Vancouver Sick Note Laws for Employers: BC Rules & Your Rights (2026)

Vancouver employers cannot require a sick note for your first 5 paid sick days. Here's what BC law says — and what happens after those 5 days are used.

Vancouver Sick Note Laws: What Employers Can and Cannot Ask (2026)

British Columbia has some of Canada's strongest sick leave protections. If you work in Vancouver, here's exactly what your employer can and cannot require.

BC's Paid Sick Leave: The Basics

Under the BC Employment Standards Act, all employees are entitled to:

  • 5 paid sick days per year (after 90 days of employment)

  • 3 additional unpaid sick days per year

  • Employers cannot require a sick note for these days

  • This is provincial law — company policies cannot override it


| Situation | Can Employer Require a Note? |
|---|---|
| First 5 paid sick days | No — prohibited by BC law |
| 3 unpaid sick days | No — also protected |
| Days beyond 8 total | Yes, if company policy requires it |
| Extended absence (5+ consecutive days) | Yes, reasonable to request |
| Return-to-work after WorkSafeBC claim | Separate process applies |
| Accommodation request (disability) | Medical documentation appropriate |

What Vancouver Employers Get Wrong

Despite clear legislation, many Vancouver employers still violate the law:

  • Restaurants/hospitality (Robson, Davie, Gastown): Often demand notes for single shifts — illegal

  • Retail (Pacific Centre, Metrotown): Points-based systems that penalize sick days — illegal for first 8 days

  • Tech companies (downtown): Generally compliant, but some startups ignore ESA

  • Construction/trades: Safety-sensitive return-to-work notes are legitimate, but can't be required for first 8 days


Major Vancouver Employer Policies

| Employer | Policy |
|---|---|
| City of Vancouver | CUPE agreement: note after 5 consecutive days |
| Vancouver Coastal Health | Note after 3 days, fitness-to-work for clinical staff |
| TransLink/Coast Mountain Bus | ATU agreement: note after 3 consecutive days |
| UBC | Varies by union, typically 5+ days |
| Port of Vancouver (ILWU) | Collective agreement governs |
| BC Public Service | 15 paid sick days, note after 3 consecutive |

Vancouver's Doctor Shortage

  • Over 900,000 British Columbians don't have a family doctor

  • Vancouver walk-in clinics average 1-3 hour waits

  • Many clinics on Broadway, Commercial, and in the suburbs are at capacity by noon

  • Walk-in clinics typically charge $30-50 for sick notes


Your Rights as a Vancouver Worker

1. 8 days without a note: You have 5 paid + 3 unpaid days where no note can be required
2. No diagnosis disclosure: A note confirming inability to work is sufficient
3. Any BC-licensed physician: Your employer cannot require a specific doctor
4. Virtual notes are valid: CPSBC-registered physicians can provide documentation via telehealth
5. File a complaint: If your employer violates these rules, contact the BC Employment Standards Branch

How to Get a Sick Note in Vancouver

If you've used your 8 protected days and your employer legitimately needs documentation:

1. MedLetter provides same-day sick notes from CPSBC-registered physicians
2. Submit online in 5 minutes — no clinic visit required
3. Official documentation emailed within hours
4. Accepted by all BC employers