Richmond Sick Note Laws: BC Employer Rules & Worker Rights (2026)

Richmond workers — from YVR airport to the fishing industry — are protected by BC's strong sick leave laws. Here's what your employer can and cannot require.

Richmond Sick Note Laws: What Employers Can and Cannot Ask (2026)

Richmond is home to Vancouver International Airport (YVR), a thriving Asian business community, and major agricultural operations. Here's what BC law says about sick notes for Richmond workers.

BC Law: 8 Days Without a Note

Under the BC Employment Standards Act:

  • 5 paid sick days + 3 unpaid sick days per year

  • No sick note can be required for these 8 days

  • Applies to all Richmond workers — full-time, part-time, and temporary

  • Your employer cannot penalize you for using these days without documentation


Richmond's Key Employers

| Employer/Sector | Sick Note Reality |
|---|---|
| YVR Airport (YVRAA, airlines, ground handling) | Federally regulated: Canada Labour Code applies (10 days, no note for first 3) |
| Richmond Hospital / Vancouver Coastal Health | Note after 3 days, fitness-to-work for clinical staff |
| City of Richmond | CUPE agreement: note after 3 consecutive days |
| Retail (Richmond Centre, Aberdeen, Lansdowne) | BC ESA: 8 days no note required |
| Fishing/agriculture (Steveston, farmland) | BC ESA applies — workers have full rights |
| Gaming (River Rock, Grand Villa) | BC ESA + collective agreements where applicable |

Important: YVR Airport Workers

If you work at YVR, your rules depend on your employer:

  • Airlines (Air Canada, WestJet): Federally regulated — Canada Labour Code gives 10 medical leave days, no note for first 3

  • Airport Authority (YVRAA): Federally regulated — same as above

  • Ground handling, food service, retail at YVR: May be provincially regulated — BC ESA applies (8 days no note)

  • Nav Canada, CATSA: Federal — 10 days, no note for first 3


Richmond's Doctor Shortage

  • Many Richmond residents — particularly newer immigrants — don't have a family doctor

  • Walk-in clinics along No. 3 Road and Westminster Highway have 1-2 hour waits

  • Language-specific clinics (Mandarin, Cantonese) are often at capacity


How to Get a Sick Note in Richmond

If you need documentation beyond your protected days:

1. MedLetter — same-day sick notes from CPSBC-registered physicians
2. Submit online in 5 minutes from anywhere in Richmond
3. No clinic visit — perfect for airport shift workers
4. Official documentation emailed within hours

}