Sick Note for Work Absence in Alberta

Your employer asked for a sick note and you don't have one yet. We can help, get an official doctor's note without visiting a clinic.

The Scenario

Many Alberta employees are caught off guard when their employer requests documentation after a sick day. Under Alberta Employment Standards, employers can request reasonable proof of illness, but you are not required to disclose your specific diagnosis. A general sick note confirming you were unfit for work is sufficient in most cases.

Steps to Get Your Sick Note

  1. Submit our 5-minute online form describing your symptoms
  2. A CPSA-registered physician reviews your submission
  3. Receive your official sick note PDF same day
  4. Forward the note to your employer via email

Your Legal Rights in Alberta

Under Alberta's Employment Standards Code, employees are entitled to up to 5 days of job-protected personal and family responsibility leave per year. Employers may request documentation, but the note only needs to confirm you were unable to work, not your specific condition.

How MedLetter Works

  1. Fill out the online form describing your situation (2 minutes)
  2. A CPSA-registered Alberta physician reviews your request
  3. Your signed sick note is delivered to your email same day (same day)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my employer fire me for taking a sick day?

No. Alberta Employment Standards protect employees from termination for taking legitimate sick leave. If you have documentation, you are protected.

Does the note say what I was sick with?

No. Our notes confirm you were medically unfit for work on the specified date(s) without disclosing your diagnosis. This is standard practice.

What if I was sick last week and need a note now?

We can issue retroactive sick notes for recent absences (within 7 days). Simply indicate the dates you were unwell on the form.

Is this widely accepted by Alberta employers?

Yes. Our notes are issued by CPSA-registered physicians and meet all legal requirements for employment documentation in Alberta.

Can my employer fire me for taking a sick day with a note?

No. Under Canadian employment law, terminating an employee for a legitimate medical absence supported by a physician note constitutes wrongful dismissal. Your sick note from MedLetter provides legal documentation of your absence.

Do I need a sick note for 1 day off work in Canada?

It depends on your province. In Ontario, employers cannot require a note for the first 3 sick days. In BC, no note is required for the first 5 paid sick days. In Alberta, employers can request a note for any absence. MedLetter provides same-day documentation regardless.

Can I get a sick note for a mental health day?

Yes. Mental health conditions are recognized medical conditions across Canada. Our physicians can provide documentation for mental health-related absences including anxiety, depression, burnout, and stress-related conditions.

What if I was sick yesterday and need a retroactive note?

MedLetter can provide documentation for recent absences (within the past 7 days). Describe your symptoms and the dates you were unable to work. The physician reviews each request individually.

How many sick days am I entitled to in Canada?

It varies by province: Ontario provides 3 unpaid days, BC provides 5 paid + 3 unpaid, Alberta provides no statutory minimum but most employers offer 5-10 days, and federally regulated workers get 10 paid days.

Can my employer contact my doctor to verify my sick note?

Your employer cannot contact your physician without your written consent due to privacy laws (PIPEDA federally, PIPA in Alberta, etc.). They can verify the physician registration number on the note through the provincial college website.

Other Scenarios

Need It Urgently?

Sick Notes by City

Sick Notes by Condition

New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time.

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