Sick Leave in Ontario: What Employees Need to Know (2025 Guide)

If you’re feeling unwell and need time off, Ontario’s sick leave rules can be confusing. Many employees wonder how many sick days they get in Ontario, whether paid sick days are mandatory, and what the Employment Standards Act (ESA) actually guarantees.

Below is a simple breakdown of Ontario sick days, paid sick leave, and your rights when you need to take medical leave in Ontario.

How Many Sick Days Do You Get in Ontario?

Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA) gives most non-unionized employees 3 unpaid sick days per calendar year.

These are often called:

• Ontario sick days
• ESA sick leave
• ESA Ontario sick days

To qualify, you must have worked for your employer for at least two consecutive weeks.

Key Points:

• You get 3 job-protected unpaid sick days per year.
• Sick leave resets every January 1.
• Employers cannot punish you for taking this leave.

Are Paid Sick Days Mandatory in Ontario?

No. Under Ontario law, employers are not required to provide paid sick days.

This means:

• Ontario does not have 3 paid sick days under the ESA.
• Ontario does not have 10 paid sick days like the federal sector.
• Any paid sick leave Ontario employees receive is based on company policy or your employment contract.

How Sick Leave Works Under the ESA

Your ESA sick leave can be used for:

• Personal illness
• Injury
• Medical emergencies

This is separate from other ESA leaves of absence, such as family responsibility leave.

You do not need a doctor’s note unless your employer reasonably requires one.

Can Your Employer Ask for a Doctor’s Note?

Yes — if reasonable in the circumstances.
Your employer can request evidence that is reasonable, which may include a note confirming you were unable to work. They can’t demand a diagnosis.

Paid Sick Days vs. Unpaid Sick Days in Ontario

To avoid confusion:

Because many employees hear about 10 paid sick days in Canada, they assume this applies in Ontario. It only applies to federally regulated employees, such as banking, telecom, aviation, and transportation. See our guides on Sick Leave Alberta and BC Sick Days for rules in other provinces.

How Many Sick Days Are You Allowed in Ontario?

Here’s the simple rule:

• 3 unpaid sick days per year (ESA minimum).
• You may have more sick days if your contract or workplace policy provides additional paid or unpaid time.

If your employer gives paid sick leave, they must follow their own policy.

Do You Get Paid for Sick Leave in Ontario?

Generally no — sick leave under the ESA is unpaid.

But you may receive pay if:

• Your contract includes paid sick days.
• Your employer has an internal paid sick leave policy.
• You qualify for short-term disability or long-term disability Ontario benefits (through your insurer).
• You qualify for stress leave in Ontario, tied to a doctor-documented medical condition.

When Can Your Employer Deny Sick Leave?

ESA sick leave is job-protected. Your employer can’t deny your right to take it if you qualify.

However, they can deny paid sick leave if paid sick days are not part of your contract.

Can You Be Fired for Taking Sick Leave in Ontario?

No. Employers can’t penalize or fire you for taking a protected sick day.

But employers can terminate your employment without cause in Ontario as long as they provide full severance pay — and they can’t rely on the sick leave itself as the reason. Severance can be up to 24 months’ pay.

If your employer cuts your hours, disciplines you, or threatens termination after calling in sick, that may be illegal workplace retaliation in Ontario.

Medical Leave in Ontario: What If You Need More Than 3 Days?

If you’re dealing with a longer illness, injury, or serious medical condition, you may qualify for one or more options:

• Extended medical leave through workplace benefits (STD or LTD)
• Ontario Human Rights Code protections requiring accommodation
• Stress leave for mental health issues (doctor-supported)
• Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits

Your employer has a duty to accommodate medical limitations in Ontario, to the point of undue hardship.

Sick Days Ontario: Quick FAQ

How many sick days in Ontario per year?

3 unpaid ESA sick days.

How many paid sick days in Ontario?

None are required by law. Paid sick leave depends on employer policy.

Are paid sick days mandatory in Ontario?

No.

How many sick days are you allowed in Ontario?

Minimum 3 (unpaid), or more if your employer offers them.

Do you need a doctor’s note?

Sometimes. Only if reasonable — never for diagnosis details.

What happens if I need long-term medical leave?

You may qualify for disability benefits, accommodation, or protected leave.

If Your Sick Leave Is Denied or You Face Discipline, We Can Help

If your employer denies your sick leave, demands an unreasonable doctor’s note, cuts your hours (constructive dismissal in Ontario), or threatens termination, speak to an Ontario employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our firm helps thousands of employees across Ontario understand their rights and secure fair treatment at work, and features more than 3,000 five-star reviews from pleased clients.