Sick Notes for Seasonal Workers in New Brunswick (Fishing, Forestry, Tourism)

New Brunswick's economy depends on seasonal workers — fishing, forestry, tourism, and agriculture. Here's how to handle sick notes when you work seasonally.

Sick Notes for New Brunswick's Seasonal Workforce

New Brunswick's economy has a strong seasonal component — fishing along the Acadian coast, forestry operations across the province, tourism in the summer months, and agriculture in the Saint John River Valley. Seasonal workers face unique challenges when illness strikes during their limited working season.

The Seasonal Worker's Dilemma in NB

Seasonal workers face compounding pressures:

  • Short earning window — Missing even one day during peak season significantly impacts annual income

  • Employer pressure — Seasonal employers often have zero tolerance for absences during busy periods

  • Remote work locations — Fishing boats, logging camps, and rural tourism sites are far from clinics

  • EI dependency — Many seasonal workers rely on EI during off-season; missing work days can affect eligibility

  • No benefits — Most seasonal positions don't include paid sick leave or health benefits


Fishing Industry Workers

New Brunswick's fishing industry (lobster, crab, herring, aquaculture) operates on tight seasonal windows:

Lobster season challenges:

  • Season runs May-June (southwest NB) and August-October (northeast NB)

  • Boats leave at 4-5am — no clinic is open if you wake up sick

  • Captains depend on full crews; calling in sick creates immediate problems

  • Remote wharves (Grand Manan, Deer Island, Miscou) are hours from clinics


Aquaculture workers (Cooke Aquaculture, Cermaq):
  • Shift work at sea cages and processing plants

  • Remote coastal locations

  • Strict attendance policies during harvest periods


Forestry Workers

J.D. Irving and other forestry operations employ thousands seasonally:

  • Logging camps are often 1-2 hours from nearest clinic

  • Mill workers (Edmundston, Miramichi, Saint John) work shifts

  • Tree planting crews work in remote areas May-July

  • Physical nature of work means injuries and illness are common


Tourism and Hospitality

Peak season (June-September) creates intense demand:

  • Hotels and resorts (Fundy Trail, Kouchibouguac, Hopewell Rocks area)

  • Restaurants in tourist areas operate with minimal staff

  • Adventure tourism operators (whale watching, kayaking)

  • Employers often require documentation for any absence during peak season


Your Rights as a Seasonal Worker in NB

Seasonal workers have the same Employment Standards Act protections as permanent employees:

  • 5 unpaid sick days per year

  • No sick note required for absences of 3 days or fewer

  • Cannot be fired for legitimate illness

  • Entitled to workplace safety protections


EI considerations:
  • You need 420-700 insurable hours (depending on regional unemployment rate) to qualify for EI

  • Sick days during your working season still count as insurable hours if you're on the payroll

  • If you're too sick to work during your season, you may qualify for EI sickness benefits (separate from regular EI)


Getting a Sick Note When You're Remote

| Situation | Best Option |
|-----------|-------------|
| On a fishing boat / at sea | MedLetter (submit when you have cell service) |
| At a logging camp | MedLetter (submit via phone) |
| Rural tourism site | MedLetter (no travel needed) |
| In Moncton/SJ/Fredericton | Walk-in clinic or MedLetter |
| After hours / weekend | MedLetter (24/7 intake) |

Key Takeaway

New Brunswick's seasonal workers are the backbone of the province's fishing, forestry, and tourism industries. When illness strikes during your limited earning season, you shouldn't have to lose an entire day driving to and waiting at a distant clinic. MedLetter provides same-day documentation from anywhere in NB — whether you're on the Acadian coast, in a logging camp, or at a remote tourism operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a sick note online in New Brunswick?
Yes. Licensed physicians provide virtual consultations and issue valid sick notes for New Brunswick residents.

How many sick days do New Brunswick employees get?
New Brunswick provides unpaid sick leave under the Employment Standards Act. The specific entitlement depends on length of employment.

Will my New Brunswick employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. All New Brunswick employers must accept sick notes from licensed physicians, whether issued in person or through virtual care.

How fast can I get a sick note in New Brunswick?
Online services deliver most sick notes within 2-6 hours.