How Many Sick Days Are You Entitled to in BC? (2026)
British Columbia provides some of the best sick leave protections in Canada. Here's your complete guide to sick day entitlements in 2026.
Your Statutory Entitlements
Under the BC Employment Standards Act:
| Type | Days | Pay | Note Required? |
|------|------|-----|---------------|
| Paid sick days | 5 per year | Full pay | Generally no |
| Unpaid sick days | 3 per year | No pay | Generally no |
| Total protected | 8 per year | Mixed | Depends on employer |
Key Rules
1. Eligibility — You must have been employed for at least 90 days
2. Accrual — All 5 paid days are available after 90 days (no monthly accrual)
3. Reset — Days reset on your employment anniversary (not calendar year)
4. No carryover — Unused days don't carry over to the next year
5. No payout — Unused sick days are not paid out on termination
Beyond the ESA Minimum
Many BC employers offer more than the minimum:
- Federal employees: 15 paid sick days
- BC government: 15 paid sick days
- Tech companies: Often unlimited (with manager approval)
- Union workplaces: Varies by collective agreement (often 10-15 days)
- Healthcare: Typically 12-15 paid days
When You've Used All Your Days
If you've exhausted your ESA entitlement and need more time off:
- You may qualify for short-term disability through your employer's benefits
- EI sickness benefits provide up to 26 weeks at 55% of earnings
- WorkSafeBC covers work-related illness/injury
- Your employer has a duty to accommodate under the BC Human Rights Code
Documentation Tips
- Days 1-5 (paid): Generally no note required
- Days 6-8 (unpaid): Generally no note required
- Beyond 8 days: Your employer will likely require documentation
- Extended absence: Return-to-work clearance usually needed
What Employers Need to Know
Canadian employment law balances employer interests with employee privacy:
- Employers can request confirmation of illness but not specific diagnoses
- The note should state: dates of absence, that the employee was/is unfit for duties, and expected return date
- Employers cannot contact the physician directly without employee consent
- Requiring a note for every single-day absence may constitute harassment in some jurisdictions
Cost Considerations for Employers
- Walk-in clinic notes cost employees $20-50 and require 2-4 hours away from work
- Virtual sick notes reduce time away from work to minutes
- Some employers reimburse sick note costs as a best practice
- The cost of replacing a sick employee for a day far exceeds the cost of documentation
Related: [Sick Note Vancouver](/online-sick-note-vancouver) | [Sick Note Surrey](/online-sick-note-surrey) | [Online Sick Note BC](/online-sick-note-bc)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sick days do BC employees get?
Under the BC Employment Standards Act, employees are entitled to 5 paid sick days and 3 unpaid sick days per year after 90 days of employment.
Can my BC employer require a sick note?
Yes, but only for absences of 4 or more consecutive days under the ESA. Employers may have stricter policies in their employment contracts.
Are BC sick days paid?
Yes. BC provides 5 paid sick days per year, making it one of the most employee-friendly provinces for sick leave in Canada.
Can my employer fire me for taking sick days in BC?
No. Taking ESA-protected sick leave cannot be grounds for termination. BC employment law protects employees who use their entitled sick days.