Sick Note Restrictions

Some provinces and territories allow employers to request sick notes after a certain threshold (e.g., more than five consecutive days).

If BC were to take this approach, what should be the threshold for a “short-term” absence?

Other provinces and territories allow employers to request sick notes after a certain number of absences and a defined number of consecutive days (e.g., at least two absences of five or less days due to illness/injury within a calendar year).

If BC were to take this approach, how frequently should an employee be absent before a sick note is required?

Is there scientific evidence that you think would be helpful in determining the appropriate threshold for ‘short term’ absences in BC? (i.e., the average length of time an illnesses may require a person to take off work)

Are there cases when sick notes required by an employer to support a short-term absence would be appropriate?

Do you have any further comments or information you would like to share to help inform our submission to government?