11/14/2025
Sick? You shouldn’t have to sit in a waiting room just to get a note.
New regulations in BC mean that employers can’t ask for a sick note for your first two short-term absences—five days or fewer—in a calendar year. For a third absence or more, they may request one. This applies whether you're the one who's sick, or if you need to care for a child, parent, or immediate family member. And, of course, if you have a longer-term or serious illness requiring an accommodation or a return-to-work plan, your employer may request medical documentation.
This approach balances the needs of workers, employers, and the health-care system.
For workers, this means no more taking time and figuring out transportation or childcare just to get a form signed.
For doctors and nurse practitioners, limiting the need for sick notes means more time spent caring for patients who need care
For employers, the ability to ask for a note for more than two absences means that balance and fairness are built in.
Because when you’re sick, you should be able to stay home, prevent the spread of illness in the workplace, and get better. It just makes sense.
