Sick Notes in British Columbia – What Employees Need to Know

If you’re sick and need time off work in B.C., do you need a doctor’s note? Can your employer ask for one? What if you can’t get in to see your doctor?

With a shortage of family physicians and changes to B.C.’s employment laws, the rules around sick notes in British Columbia are evolving. This guide explains your current rights as an employee – and how upcoming changes to the law in Fall 2025 may affect you.

Table of Contents

Can my employer ask for a sick note in B.C.?

Yes – for now.

Employers in British Columbia can currently request a sick note to confirm your absence from work. This falls under the province’s Employment Standards Act (ESA) and applies once you’ve worked for an employer for at least 90 days.

Acceptable proof may include:

• A sick note from a medical professional
• A hospital bracelet or discharge papers
• A pharmacy receipt

However, this is expected to change in Fall 2025, as the B.C. government plans to ban sick notes for short-term absences.

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What should a sick note include?

While your employer can’t ask for your medical diagnosis, they can expect a note to confirm:

• The date of your medical visit
• The expected length of your recovery
• Whether you were seen in person

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Can I refuse to provide a sick note?

You can – but it may affect your rights.

If you decline to provide a note, your employer may refuse to grant you sick leave or even discipline you. However, they must give you a reasonable amount of time to obtain proof, especially if:

• You can’t access a doctor promptly
• You live in a remote area
• You’re unwell enough to stay home

It’s illegal for an employer to significantly change your job because of illness. That could trigger a constructive dismissal and entitle you to full severance – as much as 24 months’ pay.

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Can my employer request a second opinion?

Usually, no — but there are exceptions.

Employers generally rely on your doctor’s note. However, they might request:

• A functional abilities form from your doctor to assess accommodations
• An Independent Medical Examination (IME) in rare cases, especially for long-term disability claims

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Can I be fired for not giving a sick note?

You can be let go without cause if you refuse to provide proof – but your employer must:

• Provide full severance pay – as much as 24 months’ pay
• Avoid any discriminatory reasons for dismissal

If either condition is not met, you may be owed compensation for wrongful dismissal.

In some cases, a prolonged absence without documentation may lead to termination for cause or be considered job abandonment, though this is harder to justify legally.

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Can my employer make me use vacation time when I’m sick?

Yes – if you’ve run out of sick days.

Employers in B.C. can decide when vacation is taken. If you’ve already used your five paid and three unpaid sick days, your boss can require you to use vacation days to cover your time off.

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Upcoming Ban on Sick Notes in B.C.

In Fall 2025, Bill 11 is expected to take effect, banning sick notes for short-term absences. The goal is to:

• Reduce pressure on overwhelmed health-care providers
• Prevent unnecessary clinic visits
• Allow sick employees to recover at home

As Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside explained:

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Talk to a B.C. Employment Lawyer

If your employer is pressuring you to skip your sick days, demanding unnecessary sick notes, or penalizing you unfairly – you don’t have to face it alone.

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we’ve helped over 50,000 non-unionized employees in Canada stand up to unfair treatment. Our team of B.C. employment lawyers can help you understand your rights and secure what you’re legally owed.

Call 1-855-821-5900 to speak with a lawyer, or fill out our confidential online form.