BC Sick Leave: Paid Days and Employee Rights

British Columbia provides some of the most employee-friendly sick leave provisions in Canada. Since January 1, 2022, BC employees are entitled to paid sick leave. Under BC\'s Employment Standards Act, eligible employees receive 5 paid sick days per year (after 90 days of employment) and 3 additional unpaid sick days per year. This makes BC the first province in Canada to mandate employer-paid sick leave. To qualify for paid sick days, you must have been employed for at least 90 consecutive days. The paid days are at your regular wage rate. Unused sick days do not carry over to the next year. Your employer may request \"reasonably sufficient proof\" of illness but cannot require you to see a specific physician. For extended illness, BC\'s Employment Standards protect your job during a medical leave of absence. EI sickness benefits can provide income support for up to 26 weeks. BC also expanded access to virtual healthcare. OHIP-equivalent coverage through the Medical Services Plan (MSP) covers physician visits, including those conducted virtually, at no cost to patients. This means you can obtain medical documentation for workplace purposes through a BC-covered telehealth visit. *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.