Irving Companies: New Brunswick's Largest Employer
The Irving family of companies, including J.D. Irving Limited, Irving Oil, and various related businesses, collectively employ over 15,000 people in New Brunswick. They operate in forestry, oil refining, shipbuilding, transportation, and retail across the province. From the bustling Irving Oil Refinery in Saint John to the expansive forestry operations in the Miramichi region, Irving's presence is felt in nearly every corner of the province. Whether you are working at a Kent Building Supplies store in Moncton or driving a transport truck out of Fredericton, understanding the company's policies is crucial for maintaining your employment and protecting your rights.
Irving's Attendance Management
Irving companies are known for their structured attendance management programs. While specific policies vary by division and union status, common elements include:
- Point-based attendance systems --- Absences accumulate points; excessive points trigger progressive discipline.
- Documentation requirements --- Sick notes are typically required for absences of 2+ consecutive days.
- Return-to-work meetings --- After extended absences, employees meet with supervisors and sometimes occupational health.
- Modified duty programs --- Irving offers modified work for employees recovering from illness or injury.
Your Legal Rights vs. Company Policy
It is important to understand the difference between what the law requires and what your employer's policy dictates. In New Brunswick, employment standards provide a baseline of protection, but employers are permitted to implement policies that exceed these minimums, provided they do not violate the law.
New Brunswick Employment Standards Act (minimum):
- 5 unpaid sick days per year (after 90 days employment)
- Employer can request "reasonable evidence" for any absence
- Medical certificate can be required for 4+ day absences
Irving company policy (may exceed minimum):
- May require documentation for shorter absences
- May have specific forms or requirements
- Must still comply with NB Employment Standards as a floor
Union collective agreements (if applicable):
- Unifor, IBEW, and other unions represent many Irving workers
- Collective agreements may have different documentation thresholds
- Union stewards can advise on specific requirements
Getting a Sick Note for Irving
If you work for any Irving company and need a sick note, obtaining one quickly is essential to avoid disciplinary action under their attendance management programs. This is where MedLetter comes in. MedLetter provides a convenient, reliable, and fast solution for New Brunswick workers who need medical documentation without the hassle of visiting a clinic.
- Same-day delivery --- Critical for point-based attendance systems where late documentation may not be accepted.
- $49 flat fee --- No hidden costs or surprise bills.
- Licensed physician --- Meets all New Brunswick Employment Standards Act requirements.
- Professional format --- Includes physician name, license number, dates of absence, and confirmation of inability to work.
Specific Irving Divisions
The requirements for sick notes and attendance can vary significantly depending on which Irving division you work for. Here is a breakdown of what to expect in some of the major divisions:
Irving Oil (Saint John Refinery):
- Shift workers on 12-hour rotations
- Strict safety-sensitive position requirements
- May require fitness-for-duty clearance for return
J.D. Irving (Forestry/Sawmills):
- Seasonal and year-round workers in locations like Sussex or Doaktown
- Rural locations with limited healthcare access make it difficult to visit a walk-in clinic, making online services like MedLetter invaluable
- Physical labour positions with injury risk
Irving Shipbuilding (Halifax):
- Technically in Nova Scotia but employs many NB commuters from areas like Sackville or Moncton
- Federal shipbuilding contract with strict attendance requirements
- Safety-sensitive positions
Kent Building Supplies / Irving Retail:
- Part-time and full-time retail workers in stores from Bathurst to St. Stephen
- Less strict than industrial divisions
- Standard retail attendance policies
Comparing Your Options: Walk-in Clinic vs. Online Sick Note
When you need a sick note in New Brunswick, you generally have two options: visiting a traditional walk-in clinic or using an online service. Here is a comparison to help you decide which is best for your situation.
| Feature | Walk-in Clinic (e.g., After Hours Clinic in Fredericton) | Online Service (MedLetter) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Wait Time | Often 2 to 4 hours, sometimes longer | Usually under 1 hour |
| Travel Required | Yes, must drive or take transit while sick | No, complete from your bed or couch |
| Exposure Risk | High risk of catching other illnesses in the waiting room | Zero risk of exposure |
| Cost | Often $20 to $50 for the note itself, plus travel costs | $49 flat fee |
| Convenience | Low, requires leaving home when unwell | High, accessible via smartphone or computer |
| Acceptance | Accepted by employers | Accepted by employers, meets legal standards |
As the table shows, using an online service like MedLetter is often the most practical choice, especially when you are dealing with the strict attendance policies of a large employer like Irving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note online in New Brunswick?
Yes. Licensed physicians provide virtual consultations and issue valid sick notes for New Brunswick residents. These notes are legally valid and accepted by employers across the province.
How many sick days do New Brunswick employees get?
New Brunswick provides up to 5 unpaid sick days per year under the Employment Standards Act, provided you have been employed for at least 90 days. The specific entitlement depends on your length of employment and any collective agreements in place.
Will my New Brunswick employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. All New Brunswick employers, including large corporations like Irving, are expected to accept valid medical documentation from licensed physicians, regardless of whether the consultation occurred in person or online.
How fast can I get a sick note in New Brunswick?
Online services deliver most sick notes within 2 to 6 hours. With MedLetter, you can often receive your documentation even faster, ensuring you meet your employer's deadlines.
What if my employer demands to know my specific medical condition?
Under New Brunswick privacy laws and employment standards, your employer is generally not entitled to know your specific diagnosis. They only need to know that you are under the care of a physician, that you are unable to work for medical reasons, and your expected date of return. A proper sick note will provide this information without disclosing private medical details.
Do I need a sick note for a single day off at Irving?
It depends on your specific division and your attendance record. While the Employment Standards Act does not mandate a note for a single day, Irving's internal policies or your union agreement might require one, especially if you have accumulated points under their attendance management system or if the absence occurs adjacent to a weekend or holiday.
Can my employer refuse a sick note from an online doctor?
No, provided the note is issued by a licensed Canadian physician and contains the necessary information (dates of absence, confirmation of inability to work). Employers cannot arbitrarily reject medical documentation simply because it was obtained through a telemedicine platform.
Key Takeaway
Irving's attendance policies are stricter than the legal minimum, which means you will likely need sick notes more often than the Employment Standards Act requires. MedLetter provides fast, affordable documentation that meets both legal requirements and employer expectations, without the 3-hour walk-in clinic wait that could cost you another half-shift of wages.
Related: NB Sick Leave Guide 2026 | Can Employer Require Sick Note NB | Sick Note Cost N New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time. 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.
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