Last reviewed and updated: July 2026
This comprehensive FAQ answers the 50 most commonly searched questions about sick notes in Canada. Whether you need a sick note for work, university, or EI benefits, find clear answers below organized by category. MedLetter serves all provinces: Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland.
It depends on your province. Alberta still allows employers to request sick notes for any absence. Ontario, BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Quebec have banned or restricted employer-required sick notes for short absences (typically 3 days or fewer). However, employers in those provinces may still request notes for longer absences or under collective agreements.
If your employer has a clear written policy requiring sick notes and you refuse to comply, they may have grounds for progressive discipline. However, termination solely for a missing sick note may constitute wrongful dismissal, especially in provinces that have banned the requirement. Consult an employment lawyer if you face termination.
Many employers reimburse sick note costs — check your collective agreement or company policy. MedLetter's $49 flat fee is commonly reimbursed by Canadian employers. Ask your HR department about their reimbursement policy.
No. Employers are only entitled to know that you were medically unfit for work and the dates of absence. They cannot demand a specific diagnosis. MedLetter sick notes confirm inability to work without disclosing private medical details, which complies with provincial privacy legislation (PHIA, PHIPA, PIPA).
Yes. Service Canada requires a medical certificate confirming you are unable to work due to illness, injury, or quarantine. MedLetter sick notes are accepted by Service Canada for EI Sickness Benefit applications across all provinces.
No. There is no legal basis for an employer to reject a sick note solely because it was issued via telehealth. The College of Physicians in every province recognizes virtual care as legitimate medical practice. MedLetter notes are signed by licensed physicians with their registration numbers.
Most Ontario employers request documentation for any absence — regardless of ESA provisions. HR departments track attendance patterns and not having a note when asked puts you at risk of disciplinary action. Protect yourself with same-day documentation from MedLetter for $49.
BC employees are entitled to 5 paid sick days and 3 unpaid sick days per year. In practice, most BC employers still request documentation for any absence — and not having one when asked puts your job at risk. Protect yourself with same-day documentation from MedLetter.
Costs vary by province and provider. Walk-in clinics charge $20-$50, family doctors $20-$40 (some include it in OHIP/MSP visits), and online services like MedLetter charge a flat $49 with same-day delivery. Emergency rooms do not typically issue sick notes.
No. Sick notes are considered uninsured services in all provinces. OHIP, MSP, AHCIP, and other provincial plans do not cover the cost of medical documentation for employment purposes. The fee is always out-of-pocket.
Completing medical documentation takes physician time outside of the insured medical consultation. Provincial health plans only cover diagnosis and treatment, not administrative paperwork. The Canadian Medical Association supports physicians charging reasonable fees for uninsured services.
Generally no. Sick note fees are not considered eligible medical expenses under the CRA Medical Expense Tax Credit. However, if the note is required for a disability-related accommodation, it may qualify. Consult a tax professional.
MedLetter charges $49 flat with no hidden fees and same-day delivery. Walk-in clinics charge $20-$50 for the note plus your time (average 2-3 hour wait). When you factor in lost wages, transportation, and wait time, MedLetter is often more cost-effective.
Yes. Every provincial College of Physicians recognizes telehealth and virtual care as legitimate medical practice. Online sick notes issued by licensed physicians carry the same legal weight as notes issued after an in-person visit. MedLetter physicians are registered with their respective provincial colleges.
Yes. There is no legal distinction between a sick note issued via telehealth and one issued in person. Both are signed by a licensed physician, include the physician's registration number, and confirm the patient's inability to work. Courts and employers treat them identically.
Yes. MedLetter includes a unique verification ID on every document. Employers can visit medletter.ca/verify to confirm authenticity. Only the issuing clinic name and date are revealed — no diagnosis or private medical information is disclosed.
Yes. Using a fraudulent medical document is a criminal offence under Section 366-368 of the Criminal Code of Canada (forgery and uttering forged documents). It can also result in immediate termination for cause. MedLetter notes are legitimate medical documents issued by licensed physicians.
Yes. Canadian courts and tribunals accept medical documentation from licensed physicians regardless of whether the consultation was virtual or in-person. MedLetter notes have been accepted in employment disputes, small claims court, and human rights tribunal proceedings.
Yes. In most provinces, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) have prescribing authority and can issue medical documentation including sick notes. However, MedLetter uses licensed physicians (MDs) for all documentation to ensure universal acceptance.
Most sick notes are delivered same day of submission. Our physicians review requests throughout the day, 7 days a week. Rush delivery is included in the standard $49 fee — there are no extra charges for same-day service.
With MedLetter, you complete a brief health questionnaire online. A licensed physician reviews your information and issues the note if appropriate. There is no video call or phone call required for standard sick notes.
Yes. MedLetter operates 7 days a week, including statutory holidays. This is one of the key advantages over walk-in clinics, which often have limited weekend hours or are closed on holidays.
Yes. MedLetter can issue sick notes for recent illness, typically within 3-5 days of the absence. This is helpful if you were too unwell to seek documentation during your illness or couldn't access a doctor.
MedLetter delivers sick notes as a professional PDF document via email. The document includes the physician's name, registration number, signature, date, and a unique verification ID. You can print it or forward it digitally to your employer.
If a physician determines that a sick note is not appropriate for your situation, you will receive a full refund. MedLetter does not guarantee approval — each request is reviewed on its medical merits by a licensed physician.
Yes. All major Canadian universities accept medical documentation from licensed physicians regardless of consultation format. This includes UofT, UBC, UofA, McMaster, Western, Queen's, McGill, Dalhousie, and all others. MedLetter notes meet the requirements for academic concession and exam deferral.
Step 1: Get your sick note from MedLetter ($49, same day). Step 2: Complete your university's deferral form (e.g., MSAF at McMaster, Academic Concession at UBC, Petition at UofT). Step 3: Attach the sick note and submit before the deadline. Step 4: Write the deferred exam at the rescheduled date.
Yes. MedLetter sick notes are accepted for assignment extensions, lab deferrals, tutorial absences, and participation grade accommodations at all Canadian universities. Check your specific course syllabus for the documentation requirements.
Deadlines vary by university: McMaster (MSAF within 5 days), UofT (within 7 days via ACORN), UBC (Academic Concession within 48 hours of missed exam), Western (within 48 hours), Queen's (within 3 days). Check your university's registrar website for exact deadlines.
Some universities require their own medical certificate form (e.g., UofT Verification of Illness form). MedLetter can complete university-specific forms when provided. For most universities, our standard sick note format is sufficient.
Yes. International students studying at Canadian universities can use MedLetter. Our physicians are licensed in Canada and our notes meet the documentation requirements of all Canadian post-secondary institutions regardless of the student's citizenship.
Yes. If you need time off to care for a sick family member, MedLetter can issue documentation supporting your need for family responsibility leave. Most provinces provide job-protected family caregiver leave.
Yes. MedLetter issues sick notes for COVID-19 infection, post-COVID symptoms, and quarantine requirements. No positive test result is required — physician assessment of symptoms is sufficient.
MedLetter serves all Canadian provinces: Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador. Our physicians are licensed to practice across Canada.
No. MedLetter does not require an existing family doctor or patient relationship. This is especially valuable for the 6.5 million Canadians without a family physician, particularly in rural areas and provinces with physician shortages.
Quebec has its own medical regulatory body (Collège des médecins du Québec) and employment standards. While MedLetter primarily serves English-speaking provinces, Quebec employees have similar rights regarding medical documentation.
These are the provincial Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons — CPSA (Alberta), CPSO (Ontario), CPSBC (British Columbia). They regulate medical practice and ensure physicians meet professional standards. MedLetter physicians are registered with their respective colleges.
Yes. A sick note from any licensed Canadian physician is valid across all provinces. If you live in Alberta but work remotely for an Ontario company, a note from a CPSA-registered physician is fully accepted.
MedLetter provides same-day sick notes reviewed by licensed Canadian physicians for $49. No clinic visit required. Accepted by all employers, universities, and Service Canada.