Manitoba bans employers from requiring sick notes for short-term absences
New rules taking effect today in Manitoba prohibit employers from requesting medical documentation for absences lasting a week or less, or totaling 10 days or fewer per calendar year. Doctors Manitoba praised the change as the clearest sick note regulation in Canada and urged companies to update their internal policies.
Employees in Manitoba no longer need to provide a sick note for minor illnesses or injuries that result in short absences, under new rules that come into effect today.
Employers are now prohibited from asking for medical documentation if an employee misses a week or less of work. The restriction also applies when an employee misses 10 days or fewer over a calendar year. Employers remain permitted to request medical documentation for long-term absences, including maternity leave or serious injury.
The Government of Manitoba stated the change was implemented to support workers and reduce the burden on the health-care system.
Doctors Manitoba welcomed the update, stating that the province now has the clearest and strongest sick note rules in Canada. However, the organization noted that many employers still request sick notes despite existing rules and urged companies to update their internal policies to align with the new legal standards.