Updated August 2026, Current Ontario ESA and CPSO telemedicine standards.
Need a sick note in Ontario? MedLetter provides official physician-signed documentation for $49 with same-day delivery. No walk-in clinic visit needed — submit your request in 2 minutes and receive your note by email. Valid for employers, universities, and insurance across Ontario.
EI Sickness Benefits Overview
EI sickness benefits provide up to 26 weeks of income replacement when you're unable to work due to illness, injury, or quarantine. Whether you are dealing with a severe flu, recovering from surgery, or managing a chronic condition, these benefits are designed to offer financial stability during difficult times. In Ontario, navigating the intersection of federal EI benefits and provincial employment standards can be complex, but understanding your rights is the first step to securing the support you need.
Do You Need a Sick Note for EI?
Yes. You need a medical certificate confirming:
- You're unable to work due to illness or injury
- Expected duration of inability to work
- Physician's signature and contact information
Service Canada requires this documentation to process your claim. Without a valid medical certificate from a licensed healthcare professional, your application for EI sickness benefits will be delayed or denied. This is where many Ontarians face challenges, especially given the current strain on the provincial healthcare system.
Qualifying Requirements
- At least 600 insurable hours in past 52 weeks
- Reduction in earnings of more than 40%
- Unable to work due to illness/injury/quarantine
- Valid medical certificate
Meeting these requirements is essential. For many workers in Ontario, from those at Amazon warehouses in Brampton (Bramalea, Heart Lake, Springdale, and surrounding areas) to office workers at TD Bank in Toronto, tracking insurable hours and securing a medical certificate promptly can be the difference between a smooth claim process and financial stress.
How Much Do You Receive?
55% of average insurable weekly earnings, up to $668/week (2025 rates). Benefits last up to 26 weeks with a one-week waiting period. This financial support is crucial for covering living expenses, rent, and medical costs while you focus on recovery.
Getting Your Medical Certificate
MedLetter's CPSO-registered physicians provide medical certificates for EI applications same day. When you are too sick to leave the house or cannot get an appointment with your family doctor, our telemedicine service offers a convenient, legally compliant solution. You can New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time. online from the comfort of your home.
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 (including Shopify, TD Bank, RBC, Amazon, Loblaws, and government agencies) still request notes as a matter of company policy (distinct from legal requirement)
Understanding these rights is vital. Whether you work for the Ontario Public Service, Shopify in Ottawa, or a local business in Kitchener, knowing when your employer can and cannot demand a sick note empowers you to protect your health and your job.
The Urgency of Getting a Sick Note in Ontario
Life doesn't always happen during business hours. Consider these common scenarios where getting a sick note becomes an urgent necessity:
- The Demanding Boss: Your manager at a retail store in Mississauga (Square One, Port Credit, Streetsville, and Erin Mills) demands a sick note by tomorrow morning, even though you just called in sick with a severe migraine.
- The Weekend Dilemma: You fall ill on a Saturday evening in London, Ontario. Walk-in clinics are closed, and the emergency room is meant for life-threatening emergencies, not a simple doctor's note.
- The After-the-Fact Requirement: You took two days off for a stomach bug, and upon returning to your job at OPG, HR informs you that company policy requires a note for any absence longer than 48 hours.
In these situations, waiting weeks for a family doctor appointment or spending hours in a walk-in clinic waiting room isn't feasible. This is why accessible telemedicine options are critical for Ontario workers.
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
These statistics highlight the reality many face when trying to obtain a simple medical certificate. The traditional route is often fraught with delays and frustration.
Comparing Your Options for Getting a Sick Note in Ontario
When you need a sick note, you have several options. Here is a comparison to help you decide the best route for your situation:
| Option | Average Cost | Time Required | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Doctor | $20-50 (note fee) | Days to weeks for an appointment | Low (requires travel and waiting) | Routine checkups, chronic conditions |
| Walk-in Clinic | $20-50 (note fee) | 2-4 hours (travel + waiting) | Medium (no appointment needed, but long waits) | Urgent but non-life-threatening issues |
| Emergency Room | $20-50 (note fee) | 4-8+ hours | Very Low (high stress, long waits) | Severe injuries, life-threatening emergencies |
| MedLetter (Online) | $49 | Same-day delivery (often 2-6 hours) | High (done from home) | Urgent sick notes, EI certificates, minor illnesses |
Practical Steps for Ontario Employees
1. Know the ESA - Your your employer faces consequences for penalizing you for taking your 3 statutory sick days
2. Check your employment contract - Many Ontario employers (including Shopify, TD Bank, RBC, Amazon, Loblaws, and government agencies) 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
If you find yourself needing extended time off, understanding the interplay between ESA sick days, employer policies, and federal EI sickness benefits is crucial. Always ensure you have the necessary documentation, such as an Ontario sick note, to support your claims.
When a Sick Note May Not Be Required
Under Ontario law, while the ESA provides some protection for short absences, smart employees still get documentation for:
- 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
However, for absences extending beyond these protected days, or when applying for EI sickness benefits, a medical certificate is mandatory.
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 Ontario employers (including Shopify, TD Bank, RBC, Amazon, Loblaws, and government agencies).
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.
What if my employer refuses to accept a telemedicine sick note?
Under CPSO guidelines, telemedicine assessments are a valid form of medical care. If an employer refuses a legitimate note from a CPSO-registered physician, they may be in violation of employment standards or human rights codes. You can refer them to the CPSO policy on virtual care or consult with the Ministry of Labour.
Do I need a sick note if I work for a federally regulated employer in Ontario?
Federally regulated employees (like those at banks such as RBC or telecommunications companies) are governed by the Canada Labour Code, which provides 10 paid sick days. While the rules differ slightly from the provincial ESA, employers can still request a medical certificate for absences, especially those extending beyond a few days.
Can I use a MedLetter sick note for WSIB claims?
While MedLetter provides sick notes for employer absences and EI sickness benefits, WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) claims often require specific, detailed forms (like the Form 8) to be completed by the treating physician. It's best to consult with WSIB directly regarding their specific documentation requirements for workplace injuries.
Related: Sick Note Ontario, Complete City Guide | Ontario Sick Note Cost 2026 | How to Apply for EI Sickness Benefits