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.

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.

Sick Notes for Fort McMurray Oil Sands Workers: What You Need to Know

Working in Fort McMurray's oil sands? Here's everything you need to know about sick note requirements for camp workers, shift workers, and FIFO employees.

## Sick Notes for Fort McMurray Oil Sands Workers Fort McMurray is the heart of Canada's oil sands industry, with tens of thousands of workers employed by companies like Suncor, Syncrude, CNRL, and Imperial Oil. Whether you live in Fort McMurray or fly in from Edmonton, Calgary, or elsewhere, getting a sick note when you're unwell presents unique challenges. ### The Fort McMurray Healthcare Challenge Fort McMurray has a well-documented healthcare shortage: - **Northern Lights Regional Health Centre** is the only hospital, with emergency wait times regularly exceeding 6 hours - Walk-in clinic options are extremely limited for a city of 75,000+ - Many residents don't have a family doctor — the physician shortage in Wood Buffalo is among the worst in Alberta - Camp workers (living at site accommodations) have even fewer options ### Oil Sands Employer Sick Note Policies Most major oil sands employers have strict documentation requirements: **Suncor Energy:** - Sick note required after 2+ consecutive shifts missed - Safety-sensitive positions require medical clearance to return - Drug and alcohol testing may be required after certain absences **Syncrude:** - Documentation required for any absence exceeding 2 days - Occupational health department manages all medical documentation - Modified duty options available with physician recommendation **CNRL (Canadian Natural Resources):** - Sick note required for absences of 3+ days - Camp workers must notify their supervisor AND occupational health - Return-to-work clearance required for safety-sensitive roles **Imperial Oil / ExxonMobil:** - Follows corporate absence management policy - Third-party disability management for extended absences - Sick note required after 2 consecutive shifts ### Camp Workers: Special Considerations If you work at a camp (Suncor Base Plant, CNRL Horizon, Kearl Lake, etc.): 1. **Limited on-site medical:** Most camps have a medic or nurse, but they cannot issue sick notes 2. **Travel challenges:** You can't easily drive to a Fort McMurray clinic from a remote camp 3. **Shift scheduling:** Missing a 12-hour shift has significant scheduling implications 4. **FIFO workers:** If you fly in from another city, you may not have a local doctor ### How MedLetter Helps Fort McMurray Workers MedLetter is ideal for oil sands workers because: - **100% online** — no need to leave camp or drive to Fort McMurray - **Available 24/7** — works with any shift schedule (day shift, night shift, shutdown schedules) - **Same-day delivery** — get your sick note emailed within 1-4 hours - **CPSA-registered physician** — accepted by all Alberta employers including Suncor, Syncrude, CNRL, and Imperial - **$49 flat fee** — no surprise costs ### Your Rights as a Fort McMurray Worker Under Alberta's Employment Standards Code: - You are entitled to **5 unpaid job-protected sick days** per year (after 90 days of employment) - Your employer **can** request a sick note, but **cannot** ask for your specific diagnosis - You **cannot** be fired for taking legitimate sick leave with proper documentation - Camp workers have the same rights as any other Alberta employee ### Getting a Sick Note from Fort McMurray **Option 1: MedLetter (Recommended)** - Cost: $49 - Wait: 0 minutes (online form takes 5 minutes) - Delivery: 1-4 hours to your email - Availability: 24/7 **Option 2: Northern Lights Regional Health Centre** - Cost: Free with Alberta Health Card - Wait: 4-8 hours (emergency department) - Availability: 24/7 but extremely busy **Option 3: Fort McMurray Walk-In Clinics** - Cost: Free with Alberta Health Card - Wait: 3-5 hours - Availability: Limited hours, often at capacity For Fort McMurray workers — especially those on camp or working rotating shifts — MedLetter provides the fastest, most convenient way to get an official sick note accepted by all oil sands employers. [Get Your Sick Note Now — $49, Same Day Delivery](/get-started/sick_note)