November 12,2025
RED FM News Desk
Effective immediately, new regulations restrict when employers can request sick notes and aim to give health-care providers more time to focus on patient care.
Under these updated employment standards, employers are no longer allowed to ask for a sick note for an employee’s first two health-related absences of five consecutive days or fewer within a calendar year.
“When you’re sick with the flu or your child has a cold, the last thing you should have to do is visit a doctor just to get a note,” said Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside. “These unnecessary appointments take time away from patients who truly need care, don’t help anyone recover faster, and increase the risk of spreading illness.”
The changes are informed by feedback from health-care professionals, who note that most short-term illnesses—such as colds or influenza—usually resolve within five days.
“No one should have to choose between their health and their job,” said Health Minister Josie Osborne. “These new rules allow people to stay home when they’re sick without worrying about getting a doctor’s note, while also reducing paperwork for health-care providers so they can focus on caring for patients.”
The updated rules apply to all employees covered by the Employment Standards Act and establish a minimum standard across the province. They are part of a broader effort to reduce administrative burdens in health care and improve system efficiency.
Dr. Katherine Bell, president of the B.C. College of Family Physicians, praised the move, saying:
“Family doctors spend hours each day on unnecessary paperwork. It’s encouraging to see the government listen to community-based physicians and implement solutions that will improve access to care and make the system work better for everyone.”
Learn More:
To learn more about the legislative changes, see the April 15, 2025, news release:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025LBR0016-000336
To view the Employment Standards Branch website and related updates, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards-advice/employment-standards/time-off/leaves-of-absence#illness-or-injury
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