Do You Need a Sick Note for 1 Day Off Work in Ontario?
Ontario banned employer sick note requirements for ESA days. But some situations still require documentation.
## Do You Need a Sick Note for 1 Day Off Work in Ontario?
**In most cases, no.** Under Ontario's Working for Workers Act (2022), employers **cannot require a medical note** for the 3 ESA-protected sick days. This is one of the strongest protections in Canada.
### The Law Is Clear
Since October 2022:
- Employers **CANNOT** require a sick note for ESA sick days
- This applies to all 3 unpaid sick days
- Employers who demand notes are violating the ESA
- You can file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour
### When You MIGHT Still Need a Note
Despite the Working for Workers Act, some situations may require documentation:
1. **Beyond your 3 ESA days** — If you've used all 3 and need more time off
2. **Employer-provided paid sick days** — Some employers offer paid days with their own policies
3. **Extended absence** — Multiple consecutive days beyond ESA entitlement
4. **Return-to-work clearance** — After surgery or extended illness
5. **WSIB claims** — Work-related injuries require specific documentation
### If Your Employer Demands a Note for ESA Days
If your employer requires a sick note for your ESA-protected days:
1. Politely remind them of the Working for Workers Act
2. Reference Section 50.1 of the Ontario ESA
3. If they persist, file a complaint with the Ontario Ministry of Labour
4. Document all communications
### When You DO Need a Note
For absences beyond your 3 ESA days, getting documentation quickly is important. MedLetter provides within 6 hours sick notes from CPSO-registered physicians — no clinic visit required.
**[Get your sick note →](/get-started/sick_note)** — $49, delivery within 6 hours, CPSO-registered physician.