers and employers to understand their rights during illness. While the law provides some protection, smart employees still get documentation to safeguard their professional record and ensure peace of mind.
New Brunswick's 2026 Sick Note Rules
The updated Act sets these conditions, but remember, these are minimums, and protecting your career often means exceeding them:
- 1-5 consecutive days absent: While employers cannot legally require a medical note, providing one shows professionalism and responsibility, preventing awkward conversations and building trust.
- 6 or more consecutive days absent: Employers can request medical documentation. Having a sick note readily available ensures you're always covered.
- Paid sick leave: 5 paid sick days after 90 days of employment. Documenting these absences, even when still strongly recommended for job protection, creates a paper trail that protects you long-term.
- Unpaid sick leave: Up to 27 weeks for serious illness or injury, with eligibility for EI benefits. Proper documentation is crucial here for both your employer and any benefit claims.
Before 2026, no statutory limit existed, often leading to unnecessary sick note requests. The amendment aligns New Brunswick with provinces like Ontario and British Columbia, but relying solely on the law can leave you vulnerable to misinterpretation or internal policies.
What This Means for NB's Major Employers: Why Documentation is Still Smart
New Brunswick’s largest employers have diverse sick note policies affected by these rules. Even when not legally mandated, a sick note can be invaluable.
J.D. Irving Limited (Irving Oil, Irving Pulp & Paper, Irving Shipbuilding)
- Over 18,000 workers in Saint John, Moncton, Bathurst.
- Previously required sick notes even for short absences.
- Now must comply with the 5-day threshold, but providing a note for shorter absences can prevent your employer from questioning your honesty or building a pattern of "undocumented" absences against you. They may still require fitness-for-duty certificates for safety-sensitive roles, and a consistent record of documented sick days shows you take your responsibilities seriously.
- Unionized employees under Unifor and IBEW should check collective agreements, but remember, protecting your individual record is always a good strategy.
McCain Foods
- Major employer in Florenceville-Bristol and Grand Falls.
- Food-handling staff may need extra documentation due to public health standards. For other employees, following standard Employment Standards Act rules is a minimum. However, a sick note demonstrates diligence and prevents coworkers from resenting you if they think you're faking without proof.
Government of New Brunswick (GNB)
- About 30,000 public servants covered by CUPE and NBU agreements.
- Agreements generally meet or exceed Employment Standards minimums. Part 1 employees (management) follow specific GNB HR policies, which may have stricter documentation rules. Regardless of the legal minimum, a sick note prevents awkward conversations with HR and shows professionalism and responsibility.
Horizon Health Network / Vitalité Health Network
- Healthcare workers in Fredericton, Moncton, Bathurst have added duties due to patient safety and communicable disease protocols.
- Sick note policies may require medical clearance before returning to work. Collective agreements with NBNU and CUPE detail sick leave provisions. In these environments, a sick note for any absence, even short ones, is a low-cost way to ensure you're fully covered and avoid any doubt about your commitment.
University of New Brunswick / Université de Moncton
- Academic staff governed by collective agreements like AUNBT and ABPPUM.
- Support staff and students protected under Employment Standards Act.
- Sick note policies vary by campus but generally follow provincial law. Even if not strictly required, a sick note shows you are responsible and dedicated, which can be crucial during probation or performance reviews where undocumented sick days can look bad.
The Bilingual Factor: Ensuring Your Documentation is Clear
As Canada’s only officially bilingual province, New Brunswick ensures sick leave documentation accommodates both English and French speakers.
- Employees can obtain sick notes in either official language, ensuring clarity for all employers.
- Government employers and healthcare providers accept documentation in English or French.
- Francophone residents can use MedLetter, which offers online sick notes in French, ensuring easy access without language barriers and preventing any delays or misunderstandings due to language. Moncton residents searching "sick note near me" can get theirs delivered same-day.
- Vitalité Health Network serves mainly French-speaking communities where documentation is routinely issued in French.
How to Get a Sick Note in New Brunswick: Protect Your Professional Record
Even if your employer doesn't legally require a sick note for absences under 5 days, getting one is a smart move for your career. For longer absences or pattern absences, a note is essential. Here are common methods to obtain one:
| Option | Cost | Wait Time | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MedLetter (online) | $49 | Same day | 24/7, English & French | Convenient, no clinic wait, issued by CPSNB-registered physicians. Peace of mind for only $49. |
| Walk-in clinic (Moncton) | Free | 2-3 hours | Weekday business hours | Often busy, limited weekend hours. This option requires time and effort that could be spent recovering. |
| Walk-in clinic (Saint John) | Free | 2-4 hours | Limited hours | Peak times can cause longer waits. Is your time worth more than $49? |
| Walk-in clinic (Fredericton) | Free | 2-3 hours | Weekday business hours | Limited weekend service. Waiting can prolong your illness. |
| Family doctor | Free | 2-5 day wait | If you have an established doctor | May be difficult to get prompt appointment, leaving you without crucial documentation when you need it. |
| Tele-Care 811 | Free | N/A | 24/7 | Cannot issue sick notes, provides advice only. Not an option for protecting your employment record. |
Why Choose MedLetter?
MedLetter is the most efficient option for New Brunswick residents needing a sick note, whether legally required or for proactive career protection. It offers bilingual service, fast turnaround, and eliminates travel or clinic wait times. For just $49 and about 2 minutes of your time, you get a professionally reviewed sick note from a licensed physician. This is especially useful in cities like Moncton or Saint John where walk-in clinics have high demand, and your time is valuable. It's cheap insurance for your career.
Your Rights If Your Employer Violates the Rules, and Why a Note Still Helps
If your employer demands a sick note for an absence of 5 days or less, you have clear legal protections:
1. Reference the law: The Employment Standards Act prohibits this.
2. Communicate in writing: Email your employer citing the legislation and your rights.
3. File a complaint: Contact New Brunswick Employment Standards at 506-453-2725 or toll-free 1-888-452-2687.
4. Document retaliation: Any adverse action for asserting your rights is illegal and should be reported.
However, even with these protections, an employer may still harbor doubts or track "unexcused" absences internally, which can impact probation or future promotions. A sick note, even for a short absence, proactively addresses these concerns, builds trust, and creates a clear paper trail that protects you. If you're ever in a wrongful termination dispute, documented absences are a strong defense.
Unions and employee advocates like CUPE or Unifor locals can provide support if your employer does not comply, but having your own documentation strengthens your position from the start.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note online in New Brunswick?
Yes. Licensed physicians provide virtual consultations and issue valid sick notes. Services like MedLetter offer fast, bilingual options, ensuring you're always covered.
How many sick days do New Brunswick employees get?
Employees get 5 paid sick days after 90 days of employment plus up to 27 weeks of unpaid leave for serious illness. Documenting all these absences, even the paid ones, is a smart way to protect your professional record.
Will my New Brunswick employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. All employers must accept valid medical documentation from licensed physicians, including online platforms like MedLetter. It's a legitimate medical document.
How fast can I get a sick note near me in New Brunswick?
Online services typically deliver sick notes within 2-6 hours, often the same day if submitted during business hours. MedLetter ensures you get your documentation quickly, so you can focus on recovery.
Can I get a sick note on a weekend in New Brunswick?
Yes. MedLetter operates 7 days a week including weekends and holidays, ensuring you can get your documentation whenever you need it, for just $49. Most walk-in clinics have limited weekend hours.
Is a sick note required if I am absent for less than 5 days?
While still strongly recommended for job protection, providing a sick note for absences of five days or fewer is highly recommended. It builds trust with your employer, prevents them from questioning your absence, and creates a paper trail that protects you long-term.
What if my employer asks for a sick note after fewer than 5 days of absence?
You can politely inform them that the law prohibits such requests. However, having a MedLetter sick note in hand, even if not legally mandated, demonstrates professionalism and can prevent further disputes or negative impressions. It shows you're responsible and proactive.
Are there special rules for unionized employees?
Yes. Unionized workers should review their collective agreements which may provide additional protections or requirements beyond provincial law. Even so, individual documentation always strengthens your position.
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Walk-in Clinic vs Online Sick Note: A Comparison for Your Career Protection
| Feature | Walk-in Clinic | MedLetter Online Sick Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (covered by Medicare) | $49 |
| Wait Time | 2-4 hours on average | Same day, often within hours. No wasted time. |
| Language Options | Mostly English, some French clinics | English and French available, ensuring clear communication. |
| Availability | Limited hours, especially weekends | 24/7 service, so you're always covered. |
| Convenience | Requires travel and waiting, adding stress to your illness. | Complete online, no travel needed. Get your note in 2 minutes. |
| Documentation Validity | Accepted by employers | Accepted by all employers in NB. Reviewed by a licensed physician. |
| COVID-19 Safety | In-person exposure risk | No in-person contact, protecting your health. |
| Additional Services | May provide other medical care | Focused on efficient sick note issuance only, saving you time. |
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Bottom Line: Invest in Your Professional Security
New Brunswick’s 2026 Employment Standards Act amendments clarify worker protections regarding sick note requirements. While your employer cannot legally demand a sick note for absences of five days or less, choosing to provide one is a smart, proactive step to protect your professional record and build trust. For longer absences or documented patterns, valid medical documentation is required and absolutely essential.
When a sick note is needed, or even when it's just a good idea, MedLetter offers a fast, affordable, bilingual solution tailored for New Brunswick residents. For just $49, you can avoid long waits at walk-in clinics, prevent awkward conversations with HR, and ensure your employment record is always clear and protected. Get your sick note from licensed physicians from home with MedLetter, it's the recommended option for convenient and compliant sick note services in New Brunswick, and a small investment in your peace of mind.
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Related Resources:
NB Sick Leave Guide 2026 | Sick Note Cost NB 2026 | NB Walk-In Wait Times
Ready to get your sick note? New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time. — delivered same-day by a licensed Canadian physician.
Conditions We Cover
MedLetter provides sick notes for all common short-term illnesses: cold and flu (fever, sore throat, congestion), food poisoning (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea from contaminated food), stomach bug / gastroenteritis (viral stomach illness), headache and migraine (severe enough to miss work), minor back pain or muscle strain (tweaked back, pulled muscle), and general malaise (feeling too unwell to work safely). If your illness is short-term (1-5 days) and you are genuinely sick, we can help.
No Family Doctor? No Problem.
Over 6.5 million Canadians don't have a family doctor — and that number is growing. If you need a sick note but have no GP, your options are limited: wait 3-5 hours at a walk-in clinic, or use MedLetter. Our licensed physician reviews your request online and delivers your official sick note the same day for $49. No referral needed, no appointment required. New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time..
100% Refund Guarantee: If your request is declined for any reason, you receive a full refund — no questions asked. Our physician reviews every submission personally, and you only pay if your sick note is approved and delivered.
How It Works — 3 Simple Steps
Step 1: Fill out our secure 2-minute intake form with your basic information and reason for needing a sick note.
Sick Note Near Me in New Brunswick
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