Surrey Sick Note Laws: What Employers Can and Cannot Ask (2026)
Surrey is BC's second-largest city with over 600,000 residents and a diverse economy spanning logistics, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and tech. Here's what BC law says about sick notes for Surrey workers.
BC Employment Standards: Your Baseline Rights
All Surrey workers are protected by the BC Employment Standards Act:
- 5 paid sick days per year (after 90 days)
- 3 unpaid sick days per year
- No sick note can be required for any of these 8 days
- Your employer cannot penalize you for using these days
Surrey's Key Industries and Sick Note Realities
| Sector | Common Employers | Sick Note Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Logistics/Warehouse | Amazon (Delta border), FedEx, UPS | Strict attendance policies — but can't override BC law for first 8 days |
| Healthcare | Surrey Memorial, Fraser Health | Note after 3 days, fitness-to-work for clinical roles |
| Agriculture | Fraser Valley farms | Often ignore ESA — workers have full rights regardless |
| Manufacturing | Newton industrial area | Safety-sensitive return-to-work is legitimate |
| Retail | Guildford, Central City | Often illegally demand notes for single shifts |
| Construction | Rapid development areas | Safety-sensitive roles may require return-to-work clearance |
Surrey's Unique Challenges
Surrey workers face specific barriers to getting sick notes:
- Sprawling geography: Getting to a walk-in clinic from Cloverdale, South Surrey, or Fleetwood can take 30+ minutes
- Doctor shortage: Over 100,000 Surrey residents lack a family doctor
- Language barriers: Many workers aren't aware of their rights under BC law
- Night/shift workers: Warehouse and logistics workers often can't access clinics during business hours
Your Rights in Surrey
1. 8 days without a note — this is law, not a suggestion
2. Temp workers are covered — whether through an agency or directly hired
3. Part-time workers are covered — pro-rated sick days still apply
4. Your employer must pay you for the first 5 sick days at your regular wage
How to Get a Sick Note in Surrey
If you need documentation beyond your 8 protected days:
1. MedLetter — same-day sick notes from CPSBC-registered physicians
2. Submit online in 5 minutes from anywhere in Surrey
3. No clinic visit — perfect for shift workers and those without transportation
4. Official documentation emailed within hours