Can You Get Out of Jury Duty for Medical Reasons?
Yes. Every Canadian province allows you to be excused from jury duty if you have a medical condition that would make serving as a juror a hardship. However, you need proper medical documentation — a simple phone call won't suffice.
Medical Conditions That Qualify for Exemption
Courts generally accept medical exemptions for:
- Chronic pain conditions that prevent sitting for extended periods
- Mental health conditions (severe anxiety, PTSD, depression) that would be worsened by trial content
- Mobility issues that make courthouse attendance difficult
- Hearing or vision impairment that would prevent following proceedings
- Ongoing medical treatment (chemotherapy, dialysis, etc.)
- Recent surgery with recovery period overlapping jury service
- Pregnancy complications or late-term pregnancy
- Incontinence or conditions requiring frequent bathroom access
- Cognitive conditions affecting concentration or comprehension
- Medication side effects (drowsiness, confusion)
The Process by Province
Alberta
1. Receive jury summons
2. Complete the "Request to be Excused" form
3. Attach a doctor's note explaining your medical condition
4. Submit to the Court of Queen's Bench clerk
5. A judge reviews and grants/denies the exemption
Ontario
1. Receive jury notice
2. Write a letter to the court requesting exemption
3. Include medical documentation from a physician
4. Mail or deliver to the courthouse address on your summons
5. You'll receive written notice of the decision
British Columbia
1. Receive jury summons
2. Complete the online exemption request form (or mail)
3. Attach medical documentation
4. Submit before the jury selection date
5. Sheriff's office reviews and responds
What Your Doctor's Note Needs to Include
For a jury duty medical exemption, your note should state:
1. Your name (matching the jury summons)
2. Date of the note
3. That you have a medical condition (no need to specify diagnosis)
4. That the condition prevents you from serving as a juror — be specific about WHY (can't sit for long periods, medication causes drowsiness, condition worsened by stress, etc.)
5. Duration — whether the condition is permanent or temporary
6. Physician signature and registration number
Sample Language
> "I am writing to confirm that [Patient Name] is under my care for a medical condition that would make jury service a significant hardship. The patient's condition prevents them from [sitting for extended periods / concentrating for full court days / attending a courthouse regularly]. This condition is [ongoing/expected to last until DATE]. I recommend they be excused from jury duty."
Important: Timing Matters
| Province | When to Submit | How Far in Advance |
|----------|---------------|-------------------|
| Alberta | Before jury selection date | At least 2 weeks |
| Ontario | Upon receiving notice | As soon as possible |
| BC | Before jury selection date | At least 10 days |
Do not ignore a jury summons. Even if you have a medical condition, you must formally request an exemption. Ignoring a summons can result in fines ($1,000-$5,000 depending on province).
What If You're Denied?
If your initial request is denied:
- You can provide additional medical documentation with more detail
- You can request a deferral instead (postpone to a later date)
- You can appear on the selection date and explain your situation to the judge in person
- In most cases, judges are sympathetic to legitimate medical concerns
How MedLetter Can Help
MedLetter provides medical documentation for jury duty exemption requests:
- Licensed physician reviews your medical situation
- Professional letter formatted for court submission
- Appropriate language — we know what courts look for
- Same-day delivery — important when deadlines are tight
- $49 flat fee
Our physicians can provide documentation for conditions including chronic pain, mental health conditions, mobility issues, and ongoing treatment that conflicts with jury service.
Note: We provide honest medical documentation. If you have a legitimate medical reason for exemption, we can help document it. We do not provide fraudulent notes for people simply wanting to avoid civic duty.
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.