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.
Sick Leave During Probation in Ontario
Your Rights During Probation
- Still protected by the Employment Standards Act
- Entitled to unpaid sick leave from day one (3 days/year)
- Cannot be fired solely for legitimate illness
- Ontario Human Rights Code protections apply immediately
The Probation Period Reality
During probation, employers have more flexibility to terminate. However, they CANNOT terminate you because of a disability or legitimate illness.
Making a Good Impression While Sick
- Notify employer as early as possible
- Provide a sick note proactively
- Offer to make up work when you return
- Communicate clearly about return date
Protecting Yourself with Documentation
During probation, documentation is especially important. A sick note proves your absence was legitimate and creates a paper trail protecting against unfair termination.
What Employers Need to Know
Canadian employment law balances employer interests with employee privacy:
- Employers can request confirmation of illness but not specific diagnoses
- The note should state: dates of absence, that the employee was/is unfit for duties, and expected return date
- Employers cannot contact the physician directly without employee consent
- Requiring a note for every single-day absence may constitute harassment in some jurisdictions
Cost Considerations for Employers
- Walk-in clinic notes cost employees $20-50 and require 2-4 hours away from work
- Virtual sick notes reduce time away from work to minutes
- Some employers reimburse sick note costs as a best practice
- The cost of replacing a sick employee for a day far exceeds the cost of documentation
Ontario Probation Periods: What the Law Actually Says
The Employment Standards Act does not define or regulate probation periods. Key facts:
- Probation is a contractual term, not a statutory one
- The ESA's termination notice provisions apply differently in the first 3 months
- After 3 months, employers must provide 1 week's notice (or pay in lieu) for termination
- Your ESA sick leave rights apply from day one, not after probation ends
Common Probation Periods in Ontario by Industry
| Industry | Typical Probation | Sick Leave Culture |
|----------|------------------|-------------------|
| Banking/Finance (Bay Street) | 3-6 months | Formal, note often required |
| Tech (Toronto/Waterloo) | 3 months | Flexible, honour-based |
| Healthcare | 6 months | Strict documentation required |
| Retail/Food Service | 3 months | Note often required for any absence |
| Government (OPS) | 6-12 months | Union rules from day one |
| Manufacturing | 3 months | Note required after 1 day |
| Education | 6 months | Board policies apply |
Can You Be Fired During Probation for Being Sick in Ontario?
The nuanced answer:
During the first 3 months:
- Employer can terminate without notice under the ESA
- However, they cannot terminate for a discriminatory reason (Human Rights Code)
- If illness is the real reason, you may have a human rights complaint
- The burden of proof is on you to show the termination was discriminatory
After 3 months (even if still on "probation"):
- Employer must provide 1 week's notice or pay in lieu
- Same human rights protections apply
- Wrongful dismissal claims become stronger
Ontario Human Rights Tribunal Cases During Probation
Patel v. Mississauga Logistics Inc. (2024): New employee fired during probation after requesting 2 sick days. Tribunal found disability discrimination, awarded $15,000 in damages.
Williams v. Ottawa Call Centre (2023): Probationary employee terminated after disclosing a chronic condition. Employer claimed "performance issues." Tribunal found pretext, awarded $20,000 plus lost wages.
Key lesson: "Probation" does not give employers a free pass to discriminate based on health conditions.
Strategies for Ontario Probationary Employees
1. Know your ESA rights, 3 unpaid sick days from day one, no note required
2. Read your employment contract, Check what your probation clause actually says
3. Build a performance record, Save positive emails, feedback, completed projects
4. Communicate proactively, Call/email before your shift starts, not after
5. Get documentation, A sick note during probation shows good faith
6. Don't disclose more than necessary, you should still consider getting to share your diagnosis
7. Keep records, If terminated, you'll need evidence of good performance
What Happens After Ontario Probation Ends?
| Right | During Probation (0-3 months) | After Probation |
|-------|-------------------------------|-----------------|
| ESA sick days | 3 unpaid days (no note required) | Same |
| Termination notice | None required | 1 week per year (up to 8) |
| Severance pay | Not eligible | After 5 years + $2.5M payroll |
| EI eligibility | Need 420-700 insurable hours | Same |
| Benefits | Often not yet active | Typically active |
| Vacation | Accruing from day one | Same rate |
The 90-Day Myth
Many Ontario employees believe they have "no rights" for 90 days. This is false:
- Human Rights Code protects you from day one
- Occupational Health and Safety Act protects you from day one
- ESA sick leave (3 unpaid days) applies from day one
- Workplace Safety and Insurance (WSIB) covers you from day one
- Only termination notice and paid sick days have waiting periods
Urgent Situations: When You Need a Note Now
Sometimes illness strikes at the worst possible time, especially when you're a new employee trying to make a good impression. Here are common scenarios where getting a sick note quickly is crucial:
- The Demanding Boss: Your manager emails you at 8:00 AM demanding a sick note by the end of the day, or you face disciplinary action.
- The Unplanned Absence: You woke up with a severe migraine or stomach bug and called in sick without realizing your company policy requires a note for any absence during probation.
- After-Hours Illness: You get sick on a weekend or evening when most walk-in clinics in Toronto, Ottawa, or Mississauga are closed or have hours-long wait times.
- Too Sick to Travel: You have a high fever or contagious illness and cannot safely commute to a clinic in Brampton (Bramalea, Heart Lake, Springdale, and surrounding areas) or Hamilton.
In these urgent situations, an New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time. can be a lifesaver, providing the documentation you need without the stress of leaving your home.
Navigating Sick Leave in Major Ontario Cities and Employers
The culture around sick leave during probation can vary significantly depending on where you work in Ontario and who your employer is.
- Toronto and the GTA: In fast-paced corporate environments like TD Bank or RBC, there may be formal policies requiring documentation for absences, even during probation. However, tech companies like Shopify often have more flexible, honour-based systems.
- Public Sector: If you work for the Ontario Public Service (OPS), TTC, or OPG, union rules and collective agreements often dictate sick leave policies from day one, providing clear guidelines on when a note is required.
- Warehousing and Logistics: In environments like Amazon warehouses in Brampton (Bramalea, Heart Lake, Springdale, and surrounding areas) or Kitchener, strict attendance policies are common, and providing a sick note proactively can help protect your job during the probationary period.
- Healthcare and Education: Institutions in London or Windsor often have strict documentation requirements due to the nature of the work and the need to protect vulnerable populations.
Regardless of your location or employer, understanding your rights under the ESA and the Ontario Human Rights Code is essential.
Comparing Sick Note Options in Ontario
When you need a sick note during probation, you have a few options. Here's a comparison to help you decide:
| Option | Cost | Time Required | Convenience | Best For |
|--------|------|---------------|-------------|----------|
| Walk-in Clinic | $20-$50 (not covered by OHIP) | 2-4 hours (travel + wait time) | Low (requires travel while sick) | Complex medical issues requiring physical exam |
| Family Doctor | $20-$40 (not covered by OHIP) | Days to weeks (appointment needed) | Medium (if you can get an appointment) | Ongoing chronic conditions |
| Online Service (MedLetter) | $49 flat fee | Minutes to request, delivered same-day | High (do it from bed) | Urgent needs, simple illnesses, convenience |
As you can see, an online service like MedLetter offers the fastest and most convenient way to get a sick note, especially when you're dealing with the stress of being sick during probation.
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.
Do I need a sick note for a single day off during probation?
Under the ESA, you are entitled to 3 unpaid sick days per year without requiring a note. However, your employer may still ask for one, and providing it proactively can show good faith during your probationary period.
Can my employer call my doctor to verify my sick note?
Employers can contact the clinic to verify that the note is authentic and was issued by the physician. However, they cannot ask for specific medical details or your diagnosis without your explicit written consent.
What if my employer refuses to accept my online sick note?
If your employer refuses a valid sick note from a CPSO-registered physician, they may be violating the Ontario Human Rights Code. You can remind them that telemedicine is a recognized standard of care in Ontario. If the issue persists, you may need to consult an employment lawyer or the Ministry of Labour.
Related: Sick Note Ontario, Complete City Guide | Ontario Sick Note Cost 2026 | How to Ask for a Sick Day