Are MedLetter documents legitimate?

Yes. Every letter is reviewed and signed by a physician registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Our documents include the physician's CPSA registration number, official letterhead, and signature.

How quickly will I receive my letter?

Most letters are delivered within 2-4 hours during business hours. Some complex requests may take up to 24 hours.

Is this service available outside Alberta?

No. This service is exclusively for Alberta residents. Our physicians are licensed with the CPSA and can only provide medical documents to patients within their jurisdiction.

What is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter?

An ESA letter is an official document from a licensed physician stating that you have a mental health condition that benefits from the companionship of an emotional support animal. This letter can be used for housing accommodation requests.

How much does a sick note cost?

A sick note from MedLetter costs $49 CAD. This is a one-time flat fee with no hidden costs.

Can I Get Fired for Calling in Sick in Alberta? Know Your Rights

Worried about losing your job because you called in sick? Here's what Alberta law says about termination during illness and how to protect yourself.

## Can Your Alberta Employer Fire You for Being Sick? The short answer: **it depends on the circumstances**, but you have more protection than you might think. ### Your Legal Protections in Alberta Alberta employees are protected by multiple layers of legislation: **1. Employment Standards Code** Under Alberta's Employment Standards Code, you are entitled to: - **5 days** of job-protected personal and family responsibility leave per year - **16 weeks** of job-protected long-term illness leave - These leaves are **unpaid** but your job is protected Being terminated while on a protected leave is a violation of employment standards. **2. Alberta Human Rights Act** If your illness qualifies as a **disability** (which includes mental health conditions, chronic illness, and temporary serious illness), your employer has a **duty to accommodate** you to the point of undue hardship. Firing someone because of a disability-related absence is **discrimination** under the Alberta Human Rights Act. **3. Common Law Protections** Even outside of statutory protections, firing someone for a single legitimate sick day may constitute **wrongful dismissal** if: - It violates your employment contract - It's done without proper notice - It's retaliatory in nature ### When CAN an Employer Terminate? Employers may have grounds to terminate if: 1. **Excessive absenteeism** - A pattern of unexplained absences that disrupts business operations (even then, they must accommodate disabilities) 2. **Failure to provide documentation** - If your employer's policy requires a sick note and you refuse to provide one 3. **Dishonesty** - If you're caught faking illness (e.g., posting vacation photos while "sick") 4. **Frustration of contract** - If your illness is so prolonged that you can never return to work ### How a Sick Note Protects You A physician's sick note creates a **paper trail** that: - Proves your absence was medically legitimate - Triggers your employer's duty to accommodate - Makes wrongful dismissal claims much stronger if you're terminated - Shows you followed proper workplace procedures ### What to Do If You're Threatened with Termination 1. **Get documentation immediately** - A sick note from a licensed physician 2. **Put everything in writing** - Email your employer confirming your illness and expected return 3. **Know your policy** - Review your employment contract and company sick leave policy 4. **File a complaint** - Alberta Employment Standards (780-427-3731) or Alberta Human Rights Commission 5. **Consult a lawyer** - If you believe you've been wrongfully dismissed ### The Bottom Line Your employer **cannot** fire you simply for being legitimately sick — especially if you have documentation. The best protection is a physician's note that confirms your medical need for time off. --- **Protect your job with proper documentation.** MedLetter provides official sick notes from CPSA-registered Alberta physicians, delivered to your inbox within hours. Available 24/7. [Get your sick note today - $49 →](/get-started/sick_note)