Quick Answer: Sick Note Requirements by Province (2025)
The rules have changed significantly in 2024-2025. Here's the current state:
| Province | Days Before Note Can Be Required | Paid Sick Days | Key Change |
|----------|----------------------------------|----------------|------------|
| Ontario | Employer CANNOT ask for ESA days (3 days) | 0 (unpaid) | Oct 2024 — no note for ESA days |
| BC | 5 days (first 2 absences per year) | 5 paid | Nov 2025 — 5-day rule |
| Alberta | Employer policy (no legislation) | 0 | No change |
| Federal | 5 consecutive days | 10 paid | No change |
| Quebec | 3 consecutive days | 2 paid | No change |
| Manitoba | Employer policy | 0 | Sick note elimination campaign |
| Saskatchewan | Employer policy | 0 | No change |
| Nova Scotia | Employer policy | 0 | No change |
| New Brunswick | Employer policy | 5 unpaid | No change |
| Newfoundland | Prohibited entirely | 7 unpaid | 2024 — sick notes banned |
Detailed Breakdown by Province
Ontario (Changed October 2024)
The new rule: Employers cannot require a sick note for any of the 3 ESA-protected sick days, period.
- 3 unpaid sick days per year (ESA entitlement)
- NO doctor's note can be required for these days
- For absences beyond 3 days, employer CAN request documentation
- Company policies requiring notes for ESA days are unenforceable
When you still need a note:
- 4th+ sick day in a year
- Short-term disability claims
- Accommodation requests
- Extended absences (company policy)
British Columbia (Changed November 2025)
The new rule: Employers cannot ask for a sick note for your first two short-term absences (5 days or fewer) per year.
- 5 paid sick days per year
- First 2 short absences (≤5 days): NO note allowed
- 3rd+ short absence: Note can be requested, employer pays
- Absence 6+ days: Note can be requested, employer pays
When you still need a note:
- Third short-term absence in a year
- Any absence exceeding 5 consecutive days
- WorkSafeBC claims
- Return-to-work clearance
Alberta (No Legislation)
The situation: Alberta has NO legislation restricting when employers can ask for sick notes. It's entirely up to employer policy.
- Most employers require a note after 2-3 days
- Some require a note for any absence
- No paid sick days legislated (employer discretion)
- No restrictions on when notes can be requested
Common employer policies in Alberta:
| Employer Type | Typical Note Requirement |
|---------------|--------------------------|
| Oil & gas companies | After 3 days |
| Healthcare (AHS) | After 3 days |
| Retail/service | After 1-2 days |
| Government | After 5 days |
| Small businesses | Varies widely |
Federal Employees (Canada Labour Code)
The rule: Employers can only request a medical certificate after 5 consecutive days of absence.
- 10 paid sick days per year (since December 2022)
- No note required for 1-5 days
- Note can be requested for 6+ consecutive days
- Applies to: banks, airlines, telecom, railways, federal government
The Trend: Canada Is Moving Away from Sick Notes
The clear trend across Canada is reducing or eliminating sick note requirements:
| Year | Province | Change |
|------|----------|--------|
| 2022 | Federal | 10 paid sick days, note only after 5 days |
| 2024 | Ontario | No note for ESA sick days |
| 2024 | Newfoundland | Sick notes prohibited entirely |
| 2025 | BC | No note for first 2 short absences |
| 2025 | Manitoba | Campaign to eliminate (not yet legislated) |
Why the change?
- Doctors spend 600,000+ appointments per year writing sick notes (Manitoba data)
- 82% of Canadians would go to work sick rather than get a note
- Sick notes cost the healthcare system millions in wasted appointments
- They don't actually reduce absenteeism
When You Should Get a Note Regardless
Even if not legally required, documentation is wise for:
1. Extended absences — Protects your job
2. Pattern of absences — Prevents discipline
3. Workplace conflict — Creates a paper trail
4. Benefits claims — EI, STD, LTD all require documentation
5. Accommodation requests — Human rights accommodations need medical evidence
MedLetter: When You Need a Note Fast
For those times when you DO need a sick note — whether your province requires it or you want documentation for protection:
- $49 flat fee — cheaper than most walk-in clinics
- Same-day delivery — no 3-week wait for a family doctor
- Available 7 days/week — including weekends
- All three provinces — CPSA (AB), CPSO (ON), CPSBC (BC) registered physicians
- Online review — complete from bed
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.