British Columbia's Sick Note Policy

Healthcare providers click here for a point of care patient handout

Do I need a doctor's note?

Did you know that in British Columbia, you no longer need a doctor's note for work or school for short term absences?

An employer can't request a doctor’s note, and an employee isn't required to provide one, unless at least one of the following applies:

Their leave lasts longer than 5 consecutive days
They take more than 2 health-related leaves, of 5 consecutive days or less, in the same calendar year

Even if an employer is allowed to request a sick note, an employee may be able to meet the requirement for reasonably sufficient proof without providing one.

As of November 2025, "reasonably sufficient proof" that you are sick can include:

A signed confirmation from you stating that you are sick
Receipt from a drugstore or pharmacy
Medical “bracelet” from a hospital

The Official Rule: For things like a cold or flu, your own written statement is often enough. Read the official Government of British Columbia rules here.

With these new rules many BC physicians will no longer be providing sick notes for short term leave.
Writing Your Own Note: You can use the form below to create a professional note to give to your employer or school.

Create Statement of Absence

You can fill out the form below to generate a note, or print a blank one to fill in by hand.

Recipient Type:

Your Full Name:

Employer / Company Name:

First Day of Absence:

Last Day of Absence:

Reason for Absence (Optional):

Date:

To: [Organization Name]

Re: Confirmation of Absence for Personal Illness/Injury

Please accept this letter as formal confirmation that I, [Name], was unable to attend work due to personal illness or injury during the following dates:

Start Date: [Date]
End Date: [Date]

I am submitting this signed statement to provide "reasonably sufficient proof" of my entitlement to leave, as outlined in the British Columbia Employment Standards Act.

Sincerely,

Signature

[Name]

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