Canadian Sick Leave Laws in 2026: The Complete Provincial Comparison
Canada does not have a single national sick leave law. Instead, there are 14 separate frameworks — one federal and thirteen provincial/territorial — each with different rules about paid days, unpaid days, qualifying periods, and when employers can require a doctor's note.
As of 2026, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Multiple provinces extended long-term illness leave to 27 weeks, Ontario banned employer-mandated sick notes entirely (with $100,000 fines), and Alberta remains one of the few provinces where employers can still freely require medical documentation.
This guide covers every jurisdiction so you know exactly where you stand — whether you're an employee needing time off or an employer trying to stay compliant.
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Quick Comparison Table: Sick Leave Across Canada (2026)
| Province/Territory | Paid Sick Days | Unpaid Sick Days | Qualifying Period | Doctor's Note Required After |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal | 10 days | — | 30 days | 5 consecutive days |
| British Columbia | 5 days | 3 days | 90 days | Cannot ask for first 2 short absences |
| Alberta | 0 days | 5 days | 90 days | Employer's discretion (policy-based) |
| Ontario | 0 days | 3 days | 2 weeks | Prohibited ($100K fine) |
| Quebec | 2 days | 26 weeks | 3 months | Not for first 3 absences (≤3 days each) |
| Saskatchewan | 0 days | 12 days | 13 weeks | Generally not under 5 consecutive days |
| Manitoba | 0 days | 3 days | 30 days | Legislation pending (Spring 2026) |
| New Brunswick | 0 days | 5 days | 90 days | 4+ consecutive days |
| Nova Scotia | 0 days | 5 days | None | 5+ days or pattern of abuse |
| PEI | 0-3 days (tenure) | 3 days | 3 months | 3 consecutive days |
| Newfoundland | 0 days | 7 days | 30 days | Repealed (Dec 2024) |
| NWT | 0 days | 5 days | 30 days | 3 consecutive days |
| Yukon | 0 days | 12 days (1/month) | None (accrual) | No strict prohibition |
| Nunavut | 0 days | 3 days | — | Reasonable verification |
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Alberta: Employers Can Still Require Sick Notes
Alberta is now one of the only major provinces where employers can still legally require a doctor's note for any absence, regardless of length. There is no provincial ban on sick note requests.
What You're Entitled To
Personal and Family Responsibility Leave: Up to 5 days of unpaid leave per year for health issues or family needs (after 90 days of employment).
Long-Term Illness and Injury Leave: As of January 1, 2026, employees can take up to 27 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave — a massive increase from the previous 16 weeks. This aligns with federal EI sickness benefits.
The Doctor's Note Rule
Alberta's Employment Standards Code does not restrict employers from requesting medical documentation. If your employer's policy requires a sick note, you must provide one — even for a single day absence.
This is why services like MedLetter exist. With Alberta's average walk-in clinic wait time exceeding 3 hours, getting a simple sick note shouldn't cost you an entire day. MedLetter delivers official documentation from a CPSA-registered physician within hours — no clinic visit required.
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Ontario: The "No Note" Province ($100,000 Fines)
Ontario's Working for Workers Five Act fundamentally changed the game. As of 2025, employers are strictly prohibited from requesting a doctor's certificate for the three statutory unpaid sick days.
What You're Entitled To
Sick Leave: 3 unpaid, job-protected days per year (after 2 weeks of employment).
Long-Term Illness Leave: Up to 27 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave (effective June 19, 2025).
The Doctor's Note Rule
- Employers cannot request a doctor's note for the 3 statutory sick days
- Employers can ask for "reasonable evidence" such as a signed attestation or pharmacy receipt
- Employers cannot ask for a diagnosis under any circumstances
- Penalty: Fines up to $100,000 for non-compliance
When You Still Need a Sick Note in Ontario
While the ESA prohibits notes for the 3 statutory days, many situations still require medical documentation:
- Absences beyond the 3 statutory days
- Employer policies that provide additional paid sick days (contractual, not statutory)
- Short-term disability claims
- Return-to-work clearances
- Academic accommodations (universities)
- Insurance claims
For these situations, a CPSO-registered physician can provide documentation through MedLetter — same-day delivery, $49 flat fee.
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British Columbia: 5 Paid Days + Note Restrictions
BC provides some of the strongest sick leave protections in Canada, with both paid days and strict limits on when employers can request documentation.
What You're Entitled To
Illness or Injury Leave: 5 paid days + 3 unpaid days per year (after 90 days of employment).
Serious Personal Illness or Injury Leave: Up to 27 weeks of unpaid leave for serious conditions.
The Doctor's Note Rule
- Employers cannot ask for a note for the first two short absences (5 days or less) in each year
- After the second short absence, employers may request "reasonably sufficient proof"
- For serious illness leave (27 weeks), a certificate from a designated health professional is required
When You Still Need a Sick Note in BC
- Third or subsequent short absence in a year
- Absences longer than 5 consecutive days
- Serious illness leave (27 weeks)
- Workplace accommodation requests
- Return-to-work clearances
MedLetter provides documentation from CPSBC-registered physicians — same-day delivery for $49.
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Saskatchewan: 12 Unpaid Days + 27 Weeks for Serious Illness
What You're Entitled To
Illness or Injury Leave: Up to 12 days per calendar year for non-serious illness (unpaid, after 13 weeks of employment).
Serious Illness Leave: As of January 1, 2026, up to 27 weeks of unpaid leave (increased from 12 weeks).
The Doctor's Note Rule
Employers generally cannot request a note for absences under 5 consecutive days. Saskatchewan follows employer discretion for longer absences.
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Manitoba: Changes Coming Spring 2026
What You're Entitled To
Family Leave: 3 unpaid days per year (after 30 days of employment).
The Doctor's Note Rule
Legislation expected in Spring 2026 will likely ban note requests for any absence under 7 days. Currently, employers may request "reasonable proof."
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Quebec: The "Rolling 12" Rule
What You're Entitled To
Non-Work-Related Accident or Illness Leave: 2 paid days (after 3 months) + up to 26 weeks unpaid in any 12-month period.
The Doctor's Note Rule
Under Bill 68, employers cannot ask for a note for the first three short absences (3 days or less) in a rolling 12-month period. This rule is "public order" — it overrides collective agreements and employment contracts.
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New Brunswick: The 4-Day Buffer
What You're Entitled To
Sick Leave: Up to 5 unpaid days per year (after 90 days of employment).
The Doctor's Note Rule
Employers can only request a medical certificate if the absence is 4 or more consecutive days.
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Nova Scotia: The Pattern Exception
What You're Entitled To
Sick Leave: Up to 5 unpaid days per year for personal illness/injury.
The Doctor's Note Rule
Notes are only permitted if:
- The absence exceeds 5 days, OR
- There is a clear "pattern" of abuse (e.g., always sick on Fridays before long weekends)
Nova Scotia also allows notes from any regulated health professional, including pharmacists.
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Prince Edward Island: Tenure-Based System
What You're Entitled To
Sick Leave: 3 unpaid days (after 3 months). Paid days increase with tenure: 1 day after 12 months, 2 after 24 months, 3 after 36 months.
The Doctor's Note Rule
Employers can request a note after 3 consecutive days of absence.
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Newfoundland & Labrador: Note Requirement Repealed
What You're Entitled To
Sick/Family Responsibility Leave: Up to 7 unpaid days per year (after 30 days of employment).
Long-Term Illness Leave: Up to 27 weeks.
The Doctor's Note Rule
The statutory requirement for a doctor's note was repealed in December 2024. Employers can still have internal policies, but experts recommend following the national trend.
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Federal (Canada Labour Code): 10 Paid Days
What You're Entitled To
Medical Leave with Pay: Up to 10 paid days per year (accrued at 1 day per month, after 30 days of employment).
Medical Leave (unpaid): Up to 27 weeks for illness, injury, organ donation, or quarantine.
The Doctor's Note Rule
Employers may only request a certificate after 5 consecutive days of leave.
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The 2026 Trend: Doctor's Notes Are Disappearing
The clear national trend is toward restricting employer-mandated sick notes. Here's what changed in 2025-2026:
| Change | Province | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term leave extended to 27 weeks | Alberta | January 1, 2026 |
| Long-term leave extended to 27 weeks | Saskatchewan | January 1, 2026 |
| Long-term illness leave (27 weeks) | Ontario | June 19, 2025 |
| Doctor's note ban for statutory days | Ontario | 2024 (Working for Workers Five Act) |
| Note requirement repealed | Newfoundland | December 2024 |
| Expected ban on notes under 7 days | Manitoba | Spring 2026 |
Why Alberta Is Different
Alberta remains an outlier. While most provinces are restricting or banning employer-mandated sick notes, Alberta's Employment Standards Code still allows employers to require documentation for any absence. This means:
- Your employer can legally require a sick note for even a 1-day absence
- You need to provide documentation from a licensed physician
- Walk-in clinic wait times in Alberta average 3+ hours
- Many Albertans don't have a family doctor (1 in 4 lack a primary care provider)
This is exactly why MedLetter was created. Our CPSA-registered physicians provide official sick notes within hours — no clinic visit, online review, $49 flat fee.
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When You Actually Need a Sick Note (Regardless of Province)
Even in provinces that restrict employer-mandated notes for short absences, there are many situations where medical documentation is still required:
1. Absences beyond statutory minimums — Once you exceed the protected days, employers can request documentation
2. Short-term disability claims — Insurance companies require medical evidence
3. Return-to-work clearances — After extended illness, employers need confirmation you're fit
4. Workplace accommodations — Modified duties or schedule changes require medical support
5. Academic accommodations — Universities require documentation for exam deferrals
6. WSIB/WCB claims — Workers' compensation requires medical documentation
7. Contractual obligations — If your employment contract provides additional paid sick days, the employer may require notes for those days
8. Long-term illness leave — All provinces require documentation for 27-week leaves
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How to Get a Sick Note Online in Canada
If you need medical documentation, you have several options:
| Option | Cost | Wait Time | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk-in clinic | $0-40 | 2-5 hours | Business hours only |
| Family doctor | $0 | Days to weeks (appointment) | If you have one |
| Virtual clinic (video) | $30-80 | 15-60 minutes | Limited hours |
| MedLetter | $49 | 1-6 hours | 24/7, online review |
MedLetter serves patients across Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia with licensed physicians registered with CPSA, CPSO, and CPSBC respectively.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer fire me for calling in sick?
No. All provinces provide job-protected sick leave. Terminating an employee for taking legitimate sick leave is illegal and constitutes wrongful dismissal.
Do I need a sick note for 1 day off work?
It depends on your province:
- Ontario: No — employers cannot require a note for the 3 statutory days
- BC: No — employers cannot ask for a note for the first 2 short absences
- Alberta: Possibly — if your employer's policy requires one, you must provide it
- Quebec: No — not for the first 3 short absences (≤3 days each)
How many sick days do I get in Canada?
There is no single answer. Paid sick days range from 0 (Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan) to 10 (federal). Unpaid protected days range from 3 (Ontario, Manitoba) to 12 (Saskatchewan, Yukon).
Is an online sick note valid?
Yes. All provincial medical colleges (CPSA, CPSO, CPSBC) recognize telehealth-issued documentation. An online sick note from a licensed physician carries the same legal weight as one from an in-person visit.
What should a valid sick note include?
A valid sick note should include:
- Physician's name and registration number
- Date of assessment
- Dates the patient should be absent from work
- Physician's signature
- Clinic/practice information
It should NOT include a specific diagnosis — employers cannot legally require this in any province.
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Summary: Know Your Rights
The key takeaway for 2026: most Canadian provinces now restrict when employers can demand a doctor's note. Alberta is the notable exception. Regardless of where you are, if you do need documentation, MedLetter provides same-day sick notes from licensed physicians — no clinic visit required.
| Province | Can employer require a note for 1-day absence? |
|---|---|
| Alberta | ✅ Yes (employer policy) |
| Ontario | ❌ No ($100K fine) |
| British Columbia | ❌ No (first 2 short absences) |
| Quebec | ❌ No (first 3 absences ≤3 days) |
| Saskatchewan | ❌ Generally no (under 5 days) |
| New Brunswick | ❌ No (under 4 days) |
| Nova Scotia | ❌ No (under 5 days) |
| Manitoba | ❌ Likely no (pending legislation) |
Need a sick note? MedLetter serves Alberta, Ontario, and BC with same-day delivery from licensed physicians. $49 flat fee, online review required.
Related: [How to Request a Doctor's Note for Mental Health Leave](/blog/how-to-request-doctors-note-mental-health-leave-canada) | [Ontario Return to Work Letter Guide](/blog/ontario-return-to-work-letter-guide) | [Sick Note Cost Alberta](/sick-note-cost-alberta)
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Last updated: May 2026. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult your provincial employment standards office for official guidance.
Sources: Alberta Employment Standards Code, Ontario Employment Standards Act (Working for Workers Five Act), BC Employment Standards Act (s. 49.2), Canada Labour Code, Saskatchewan Employment Act, Quebec Act Respecting Labour Standards (Bill 68), HR Covered 2026 Compliance Guide, Hibiscus HR Provincial Comparison.