How to Get a Same-Day Sick Note Online in Canada

Missing work due to illness is stressful enough without worrying about how to get a sick note. In Canada, licensed physicians can issue medical notes through virtual consultations - often on the same day you request one. A same-day sick note is a document from a licensed physician confirming that you were seen and that, in their clinical opinion, you required time away from work. Under Canadian employment law, these notes carry the same legal weight whether issued in person or via telehealth. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, for example, recognizes virtual assessments as valid clinical encounters. To get a same-day note, you typically book a phone or video appointment with a licensed physician, describe your symptoms, and receive your documentation electronically - usually within hours. Most telehealth platforms charge a flat fee, often between $30 and $75. It is important to note that a physician will only issue a sick note if, after a clinical assessment, they determine one is appropriate. Virtual doctors cannot backdate notes, and they must use their professional judgment just as they would in a clinic. If your employer questions a virtual sick note, know that Employment Standards legislation in most provinces does not distinguish between in-person and telehealth-issued documentation. You have the right to choose your healthcare provider. *This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.*

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