Online Sick Note in New Brunswick: Rules and How to Get One | $49 Same-Day

Last reviewed and updated: August 2026 by a licensed Canadian physician

New Brunswick doesn't protect short absences from note requirements. Here's how to get a sick note online from a registered physician, available in English and French.

Online Sick Note in New Brunswick: Your Complete Guide to Getting Medical Documentation Fast

New Brunswick, like Nova Scotia, provides limited statutory protection for short sick absences. Employers can generally require documentation for any absence, making accessible online services important for NB workers. When you wake up feeling unwell, the last thing you want to do is drag yourself out of bed, sit in a crowded waiting room, and wait hours just to get a piece of paper. This is where MedLetter comes in. We provide a seamless, fast, and affordable way to get your medical documentation without leaving your home.

Why You Need a Sick Note in New Brunswick

In New Brunswick, having proper medical documentation is absolutely crucial to protect your job and your income. Without a valid sick note, your employer may question your absence, deny you sick pay, or even take disciplinary action. A sick note serves as official proof that you were genuinely unwell and unable to perform your duties. It is a vital document that safeguards your employment status. Do not risk your job by failing to provide the necessary documentation. New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time..

New Brunswick Employment Standards Act

Understanding your rights under the New Brunswick Employment Standards Act is essential for every worker in the province. The legislation sets the baseline for employment conditions, but it leaves significant room for employer discretion regarding sick leave.

Current provisions:

  • No legislated paid sick days (employer policy determines)

  • Unpaid sick leave: up to 5 days per year (job-protected, recent amendment)

  • No explicit prohibition on requiring notes for short absences

  • Employer can request "reasonable" documentation


Because the law allows employers to request reasonable documentation, you must be prepared to provide a sick note even for short absences. Failing to do so can lead to unnecessary complications with your HR department or manager. Protect yourself and your livelihood by securing a valid medical certificate from a licensed physician.

When You Need a Sick Note in New Brunswick

The requirement for a sick note can vary depending on your specific situation and your employer's internal policies. However, it is always safer to have documentation than to be caught without it.

| Situation | Note Likely Required? |
|---|---|
| 1-day absence | Employer-dependent, but highly recommended to protect your job |
| 2-3 day absence | Most employers request documentation |
| 3+ day absence | Almost always required |
| Using job-protected sick days | Employer may request proof |
| Return after extended illness | Usually required |

Whether you are taking a single day off to recover from a severe migraine or need several days to battle the flu, having a sick note from MedLetter ensures that your absence is officially recorded and medically justified. New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time..

MedLetter vs. Walk-in Clinics: The Clear Choice

When you need a sick note in New Brunswick, you generally have two options: visit a traditional walk-in clinic or use an online service like MedLetter. The comparison clearly shows why MedLetter is the superior choice for busy professionals and anyone feeling unwell.

If you choose a walk-in clinic, you can expect to pay a note fee ranging from $20 to $50, on top of enduring a grueling 2 to 4 hour wait in a room full of other sick patients. You have to travel, find parking, and waste half your day just to see a doctor for five minutes.

In contrast, MedLetter offers a streamlined, stress-free experience. For a flat fee of just $49, you get same-day delivery of your sick note, signed by a licensed physician. There are no hidden fees, no waiting rooms, and no exposure to other illnesses. You can complete the process from the comfort of your own bed. The choice is obvious. Save your time, protect your health, and secure your job with MedLetter.

How Online Sick Notes Work in New Brunswick

Getting an online sick note with MedLetter is incredibly simple and designed with your convenience in mind. Our process is fully compliant with provincial regulations and ensures you get the documentation you need quickly.

1. Complete medical questionnaire, Available in English and French. You will provide details about your symptoms and the duration of your illness.
2. CPSNB-registered physician reviews, A licensed New Brunswick physician carefully assesses your information to determine your need for time off.
3. Documentation delivered, You receive your official sick note on the same day, available in both English and French if needed.
4. Submit to employer, Your MedLetter sick note is fully valid under New Brunswick employment standards and ready to be submitted to your HR department.

Do not wait until your employer demands proof. Be proactive and get your documentation sorted out immediately. New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time..

New Brunswick-Specific Context

New Brunswick has unique characteristics that make online healthcare services particularly valuable for its residents.

Bilingual province: New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province. Online services must provide documentation in both English and French to serve the population adequately. MedLetter proudly provides bilingual documentation, ensuring that your sick note meets the language requirements of your workplace.

Rural healthcare access: Outside major centers like Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton, healthcare access is severely limited. Northern New Brunswick communities such as Bathurst, Edmundston, and Campbellton, along with many rural areas, face significant physician shortages. For residents in these regions, getting an appointment with a family doctor or finding an open walk-in clinic can be nearly impossible. MedLetter bridges this gap by providing instant access to licensed physicians regardless of your location in the province.

Irving Industries: New Brunswick's largest private employer network, including Irving Oil, J.D. Irving, and Irving Shipbuilding, employs thousands of workers across the province. Many of these employees work in remote forestry, manufacturing, and industrial operations where accessing traditional healthcare facilities is challenging. Workers in these demanding roles greatly benefit from the reliable, remote access to medical documentation that MedLetter provides.

Seasonal workers: Industries such as fishing, forestry, and tourism create distinct seasonal employment patterns in New Brunswick. Seasonal workers often lack consistent, long-term relationships with a primary care physician. When they fall ill, they need a fast, accessible solution. MedLetter offers the perfect service for seasonal employees who need immediate documentation to protect their income during their working months.

CPSNB and Virtual Care

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick (CPSNB) fully supports and regulates virtual healthcare services, ensuring that you receive high-quality care and valid documentation.

The CPSNB recognizes:

  • Virtual care as a legitimate and essential medical practice.

  • The importance of providing services in both English and French language.

  • Sick notes generated from virtual assessments as entirely equivalent to those obtained during in-person visits.

  • That there is no strict requirement for a physical examination to provide standard medical documentation for common, short-term illnesses.


This regulatory backing means you can trust that your MedLetter sick note is a legally sound and medically valid document that your employer must accept.

New Brunswick's 5-Day Unpaid Leave

Recent changes to provincial legislation have introduced new protections for workers, but they also highlight the ongoing need for proper medical documentation.

Recent amendment details:

  • Employees are entitled to 5 unpaid, job-protected sick days per year.

  • This leave becomes available after 90 days of continuous employment.

  • Crucially, the employer may still request documentation to verify the absence. The law does not prohibit them from asking for a sick note.

  • These sick days do not carry over from year to year.

  • The provision applies to all employees covered by the New Brunswick Employment Standards Act.


Even when using your legally protected unpaid leave, your employer has the right to ask for proof. Having a MedLetter sick note ready ensures that you can take the time you need to recover without facing pushback or skepticism from your management. New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time..

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my NB employer require a note for 1 sick day?
Currently yes. New Brunswick does not have explicit protections prohibiting employers from asking for a note for a single day of absence, unlike some other provinces. However, the request should be reasonable given the circumstances. To be safe and protect your job, it is always best to provide a note.

Can I get my sick note in French?
Yes, absolutely. As New Brunswick is officially bilingual, New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time. should be available in both official languages. MedLetter, serving New Brunswick residents, offers bilingual documentation to meet your specific needs.

Are online sick notes accepted by NB employers?
Yes, they are fully accepted. A sick note from any CPSNB-registered physician is valid and legally binding, regardless of whether the assessment was conducted in person or virtually. Your employer cannot reject a valid medical certificate from MedLetter.

Do I need a note for my 5 unpaid sick days?
The provincial legislation explicitly allows employers to request documentation when you use your 5 unpaid sick days. You must check your specific employer's policy, as some require it strictly, while others may be more lenient. However, providing a note guarantees that your absence is protected under the law.

Sources

  • New Brunswick Employment Standards Act

  • College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick, Virtual Care

  • Government of New Brunswick, Employment Standards

  • WorkSafeNB, Return to Work Guidelines


---

Related Resources: