6 Sick Note Rules Every BC Employee Should Know — 2026

1. BC's Paid Sick Leave Entitlements

British Columbia was one of the first provinces to mandate paid sick leave for employees. After 90 consecutive days of employment, you are entitled to both paid and unpaid sick days under the BC Employment Standards Act.

Your entitlements include:

• 5 paid sick days per year at your regular wage rate
• 3 unpaid sick days per year with job protection

These days reset on the anniversary of your employment, not on January 1. This is a key difference from Ontario, where the calendar year applies.

Paid sick days are calculated at your regular wage rate. If your hours vary, the calculation is based on your average daily pay over the previous 30 calendar days.

2. When Can Your Employer Ask for a Sick Note?

Under BC law, employers may request "reasonably sufficient proof" that you were sick. The key word in the legislation is "reasonable" — the standard is not absolute.

For short absences of 1-2 days, many employers accept a verbal or written statement from the employee. For longer absences or when accessing paid sick days, employers are more likely to request a doctor's note.

The reasonableness standard means employers cannot demand excessive or invasive documentation. A simple confirmation from a physician that you were unable to work is sufficient in most situations.

3. What Your Employer Cannot Ask

BC privacy law protects employees from invasive medical inquiries by their employers. There are clear boundaries on what employers can and cannot require.

Your employer cannot ask for:

• Your specific diagnosis or medical condition
• Details about your treatment plan
• Information about medications you are taking
• A note for every single sick day when the absence is short

If your employer presses for diagnostic details, you have the right to refuse. A physician's note confirming that you were seen and that a medical absence was warranted is all that is required.

4. Getting a Sick Note in BC

If you do need a sick note, you have several options with different costs and wait times. The best choice depends on your situation and urgency.

Your family doctor is often the first choice, but appointment wait times in BC can be significant — especially in cities like Vancouver and Victoria. Fees for sick notes typically run $20-$40.

Walk-in clinics offer same-day access but come with long waits. In Vancouver and Surrey, expect 2-4 hours during peak times. Fees range from $30-$50.

Telehealth services like MediNote provide same-day sick notes for a flat $55. The consultation happens by phone, the note is delivered digitally, and all physicians are registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia.

5. Paid Sick Day Calculation

Understanding how your paid sick days are calculated prevents surprises on your paycheque. BC uses a specific formula based on your recent work history.

If you work regular hours, your paid sick day equals your normal daily wage. If your hours fluctuate, your employer calculates the average daily pay using the 30 calendar days before your sick leave.

Part-time employees are entitled to the same 5 paid and 3 unpaid sick days. The pay for each day reflects your average hours, not a full-time equivalent.

6. Key Takeaways for BC Employees

Know your rights and the limits of what your employer can require. BC's paid sick leave is among the most generous statutory provisions in Canada.

• You get 5 paid + 3 unpaid sick days per year after 90 days of employment
• Employers can ask for proof, but it must be "reasonably sufficient"
• Your employer cannot ask for your diagnosis
• Online sick notes from licensed BC physicians are valid and accepted
• Sick days reset on your employment anniversary, not January 1

Sources: British Columbia Employment Standards Act. BC Ministry of Labour. Information current as of February 2026.