Sick Note Rules Changed in Canada 2026 - What Alberta Workers Need to Know
Multiple Canadian provinces changed sick note rules in 2025-2026. BC banned them for short absences, federal rules now require 5+ days. Here's how Alberta compares and what it means for you.
## Canada's Sick Note Rules Are Changing - Province by Province
In 2025 and 2026, multiple Canadian provinces have dramatically changed their sick note requirements. Some have outright **banned** employers from requesting sick notes for short absences. Here's what's happening across Canada and how it affects Alberta workers.
### What Changed in 2025-2026
#### British Columbia (November 2025)
BC became the most aggressive province on sick note reform. As of November 12, 2025, employers **cannot** request a sick note for a worker's first two health-related absences of five or fewer consecutive days per year. This effectively eliminates sick notes for most short-term illnesses.
#### Federal Workplaces (January 2026)
Federally regulated employees (banks, airlines, telecommunications, interprovincial transport) can only be asked for a sick note if they've been absent for **at least five consecutive days**. The request must be made in writing.
#### Nova Scotia (2025)
Nova Scotia introduced similar restrictions, limiting when employers can demand medical certificates for short absences.
#### Ontario
Ontario already prohibits employers from requiring a sick note for the first three days of an employee's entitlement to sick leave under the Employment Standards Act.
### Where Does Alberta Stand?
Alberta has **not** banned sick note requests. Under current Alberta Employment Standards:
- Employers **can** include sick note requirements in workplace policies
- There is no minimum absence threshold before a note can be requested
- The request must be "reasonable" and consistently applied
- Employers typically request notes for absences of 3+ consecutive days
- Some Alberta employers still require notes for 1-day absences (this is legal)
**Bottom line:** If your Alberta employer asks for a sick note, you likely need to provide one. Unlike BC or federal workers, Alberta employees don't have legislative protection against sick note requests for short absences.
### Why This Matters for Alberta Workers
The national trend is moving **away** from sick notes for short absences. Medical associations across Canada (including the CMA) have advocated against routine sick notes, calling them a waste of healthcare resources. However, until Alberta changes its legislation, employers here can still require them.
This creates a practical problem: Alberta's walk-in clinics are overwhelmed, family doctor shortages are severe, and getting a sick note for a 1-2 day absence can mean a 3+ hour wait at a clinic - when you're already sick.
### The MedLetter Solution
MedLetter exists specifically for this gap. When your Alberta employer requires a sick note but you can't access a clinic:
- **$49 flat fee** - no surprise billing
- **Same day delivery** - most notes within 1-4 hours
- **CPSA-registered physician** - legally valid in Alberta
- **No video call required** - complete a 5-minute form from your phone
- **Available 24/7** - including weekends and holidays
### Will Alberta Change Its Rules?
There's growing pressure on Alberta to follow BC's lead. The Alberta Medical Association has expressed support for reducing unnecessary sick note requirements. However, no legislation is currently pending.
Until the law changes, Alberta workers who need a sick note have two options: wait 3+ hours at a walk-in clinic, or get one online through MedLetter in minutes.
### Key Takeaways
| Province | Can employer request sick note for 1-2 day absence? | Minimum days before note required |
|----------|-----------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------|
| Alberta | Yes (if in policy) | No minimum |
| BC | No (first 2 absences/year) | 5+ days |
| Ontario | No (first 3 days of ESA entitlement) | 3+ days |
| Federal | No | 5+ consecutive days |
**Get your Alberta sick note today** - [Get Started - $49](/get-started/sick_note)
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**Related:** [Calgary Sick Note](/sick-note/calgary) | [Edmonton Sick Note](/sick-note/edmonto