How Many Sick Days Can You Take Without a Note in Canada?
A province-by-province breakdown of sick leave entitlements and when your employer can require a doctor's note.
The rules around sick notes vary by province and employer policy. Understanding your rights can save you time, money, and stress. This guide breaks down the statutory minimums across Canada and explains when your employer can - and cannot - require documentation.
Provincial Sick Leave Entitlements
Every province sets minimum sick leave standards through employment standards legislation. These are the minimum requirements - your employer may offer more generous policies through your employment contract or collective agreement.
| Province | Paid Days | Unpaid Days | Note Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 0 | 3/year | Employer discretion |
| British Columbia | 5 | 3 | After 3rd day |
| Alberta | 0 | 16 weeks (LT) | Employer discretion |
| Quebec | 2 | 26 weeks | After 3 days |
| Manitoba | 0 | 3/year | Employer discretion |
| Saskatchewan | 0 | 12 days/year | Employer discretion |
| Nova Scotia | 0 | 3/year | Employer discretion |
| New Brunswick | 0 | 5/year | Employer discretion |
| PEI | 1 | 3 | After 3rd day |
| Federal | 3 | 7 | After 3 consecutive days |
The General Rule of Thumb
While provincial rules provide the baseline, most Canadian workplaces follow a common pattern:
- 1 day: Most employers do not require a note, though they legally can in many provinces
- 2 days: Some employers begin requiring documentation, especially for patterned absences
- 3+ days: Most employers require a doctor's note - this is the standard threshold across Canada
- 5+ days: Virtually all employers require documentation, and you should consider applying for EI sickness benefits
When Your Employer Can and Cannot Require a Note
When they CAN require a note:
- When it is part of a consistently applied workplace policy
- For absences exceeding the provincial threshold (if one exists)
- When there is a pattern of suspicious absences (e.g., frequent Monday/Friday sick days)
- When required by a collective bargaining agreement
When they CANNOT:
- Demand your specific diagnosis (privacy law protects this)
- Require you to see a specific doctor of their choosing (except for independent medical examinations in disputed cases)
- Apply the requirement selectively to certain employees (discrimination)
- Refuse a note because it came from a virtual consultation
The Hidden Cost of Sick Notes
One ongoing debate in Canada is who should pay for sick notes. Currently:
- Provincial health insurance (OHIP, MSP, etc.) does not cover sick notes
- Walk-in clinics charge $20"$50 for sick notes, plus possible consultation fees
- Some Ontario hospitals have stopped charging for sick notes
- Several provinces have considered legislation to prohibit employers from requiring sick notes for short absences
How MediNote Can Help
When you do need a sick note, MediNote makes the process quick and affordable. Our same-day virtual consultations cost a transparent $55 " including the consultation and the note - and are available 7 days a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sick days can I take without a note in Ontario?
Ontario's Employment Standards Act provides 3 unpaid sick days per year. Employers can requestevidence reasonable in the circumstances" but many employer policies do not require a note for 1-2 days. For absences of 3+ days, most employers request medical documentation.
Can my employer require a doctor's note for one day off?
In most provinces, employers can request reasonable evidence of illness, which may include a doctor's note even for a single day. However, many workplace policies only require a note after 2-3 consecutive days. Check your employment contract and workplace policy.
Is it legal for my employer to require a sick note in Canada?
Yes. Employers in Canada can generally require medical documentation as a condition of taking sick leave, especially for longer absences. Provincial employment standards set minimum leave entitlements but allow employers to establish reasonable documentation requirements.
Do I have to pay for my own sick note?
In most cases, yes. Sick notes are not covered by provincial health insurance. However, some Ontario hospitals have stopped charging for sick notes, and some provinces are exploring legislation to shift the cost to employers. MediNote charges a flat $55 that covers the consultation and the note.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Employment law varies by province and individual employment agreements. Consult an employment lawyer for advice on your specific situation. Last updated February 2026.