Did you know that Canadians made 12.5 million sick note requests in just 12 months? Well, that’s a lot of doctor’s notes. This guide is for people in Canada who need to understand sick notes and what they need to prepare to request one. Keep reading to find out whether virtual care is a valid way to get documentation and how to check whether it meets the same professional standards as an in-person visit.
What is a sick note?
A sick note is a written statement by a medical professional that confirms an individual’s inability to work due to illness or injury. It is also called a medical certificate, medical note, or doctor’s note in Canada. These terms are often used interchangeably in everyday language. A sick note serves as official documentation that validates your absence from work or school for health reasons.
When do you need a sick note for work?
Most people do not need a sick note for every sick day. Whether you need one depends on:
- how long are you off
- whether the absence is repeated
- whether you are asking for modified duties or accommodation
- your employer’s policy and your province’s rules
Common situations where documentation is more likely to be necessary:
- you are away for several consecutive days
- you need a modified schedule (reduced hours, no lifting, no night shifts)
- Your job has safety-sensitive duties, and fitness to return matters
- you are applying for a benefit program that requires a certificate (such as Employment Insurance sickness benefits)
How many sick days until you need a doctor’s note?
There is no single rule for the number of days. It depends on law and policy. In several provinces, there are limitations on when employers can demand a sick note for short absences. In B.C., for instance, employers cannot ask for a sick note for the first two short-term health-related absences in a calendar year. More information about province-specific details is discussed later in the blog. In short, if your illness is short and common, you may not need a doctor’s note at all. If your illness is longer, recurring, or affects safety duties, some form of documentation may be requested.
When can an employer ask for a sick note?
According to Abacus Data, approximately 45% of Canadians whose employers have a workplace policy stated that a note must be given for any time-off request, regardless of duration. 50% said that their employers required only after an average absence of about three days.
Some industries are federally regulated (such as transportation and communication sectors). Federal rules can differ from provincial rules. An employer can ask for a medical certificate from an employee if he/she take paid or unpaid medical leave:
- no earlier than after 5 days of consecutive leave
- no later than 15 days after the employee’s return from leave
Are there any restrictions on employer sick note requests in Canada?
Yes. Restrictions differ by province. However, there is a clear policy direction in many places. Below is a provincial comparison table:
| Province | Minimum paid sick days | Minimum unpaid sick leave or health leave | Limits on requesting sick notes for short absences |
| Ontario | None required by employment standards (ESA sick leave is unpaid) | 3 unpaid ESA sick days per calendar year (after 2 weeks employed) | Employers may request “reasonable evidence,” but cannot require a certificate from a qualified health practitioner as evidence for ESA sick leave |
| British Columbia | 5 paid sick days (after 90 days) | Plus 3 unpaid sick days | Employers cannot ask for a sick note for the first 2 short-term health-related absences (≤5 consecutive days) per calendar year; later, the employer may request “reasonably sufficient proof,” and a doctor’s note may be unreasonable for common short illnesses |
| Alberta | No general paid sick days required | 5 unpaid personal/family responsibility days (after 90 days); long-term illness and injury leave up to 27 weeks per calendar year (effective Jan 1, 2026) | For personal/family responsibility leave, documentation is not required by legislation (workplace policies may differ); for long-term illness/injury leave, a medical certificate is required |
| Quebec | At least 2 paid days per year for certain absences (after 3 months), tied to the Act’s health/family absence rules | Unpaid absences for sickness/accident can extend much longer under the Act (time limits apply) | Employer cannot request the supporting document for the first 3 absences of ≤3 consecutive days within a 12‑month period; the employer may request documentation after that |
| Nova Scotia | None required by employment standards | 5 unpaid sick days per year (plus 3 unpaid family responsibility days) | Employers cannot require a certificate unless the absence is >5 consecutive working days, or there is a defined pattern of short absences within the prior 12 months; certificates can be issued by a “qualified health professional.” |
Who can issue a sick note in Canada?
Only licensed healthcare professionals who practice in Canada are authorized to issue a sick note. This also depends on the purpose. For example, notes from physicians and nurse practitioners are generally accepted at workplaces. Provincial legislation also recognized broader groups. Before you book, ask your employer what credentials they accept. Then confirm with the clinic if they can write workplace documentation.
For EI sickness benefits, Service Canada lists all medical practitioners who might fill and sign your medical certificate, including a medical doctor, physician, nurse practitioner, dentist, chiropractor, psychologist, and registered nurse.
What kind of information can employers ask for in a sick note?
Think of a sick note as a short, purpose-based statement that includes only what is needed for the work decision. Below is a useful checklist:
- Patient’s name
- Date the note is issued
- Clinician name, credentials, and signature of stamp
- Clinic contact details (often letterhead)
- Date(s) of assessment (in-person or virtual, if relevant)
- A clear statement of work status, “not fit for work” or “fit with restrictions.”
- Expected duration of sick leave due to illness or injury
- Restrictions (if any): limits on lifting, standing, driving, night shifts, exposure, etc.
The above requirements are a good benchmark for what complete documentation looks like. Please note here that a sick note usually shouldn’t include your diagnosis, unless necessary for accommodation, and if handled lawfully.
Can you get a medical certificate online?
Yes. Virtual care can support valid documentation when it is clinically appropriate and meets the same standards as in-person care. A legitimate note follows a real clinician interaction. Some practical steps for patients using telehealth to get a doctor’s note include:
- Be clear about why you need the note (time-off, restrictions, return-to-work)
- Share key facts (symptoms, severity, job demands, safety risks)
- Ask what follow-up is needed and when you should seek in-person care
Are sick notes free in Canada?
No. In Canada, sick notes are commonly considered uninsured medical services. That means they may not be covered by provincial health plans (e.g., OHIP), and the provider may charge a fee. The price starts from $20 for just a note, and some private clinics may charge up to $180 for a telehealth consultation and a doctor’s note.
The province-specific rules may vary regarding sick note fees. It is therefore recommended that you ask your medical provider about the cost before requesting one for work or school.
Can I get a sick note without going to a doctor?
Yes. You can get a sick note online as long as your medical condition doesn’t require an in-person assessment. Various telemedicine platforms in Canada provide digital notes for work and school after a virtual consultation if medically appropriate. However, they usually cover short-term illness and may not be able to provide backdated notes. Be careful with “instant note” services that skip proper evaluation.
Conclusion
In Canada, sick notes sit at the intersection of health care, workplace policy, and law. The right answer depends on your province and your job. Employers can request sufficient information to manage safety and accommodation. The best notes are short, factual, and legitimate with clinician details. They are usually not covered by health insurance plans. Prices vary depending on the type of care. A virtual walk-in clinic may be a convenient option to get a sick note for work and school, often without insurance and at affordable prices.
Please note that this blog is for general information. It is not legal advice. If you have a complex work situation, you may need HR, your union, or legal help. Virtual care can’t deal with situations that require in-person care or medical support.
