Manitoba's Bill 11: Sick Note Restrictions
On July 27, 2026, the Manitoba Legislature passed Bill 11 (The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act, Sick Notes for Employee Absences). This legislation restricts employers from requiring sick notes for short-term absences, bringing Manitoba in line with Saskatchewan and British Columbia. This change is a significant shift in the province's employment landscape, aiming to reduce the burden on both employees and the healthcare system. The new rules are designed to ensure that workers can take the time they need to recover from minor illnesses without the added stress of securing a medical certificate.
What Bill 11 Changes (Effective October 1, 2026)
Under the new rules set out in The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act:
- Absences totalling 7 days or fewer in 12 months: Employers cannot require a medical certificate. This means that for short, infrequent illnesses, employees are trusted to manage their own recovery.
- Absences exceeding 7 days in 12 months: Employers may request documentation. Once the threshold is crossed, the standard rules for medical verification apply.
- Pattern absences: Employers retain the right to request documentation if there is a "noticeable pattern" of absences, such as consistently calling in sick on Fridays or Mondays.
- Employer must reimburse: When a note IS required, the employer must pay for it. This is a crucial change that shifts the financial burden away from the employee.
- Expanded providers: Sick notes can now be issued by a doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse, or pharmacist, providing more options for employees to obtain necessary documentation.
Manitoba's Current Sick Leave Entitlements
Manitoba's Employment Standards Code provides specific entitlements for workers facing illness or family emergencies:
- 3 unpaid sick days per year (after 30 days of employment). This is the baseline protection for short-term illnesses.
- Long-term leave: Up to 27 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for serious illness or injury (extended from 17 weeks in November 2024). This ensures that workers facing significant health challenges do not lose their jobs while recovering.
- Family responsibility leave: 3 unpaid days per year for family illness, allowing workers to care for sick children or dependent relatives.
The Doctor Shortage Context
Bill 11 was partly motivated by Manitoba's severe physician shortage, which has made obtaining a sick note a significant hurdle for many workers:
- Over 130,000 Manitobans are without a family doctor, leaving them reliant on walk-in clinics or emergency rooms for basic medical needs.
- Winnipeg walk-in clinics have wait times of 3 to 5 hours, meaning a simple request for a sick note can consume an entire day.
- Rural Manitoba has virtually no walk-in access. Communities like Thompson, The Pas, and Flin Flon have extremely limited healthcare options, making it nearly impossible to get a timely sick note.
- Health Sciences Centre ER in Winnipeg regularly has 8 to 12 hour waits, and using emergency resources for administrative tasks like sick notes is highly inefficient.
Requiring sick notes for short absences was forcing sick workers to spend hours in overcrowded clinics, worsening both their health and the healthcare system's burden. This legislation aims to alleviate that pressure.
When You Still Need a Sick Note in Manitoba
Despite Bill 11, many situations still require New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time.:
1. Absences exceeding 7 days in 12 months, Your employer can request a note once you've exceeded the threshold.
2. Long-term disability claims, Manitoba Blue Cross, Great-West Life, and other insurers require documentation to process claims.
3. Workers' compensation (WCB Manitoba), Workplace injuries require medical documentation to ensure proper care and compensation.
4. Return-to-work clearance, After extended illness, employers can require fitness-to-return documentation to ensure the employee is safe to resume duties.
5. Workplace accommodation, Under the Manitoba Human Rights Code, accommodation requests require supporting medical documentation to verify the need for adjustments.
6. Professional licensing, Regulated professionals may have additional requirements set by their governing bodies.
Manitoba's Unique Workplace Landscape
Manitoba's economy creates specific sick note needs, reflecting the diverse industries that drive the province:
- Agriculture and food processing, Maple Leaf Foods in Brandon, HyLife in Neepawa, and various grain operations employ thousands of workers who work in conditions where illness spreads quickly. Ensuring these workers can stay home when sick is vital for public health and operational efficiency.
- Healthcare workers, Already stretched thin, healthcare workers at HSC, St. Boniface Hospital, and regional hospitals need documentation for shift replacement. The irony of healthcare workers needing to visit a clinic for a sick note is not lost on many.
- Mining and northern operations, Workers at Thompson (Vale), Snow Lake, and Flin Flon operations are far from any clinic. For these employees, obtaining a physical sick note can require significant travel and time off work.
- Retail and service, Winnipeg's retail sector, including Polo Park and St. Vital Centre, employs many part-time workers without benefits. These workers often cannot afford to lose a day's pay, let alone pay for a sick note out of pocket.
Comparing Your Options: Walk-in Clinic vs. Online Sick Note
When you do need a sick note in Manitoba, you have options. Here is a comparison of the traditional route versus using a telehealth service like MedLetter:
| Feature | Walk-in Clinic (e.g., Winnipeg) | MedLetter Online Service |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Wait Time | 3 to 5 hours (often longer) | Usually under 2 hours |
| Travel Required | Yes (driving, parking, transit) | No (done from home) |
| Exposure Risk | High (sitting in a waiting room with sick people) | None |
| Cost | Varies (often $20 to $50, plus travel/parking) | $49 flat fee |
| Accessibility | Limited in rural areas (Thompson, The Pas) | Available anywhere with internet |
| Convenience | Must align with clinic hours | Available 24/7 online |
How to Get a Sick Note in Manitoba
MedLetter provides same-day sick notes from physicians registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM) for $49. This is particularly valuable for:
- Rural Manitobans with no nearby clinic, such as those in Churchill or remote northern communities.
- Workers who cannot afford 4 or more hours in a Winnipeg walk-in clinic.
- Shift workers whose schedules do not align with standard clinic hours.
- Anyone without a family doctor (the 130,000+ Manitobans mentioned earlier).
The process is simple and efficient: Complete a 2-minute online form, a CPSM-registered physician reviews your request, and a signed sick note is delivered to your email the same day. MedLetter is the ideal solution for Manitobans who need reliable, fast, and legally valid medical documentation without the hassle of traditional clinics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note online in Manitoba?
Yes. Licensed physicians can assess patients through virtual consultations and issue legally valid sick notes accepted by Manitoba employers.
How many sick days do Manitoba employees get?
Manitoba provides 3 unpaid sick days per year under the Employment Standards Code for employees with at least 30 days of employment.
Will my Manitoba employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba recognizes virtual care. Online sick notes are legally equivalent to in-person notes.
How fast can I get a sick note in Manitoba?
MedLetter delivers most sick notes within 2 to 6 hours, much faster than Winnipeg walk-in clinic wait times.
What if my employer refuses to pay for a required sick note?
Under Bill 11, if an employer requires a sick note for an absence that falls under the new rules, they are legally obligated to reimburse the employee. If they refuse, employees can file a complaint with Manitoba Employment Standards.
Can my employer ask for my specific diagnosis?
No. Employers are only entitled to know that you are unfit for work and the expected duration of your absence. They cannot demand specific medical details or diagnoses.
Key Takeaway
Manitoba's Bill 11 significantly changes the landscape for sick notes, reducing the burden on employees for short-term absences. However, when documentation is still required, navigating the traditional healthcare system can be frustrating and time-consuming. With severe doctor shortages and long wait times at clinics across the province, from Winnipeg to Thompson, finding a convenient solution is essential. MedLetter offers a fast, reliable, and legally valid alternative, providing online sick notes from licensed Manitoba physicians without the need to leave your home.
Related: No Family Doctor MB | Sick Note Winnipeg | Can Employer Require Sick Note MB | Sick Note Cost MB 2026 | Sick Note Near Me Winnipeg | Sick Note Manitoba
Ready to get your sick note? New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time. — delivered same-day by a licensed Canadian physician.
Need a sick note in Canada? MedLetter provides official physician-signed documentation for $49 with same-day delivery. No walk-in clinic visit needed — submit in 2 minutes, receive your note by email. Serving all provinces.