Alberta Sick Note Rules: When Can Your Employer Request One?

Alberta provides 5 unpaid personal and family responsibility leave days per year, but no mandatory paid sick leave. Employers may request a medical certificate for absences of 3+ consecutive days. Here's your complete guide.

Alberta's Sick Leave Entitlements

Under the Employment Standards Code, Alberta employees are entitled to 5 unpaid personal and family responsibility leave days per year after 90 days of employment. Unlike BC and Ontario, Alberta does not have mandatory paid sick days. However, many employers offer paid sick leave as part of their benefits packages.

When Can Your Employer Ask for a Note?

Alberta employers may request a medical certificate for absences of 3 or more consecutive working days. For shorter absences, whether a note is required depends on your employment contract and company policy. Many Alberta companies require a note for any absence to access company-provided paid sick days.

Getting a Sick Note in Alberta

Alberta residents can get a sick note from their family doctor, a walk-in clinic, or through telehealth. Walk-in clinics in Calgary and Edmonton often have multi-hour waits. MediNote offers same-day telehealth sick notes from physicians registered with the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) for $55.

Frequently Asked Questions

Content reviewed by licensed Canadian physicians. Last updated February 2026. Employment laws can change. Consult Alberta Employment Standards for current requirements.