How Many Sick Days Am I Entitled to in Alberta? (2026 Update)
Alberta's sick leave laws changed in 2026. Here's exactly how many days off you're entitled to, whether they're paid, and what documentation you need.
## Quick Answer: Your Alberta Sick Leave Entitlements
As of 2026, Alberta employees are entitled to:
| Leave Type | Days/Duration | Paid? | When Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal & Family Responsibility Leave | 5 days per year | No (unpaid) | After 90 days employment |
| Long-Term Illness & Injury Leave | Up to 27 weeks per year | No (unpaid) | After 90 days employment |
**Important:** Alberta does NOT require employers to provide *paid* sick days. However, many employers offer paid sick days as part of their benefits package - check your employment contract.
## Personal and Family Responsibility Leave (5 Days)
This is your "short-term" sick leave under Alberta's Employment Standards Code.
### What It Covers
- Your own illness or injury
- Family member's illness, injury, or medical appointment
- Urgent matters related to your child's education
- Urgent matters related to your child's care
### Key Rules
- **5 days total per calendar year** (not 5 days per reason)
- **Unpaid** - your employer does not have to pay you for these days
- **Available after 90 days** of employment with the same employer
- **No medical certificate required** by law (but your employer's policy may require one)
- **Job-protected** - your employer cannot fire you for taking this leave
- Can be taken in partial days or full days
### What Your Employer Can Ask
Your employer can request "reasonable verification" that the leave was necessary. This could include:
- A sick note from a doctor
- A note from a school (for child-related absences)
- Other documentation supporting your reason
However, they cannot demand a specific medical diagnosis.
## Long-Term Illness and Injury Leave (27 Weeks)
**Updated January 1, 2026:** Alberta increased this entitlement from 16 weeks to 27 weeks.
This leave is for serious illness or injury that requires extended time away from work.
### Eligibility Requirements
1. Employed for at least **90 consecutive days** with the same employer
2. Must provide a **medical certificate** stating:
- That you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- The estimated duration of the leave
3. Must give your employer **reasonable notice** (as much as practicable)
### Key Rules
- **Up to 27 weeks per calendar year** (not per illness)
- **Unpaid** by your employer
- **EI Sickness Benefits** may be available (up to 26 weeks at 55% of earnings, max $668/week in 2026)
- **Job-protected** - employer must hold your position or equivalent
- Medical certificate must come from a physician, nurse practitioner, or other qualified practitioner
### What Happens to Your Job
During long-term illness leave:
- Your employer must reinstate you to the same or equivalent position
- Your seniority, benefits, and pension continue to accrue
- Your employer cannot penalize you for taking the leave
- If your position is eliminated for legitimate business reasons (not related to your leave), they must offer a comparable position
## What About Paid Sick Days?
Alberta's Employment Standards Code does **not** require paid sick days. However:
### Sources of Paid Sick Leave
1. **Your employment contract** - Many employers offer 5-15 paid sick days per year
2. **Collective agreement** - Union contracts often include paid sick leave
3. **Company policy** - Even without a contract, many workplaces have paid sick day policies
4. **Short-term disability insurance** - Typically covers 60-70% of salary for extended illness
5. **EI Sickness Benefits** - Up to 26 weeks at 55% of insurable earnings
### How Alberta Compares to Other Provinces
| Province | Unpaid Sick Days | Paid Sick Days (Legislated) |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | 5 days + 27 weeks long-term | 0 |
| British Columbia | 5 days + 3 days paid | 5 days paid |
| Ontario | 3 days | 0 |
| Federal (Canada Labour Code) | 5 days + 3 days paid | 10 days paid |
Alberta is one of the few provinces that does not mandate any paid sick days.
## Do I Need a Sick Note for 1 Day Off?
Legally, Albert