Quick Answer by Province
| Province | Can employer require a note for 1 day? |
|----------|---------------------------------------|
| Alberta | Yes — no provincial ban |
| Ontario | No — banned for ≤3 days (since 2024) |
| British Columbia | No — banned for ≤5 paid sick days |
| Saskatchewan | Yes — no provincial ban |
| Manitoba | Yes — no provincial ban |
| Quebec | No — banned for first 3 days |
| Federal employees | No — not required for ≤3 days |
Alberta: Yes, They Can Ask
Alberta is one of the few provinces where employers can still legally require a sick note for a single day absence. There's no provincial legislation banning this practice.
If your employer's written policy states that a doctor's note is required for any absence, you must comply or risk disciplinary action.
What This Means for You
- Check your employee handbook or workplace policy
- If the policy says "note required for any absence" — you need one
- If there's no written policy, your employer is being unreasonable (but it's still safer to get one)
- A sick note protects you from attendance points, write-ups, and termination
Ontario: No, They Cannot (Since 2024)
Ontario's Working for Workers Act (2024) made it illegal for employers to require a sick note for absences of 3 days or fewer. This was specifically designed to reduce unnecessary clinic visits.
However:
- Your employer CAN still request a note for absences of 4+ days
- Some employers haven't updated their policies — know your rights
- If your employer insists on a note for 1 day, remind them of the ESA amendment
British Columbia: No, They Cannot
BC provides 5 paid sick days and employers cannot require any medical documentation for those days. Period.
For absences beyond 5 days, documentation can be requested.
When You Should Get a Note Anyway (Even for 1 Day)
Even if your province doesn't require it, getting a sick note is smart if:
1. You're in your probationary period — Employers are more likely to terminate during probation
2. You have a pattern of absences — Protects against "excessive absenteeism" claims
3. Your employer has a strict attendance policy — Some use point systems where undocumented absences cost points
4. You work in a safety-sensitive role — Healthcare, construction, driving
5. You want to protect yourself — A note on file means they can never claim you weren't really sick
The Cost-Benefit Analysis
| Option | Cost | Time | Risk |
|--------|------|------|------|
| Walk-in clinic | $0-50 + lost time | 2-4 hours | Exposure to illness |
| MedLetter online | $49 | 5 minutes | None |
| No note | $0 | 0 | Attendance point/write-up |
For $49, you eliminate all risk. No attendance point, no write-up, no awkward conversation with your manager. And you don't have to drag yourself to a clinic when you're already sick.
How to Get a Sick Note for 1 Day Without Visiting a Clinic
1. Go to MedLetter.ca and click "Get Started"
2. Fill out the 5-minute health questionnaire — describe your symptoms and the date you missed
3. A licensed physician reviews your request — same day
4. Receive your signed sick note by email — typically within 1-4 hours
Your note will include the physician's name, registration number, the date of your absence, and their professional signature. It's legally equivalent to a note from a walk-in clinic.
---
Related: [Alberta Sick Note Requirements](/blog/do-i-need-a-sick-note-in-alberta) | [Can I Get Fired for Calling in Sick?](/blog/can-employer-fire-me-calling-in-sick-canada) | [Sick Note Cost in Alberta](/sick-note-cost-alberta)
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.