Quebec Sick Leave Rules: Your Rights as an Employee
Understanding your sick leave entitlements under Quebec's Act Respecting Labour Standards.
Quebec employees get 2 paid sick days per year (after 3 months of service) plus additional unpaid days under the Act Respecting Labour Standards. Here's what you need to know about documentation requirements.
Quebec's Sick Leave Entitlements
Quebec employees who have completed 3 months of continuous service are entitled to 2 paid sick or family responsibility days per year. Employees are also entitled to additional unpaid days for illness, organ/tissue donation, or caring for a family member. These days are calculated on a calendar year basis.
Medical Certificate Requirements
Quebec employers may request a medical certificate for absences of 3 or more consecutive days. For shorter absences, employers generally cannot require medical documentation unless your employment contract or collective agreement specifies otherwise. Your employer is not entitled to know your specific diagnosis - only that you were absent for medical reasons.
Getting a Sick Note in Quebec
Quebec residents can get a sick note from a family doctor, CLSC, walk-in clinic, or telehealth service. MediNote provides bilingual service for Quebec residents at $55, with same-day delivery from a licensed physician. This is especially useful for Montreal and Quebec City residents facing long clinic wait times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many paid sick days do Quebec employees get?
Quebec employees with 3+ months of service are entitled to 2 paid sick days per year. Additional unpaid days are also available under the Act Respecting Labour Standards.
When can a Quebec employer ask for a doctor's note?
In Quebec, employers may request a medical certificate for absences of 3 or more consecutive days. For shorter absences, they generally cannot require documentation unless specified in your employment contract.
Can I get a sick note online in Quebec?
Yes. MediNote offers bilingual telehealth sick notes for Quebec residents for $55. Notes are issued by licensed physicians and delivered same-day.
Content reviewed by licensed Canadian physicians. Employment laws referenced are current as of February 2026.