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.

Do I Need a Sick Note in Alberta? Your Complete Guide

Many Albertans are unsure when their employer can legally require a sick note. Here's everything you need to know about sick note requirements in Alberta.

## When Can Your Employer Ask for a Sick Note in Alberta? Under Alberta's Employment Standards Code, employers **can** request a medical note to verify an absence, but there are important nuances to understand. ### The Legal Framework Alberta does not have specific legislation that prohibits employers from requesting sick notes. However, the **Alberta Employment Standards** state that employees are entitled to job-protected leaves, and employers may request "reasonable verification" of the need for leave. Key points: - Employers can include sick note requirements in their workplace policies - The request must be reasonable and consistently applied - Employers typically cannot require a note for absences of 1-2 days unless it's in their written policy - For absences of 3+ days, most employers will request documentation ### When You Definitely Need a Sick Note 1. **Extended absences (3+ days)** - Most Alberta employers require documentation for absences exceeding two consecutive days 2. **Pattern absences** - If you frequently call in sick on Mondays or Fridays, your employer may request verification 3. **Job-protected leave** - For leaves under the Employment Standards Code (personal/family responsibility leave, long-term illness leave) 4. **Return to work** - After a significant illness or injury, employers often require medical clearance 5. **Workplace accommodation** - If you need modified duties or schedule changes ### When You Might NOT Need One - Single-day absences (unless policy states otherwise) - If your employer hasn't established a written sick note policy - During a declared public health emergency (as seen during COVID-19) ### The Cost Problem Traditionally, getting a sick note meant: - Waiting 2-4 hours at a walk-in clinic - Paying $20-50 for a note (many clinics charge for this service) - Losing additional work time sitting in a waiting room - Potentially exposing yourself to other illnesses ### A Better Option: Online Sick Notes MedLetter provides official sick notes from CPSA-registered Alberta physicians, delivered to your inbox within hours. No waiting room, no exposure to other patients, and accepted by all Alberta employers. **Starting at $49 CAD with same-day delivery.** [Get your sick note online today →](/get-started/sick_note) --- **Related:** [Calgary Sick Note](/sick-note/calgary) | [Edmonton Sick Note](/sick-note/edmonton) | [Banff Sick Note](/sick-note/banff) | [All Services](/services)