Alberta Employment Standards and Medical Notes

Alberta\'s Employment Standards Code provides specific rules about medical leave and when employers can request documentation. Knowing these rules protects your rights. Under Alberta\'s Code, employees are entitled to 5 unpaid personal and family responsibility leave days per year. These can be used for personal illness, family caregiving, or family emergencies. There is no minimum service requirement. Regarding medical notes, Alberta\'s Employment Standards do not explicitly require a medical certificate for personal leave days. However, employers may include medical note requirements in their company policies or employment contracts, provided these policies comply with the Code and human rights legislation. The Alberta Human Rights Act protects employees from discrimination based on disability, which includes mental health conditions. If you need extended medical leave, your employer may have a duty to accommodate your condition, which could include modified work duties or extended leave. For absences exceeding the statutory minimum, Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits may apply - providing up to 26 weeks of income support at 55% of earnings. Virtual doctor visits are recognized in Alberta, and telehealth-issued medical notes carry the same validity as in-person notes. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta supports appropriate telehealth use. *This article is for informational purposes only.*

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Content reviewed by licensed Canadian physicians. Last updated February 2026.