Are MedLetter documents legitimate?

Yes. Every letter is reviewed and signed by a physician registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Our documents include the physician's CPSA registration number, official letterhead, and signature.

How quickly will I receive my letter?

Most letters are delivered within 2-4 hours during business hours. Some complex requests may take up to 24 hours.

Is this service available outside Alberta?

No. This service is exclusively for Alberta residents. Our physicians are licensed with the CPSA and can only provide medical documents to patients within their jurisdiction.

What is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter?

An ESA letter is an official document from a licensed physician stating that you have a mental health condition that benefits from the companionship of an emotional support animal. This letter can be used for housing accommodation requests.

Sick Note Calgary: The Complete 2026 Guide for Workers & Students

Q: How much does a sick note cost?

A sick note from MedLetter costs $49 CAD. This is a one-time flat fee with no hidden costs.

The definitive guide to sick notes in Calgary — covering employer requirements, the 2026 Alberta law changes, walk-in clinic wait times, and how to get documentation online in minutes.

## Sick Note Calgary: Everything You Need to Know in 2026 If you're a Calgary worker or student who needs a sick note, this guide covers everything: when you need one, what it costs, where to get one, and the fastest options available in 2026. ### When Do Calgary Employers Require a Sick Note? Alberta is one of the few Canadian provinces that has **not banned** employers from requesting sick notes for short-term absences. Unlike Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec — which have all introduced restrictions — Alberta employers retain full discretion over sick note requirements. In practice, most Calgary employers require a sick note after: - **3+ consecutive days** of absence (most common policy) - **Any absence** in safety-sensitive roles (oil & gas, construction, healthcare) - **Pattern absences** (e.g., calling in sick every Monday) - **Before or after a long weekend or holiday** (some employers flag these) ### Calgary's Major Employer Sick Note Policies | Employer | Industry | Typical Requirement | |----------|----------|--------------------| | [Suncor Energy](/sick-note/employer/suncor) | Oil & Gas | After 2 consecutive days | | [WestJet](/sick-note/employer/westjet) | Aviation | After 3 days (federally regulated) | | [TC Energy](/sick-note/employer/tc-energy) | Energy | After 2-3 days | | [Alberta Health Services](/sick-note/employer/alberta-health-services) | Healthcare | After 3 days per collective agreement | | [Amazon Calgary](/sick-note/employer/amazon-calgary) | Warehousing | After 3 consecutive days | | [Costco Calgary](/sick-note/employer/costco-calgary) | Retail | After 3 days | | [TELUS Calgary](/sick-note/employer/telus-calgary) | Telecommunications | After 3-5 days | | City of Calgary | Municipal | After 3 days | | University of Calgary | Education | Varies by faculty | For detailed policies, visit our [employer-specific sick note pages](/sick-note/employer/suncor). ### What Changed in Alberta Sick Leave Law in 2026 Effective **January 1, 2026**, Alberta made significant changes to its sick leave framework: 1. **Long-term illness leave extended** from 16 weeks to **27 weeks** per calendar year 2. This aligns Alberta with the federal EI sickness benefit period 3. Employees are eligible after **90 days** of continuous employment 4. A **medical certificate** is still required to access this protection Additionally, Alberta provides: - **5 unpaid job-protected personal/family days** per year (after 90 days employment) - **10 paid sick days** for federally regulated workers (banks, telecom, rail, airlines) under the Canada Labour Code **Important:** In all cases, employers may request a doctor's note as proof of illness. ### How Much Does a Sick Note Cost in Calgary? | Option | Cost | Wait Time | Video Call? | Availability | |--------|------|-----------|-------------|-------------| | **MedLetter** | **$49** | **0 min** | **No** | **24/7** | | Calgary walk-in clinic | $0-$100 | 3-5 hours | In-person | Limited hours | | Maple (virtual) | $49-$79 | 15-60 min | Yes | Limited | | TelePlus Care | $40-$60 | 20+ min | Yes | Evenings/weekends | | Rocket Doctor | Free with AHC | 1-3 days | Yes | Appointment only | | Family doctor | $0-$50 | Days/weeks | In-person | Appointment only | Many Calgary walk-in clinics charge $20-$50 for a sick note on top of the consultation. Some clinics charge up to $100 for "administrative forms." With MedLetter, the $49 flat fee covers everything — no hidden charges. ### Calgary's Walk-In Clinic Problem Calgary faces a severe primary care crisis: - **650,000+ Albertans** lack a family doctor (Alberta Medical Association, 2024) - Calgary-zone shortages are among the **most acute** in the province - Walk-in clinic wait times average **3-5 hours** - Many clinics reach capacity **before mid-morning** - The Sheldon Chumir Health Centre and Peter Lougheed Centre are consistently overcrowded - Wait times to be rostered with a new family physician: **6-18 months** For someone who's