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, Alberta's Employment Standards Code does not require a medical certificate for personal and family responsibility leave (the 5-day entitlement). However:
- Your employer's policy may require a note for any absence
- If your employer has a written policy requiring sick notes, they can enforce it
- For long-term illness leave, a medical certificate is always required
Pro tip: Even if not required, having a sick note protects you if your employer later questions the legitimacy of your absence.
How to Use Your Sick Days
Step 1: Notify Your Employer
Let your employer know as soon as possible that you need to be absent. Follow your workplace's reporting procedures (call, email, app, etc.).
Step 2: Get Documentation (If Needed)
If your employer requires a sick note, or if you'll be off more than a few days, get a medical note from a licensed physician.
Step 3: Apply for EI (If Extended)
If your absence will exceed 1 week, apply for EI Sickness Benefits at [canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness.html).
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Sources
1. Alberta Employment Standards Code, RSA 2000, c E-9, Part 2, Division 7 - [alberta.ca/employment-standards](https://www.alberta.ca/employment-standards)
2. Government of Alberta - Personal and Family Responsibility Leave - [alberta.ca/personal-family-responsibility-leave](https://www.alberta.ca/personal-family-responsibility-leave)
3. Government of Alberta - Long-Term Illness and Injury Leave - [alberta.ca/long-term-illness-injury-leave](https://www.alberta.ca/long-term-illness-injury-leave)
4. Service Canada - EI Sickness Benefits - [canada.ca/ei-sickness](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness.html)
5. British Columbia Employment Standards - Paid Sick Leave - [gov.bc.ca](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards-advice/paid-sick-leave)
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Related: [Alberta Employment Standards Sick Leave](/blog/alberta-employment-standards-sick-leave) | [Can My Employer Fire Me for Being Sick?](/blog/can-employer-fire-me-calling-in-sick-alberta) | [Do I Need a Sick Note for 1 Day Off?](/blog/do-i-need-sick-note-1-day-off-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.