Stress Leave in Ontario: Your Complete Guide
Mental health is a recognized disability under the Ontario Human Rights Code, which means stress-related conditions are protected. Here's how to navigate stress leave in Ontario.
Your Legal Rights
Employment Standards Act (ESA):
- 3 paid sick days (can be used for mental health)
- Up to 3 days unpaid personal emergency leave
- Job-protected leave for serious illness
Ontario Human Rights Code:
- Mental health conditions are recognized disabilities
- Employers must accommodate to the point of undue hardship
- You cannot be fired for taking mental health leave
- Employers cannot ask for your specific diagnosis
How to Request Stress Leave
Step 1: Recognize the signs
- Persistent anxiety affecting work performance
- Inability to concentrate or make decisions
- Physical symptoms (insomnia, headaches, chest tightness)
- Emotional exhaustion or burnout
Step 2: Get medical documentation
A stress leave note from a CPSO-registered physician should include:
- Confirmation that you have a medical condition affecting your ability to work
- Recommended duration of leave
- Any workplace modifications needed for return
- Expected return date (can be updated)
Step 3: Notify your employer
- Provide written notice of your need for leave
- Submit medical documentation (you do NOT need to share your diagnosis)
- Request any workplace accommodations needed
Step 4: During your leave
- Follow your physician's recommendations
- Stay in communication with your employer about return timeline
- Document any workplace contact
- Apply for EI sickness benefits if leave exceeds 1 week
Duration of Stress Leave in Ontario
There's no set maximum for stress leave in Ontario:
- Short-term: 1-4 weeks (most common for acute stress)
- Medium-term: 1-3 months (burnout recovery)
- Long-term: 3-6+ months (severe mental health conditions)
Your physician determines the appropriate duration based on your condition.
Getting a Stress Leave Note Online
MedLetter provides stress leave documentation from CPSO-registered physicians:
- Same-day delivery (same day)
- Properly formatted for Ontario employers
- Includes recommended duration and return plan
- No clinic visit required
- $49 for standard delivery
EI Sickness Benefits During Stress Leave
If your stress leave exceeds 1 week, you may qualify for EI sickness benefits:
- Up to 26 weeks of benefits
- 55% of your average insurable earnings (max $668/week in 2026)
- Requires medical certificate (MedLetter can provide this)
- Apply online through Service Canada
Returning to Work After Stress Leave
Your employer must:
- Welcome you back to your position (or equivalent)
- Provide any agreed-upon accommodations
- Not penalize you for taking leave
- Keep your medical information confidential
Consider requesting:
- Gradual return (part-time initially)
- Modified duties during transition
- Regular check-ins with HR
- Access to EAP services
Related: [Sick Note Ontario — Complete City Guide](/sick-note-ontario) | [Ontario Sick Note Cost 2026](/blog/ontario-sick-note-cost-2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note online in Ontario?
Yes. CPSO-licensed physicians can assess patients through virtual consultations and issue legally valid sick notes accepted by all Ontario employers.
How much does an online sick note cost in Ontario?
MedLetter charges a flat $49 for a sick note with same-day delivery. This includes the physician assessment and official documentation.
Will my Ontario employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario recognizes 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.