Federal Government Sick Leave: The Basics
If you work for the federal government or a federally regulated employer (banks, airlines, telecom, railways, Crown corporations), your sick leave is governed by the Canada Labour Code — not provincial employment standards.
Your Entitlements
| Benefit | Details |
|---------|---------|
| Paid sick days | 10 per year (since Dec 2022) |
| Sick note threshold | Only after 5+ consecutive days |
| Accumulation | Unused days carry over (varies by collective agreement) |
| Family-related leave | 5 days (3 paid) for family illness |
| Long-term illness | 27 weeks unpaid (with EI sickness benefits) |
The 5-Day Rule Explained
Under the Canada Labour Code (Part III, Division VII):
> An employer may only request a medical certificate from an employee who has been absent for five or more consecutive days.
This means:
- Days 1-5: Your employer CANNOT ask for a sick note
- Day 6+: Your employer CAN request medical documentation
- The request must be made in writing
- The note only needs to confirm you were unable to work — not your diagnosis
Important Exceptions
The 5-day rule applies to the Canada Labour Code minimum. However, your collective agreement may have different provisions:
| Bargaining Group | Typical Sick Note Policy |
|-----------------|--------------------------|
| PA (Program and Administrative) | After 5 days (CLC minimum) |
| TC (Technical) | After 5 days |
| EB (Education and Library Science) | After 5 days |
| Management/excluded | Employer discretion (usually 5 days) |
| RCMP | Specific health services protocols |
| Military (CAF) | Different system entirely |
When Management Can Request a Note
Even within the 5-day rule, there are situations where management may request documentation:
Legitimate Requests:
1. Absence of 5+ consecutive days — Standard CLC provision
2. Pattern of absences — If you have a documented pattern (e.g., every Monday, every Friday), management may request documentation under duty to accommodate
3. Return-to-work after extended absence — Fitness for duty assessment
4. Accommodation requests — If you're requesting modified duties or schedule changes
Potentially Improper Requests:
- Requesting a note for 1-4 day absences (unless pattern exists)
- Demanding diagnosis information
- Requiring a note from a specific doctor
- Requesting documentation retroactively for past absences that weren't flagged at the time
Navigating the System: Practical Tips
1. Know Your Collective Agreement
Your CA may provide MORE generous sick leave than the CLC minimum. Read your specific provisions.
2. Use Phoenix/Pay System Correctly
Ensure your sick leave is coded correctly in the pay system to avoid issues.
3. Document Everything
If management requests a note, get the request in writing. If you believe the request is improper, consult your union steward.
4. Understand "Sick Leave Credits"
Many federal employees accumulate sick leave credits (1.25 days/month). These are separate from the 10 CLC paid days.
5. Know the Difference: CLC Days vs. CA Credits
- CLC 10 paid days: Available to all federally regulated employees, no accumulation
- CA sick leave credits: Accumulated over time, may have different documentation rules
EI Sickness Benefits for Federal Employees
If your illness extends beyond your paid sick leave:
- 26 weeks of EI sickness benefits available
- 55% of insurable earnings (max $668/week in 2026)
- Requires a medical certificate (Service Canada form)
- 1-week waiting period before benefits begin
- Can be combined with accumulated sick leave credits
Mental Health and Federal Sick Leave
Mental health conditions are fully covered under federal sick leave provisions:
- Anxiety, depression, burnout, PTSD all qualify
- Same 5-day rule applies — no note needed for 1-5 days
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available for all federal employees
- Duty to accommodate applies to mental health conditions
- You do NOT need to disclose your specific condition to management
How MedLetter Helps Federal Employees
MedLetter provides documentation for federal government employees when needed:
- Sick notes for 5+ day absences — meets CLC requirements
- Return-to-work clearance — confirms fitness for duty
- Accommodation letters — supports duty to accommodate requests
- EI medical certificates — for sickness benefits applications
Why Federal Employees Use MedLetter:
- No family doctor — 6.5 million Canadians lack a family doctor
- Long wait times — 3-6 week waits for GP appointments
- Weekend/evening illness — clinics closed when you need them
- Remote work — may not be near your usual clinic
- Privacy — no need to visit a clinic your coworkers might see you at
$49 flat fee | Same-day delivery | Licensed physician
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note online in Canada?
Yes. Licensed Canadian physicians can assess patients through virtual consultations and issue legally valid sick notes accepted by employers across all provinces.
How much does an online sick note cost?
MedLetter charges a flat $49 for a sick note with same-day delivery. No hidden fees, no clinic wait times.
Will my employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. All Canadian provincial medical colleges recognize virtual care. Online sick notes are legally equivalent to in-person notes.
How long does it take to get a sick note from MedLetter?
Most sick notes are delivered within 2-6 hours of submission. Same-day delivery is standard.