Sick Notes for Seasonal Workers in Ontario (Tourism, Agriculture, Retail)
Working seasonally in Ontario? Your sick leave rights still apply. Here's what seasonal workers need to know about documentation.
## Sick Notes for Seasonal Workers in Ontario
Ontario's economy relies on seasonal workers — in tourism (Niagara, Muskoka), agriculture (Holland Marsh, Norfolk County), and retail (holiday season). If you're a seasonal worker, you have the same sick leave rights as permanent employees.
### Your Rights as a Seasonal Worker
Under the Ontario ESA, **all employees** (including seasonal and part-time) are entitled to:
- 3 unpaid sick days per year (from day one)
- No medical note required for these days
- Job protection during legitimate illness
### Industry-Specific Challenges
**Tourism & Hospitality (Niagara Falls, Muskoka, Blue Mountain)**
- Peak season pressure to never call in sick
- Shared staff housing can spread illness quickly
- Limited clinic access in resort areas
**Agriculture (Holland Marsh, Norfolk, Niagara)**
- Physical work makes illness more dangerous
- Remote farm locations far from clinics
- Temporary foreign workers may face language barriers
**Retail (Holiday Season)**
- Busiest period coincides with cold/flu season
- High pressure not to call in sick during peak sales
- Part-time workers may fear losing shifts
### Getting Documentation in Remote Locations
Many seasonal workers are in locations with limited healthcare access. MedLetter provides online sick notes to **any Ontario location** — no clinic visit required.
**Get a sick note — [Start here](/get-started/sick_note)**