Do You Need a Sick Note for EI Sickness Benefits in Ontario?

Do You Need a Sick Note for EI Sickness Benefits in Ontario?

Yes. To receive EI Sickness Benefits, you need a medical certificate from a licensed physician confirming you're unable to work due to illness, injury, or quarantine.

What Are EI Sickness Benefits?

• Up to 26 weeks of benefits (increased from 15 weeks in 2022)


• 55% of your average insurable earnings (up to a maximum)


• Available to employees who've accumulated enough insurable hours


• No waiting period if you have a medical certificate

What the Medical Certificate Must Include

Service Canada requires documentation stating:
1. You have a medical condition preventing you from working
2. The expected duration of your inability to work
3. The physician's name, signature, and licence number

Can MedLetter Provide EI Medical Certificates?

MedLetter's CPSO-registered physicians can provide medical documentation supporting your EI application. The note will confirm your inability to work and expected recovery timeline.

Tips for Your Application

1. Apply as soon as you stop working — don't wait for your note
2. Keep copies of all medical documentation
3. Report any changes in your condition to Service Canada
4. If your condition extends beyond the initial estimate, get an updated note

Ontario Employment Standards: Your Rights

Under Ontario's Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), employees are entitled to 3 unpaid sick days per year (some employers offer paid days). Important provisions:

• Employers cannot require a doctor's note for ESA-protected sick days as of January 2024 (Working for Workers Act amendments)


• The Ontario Human Rights Code requires employers to accommodate medical conditions to the point of undue hardship


• Federally regulated employees in Ontario get 10 paid sick days under the Canada Labour Code


• Many Ontario employers still request notes as a matter of company policy (distinct from legal requirement)

Statistics: Healthcare Access in Ontario

According to Ontario Health and Statistics Canada (2025-2026):

• 2.3 million Ontarians lack a regular family doctor or nurse practitioner


• Average emergency room wait time in Ontario: over 4 hours for non-urgent cases


• Walk-in clinic wait times in the GTA: 1.5-3 hours on average


• Ontario has the lowest physician-to-population ratio of any large province

Practical Steps for Ontario Employees

1. Know the ESA - Your employer cannot penalize you for taking your 3 statutory sick days
2. Check your employment contract - Many Ontario employers offer 5-10 paid sick days beyond the ESA minimum
3. Unionized workers - OPSEU, CUPE, and Unifor contracts typically provide 12-18 paid sick days annually
4. Document everything - Keep a record of when you called in and who you spoke to
5. Accommodation requests - If you have a chronic condition, consider requesting formal workplace accommodation under the OHRC

When a Sick Note May Not Be Required

While Ontario law has specific rules, most employers still require documentation. Here's when you need to protect yourself:

• Your 3 annual ESA sick days (Working for Workers Act, 2024)


• Family responsibility leave (up to 3 days)


• Bereavement leave (up to 2 days)


• Domestic or sexual violence leave

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a sick note online in Ontario?
Yes. CPSO-licensed physicians can assess patients through virtual consultations and issue legally valid sick notes accepted by all Ontario employers.

How much does an online sick note cost in Ontario?
MedLetter charges a flat $49 for a sick note with same-day delivery. This includes the physician assessment and official documentation.

Will my Ontario employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario recognizes 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.