Under the new employment standards regulations, employers in British Columbia cannot ask for a sick note for a worker’s first two health-related, short-term absences of five consecutive days or fewer in a calendar year.
“When you’re sick with the flu, or your child comes down with a cold, the last thing you should have to do is go to your doctor or a medical clinic to get a piece of paper saying you’re sick,” said Jennifer Whiteside, B.C.’s Minister of Labour. “Unnecessary medical appointments take time away from patients who need to see their doctors and nurses, don’t help people get better any faster and risk further spread of illness.”
The new rules, which went into effect immediately, will also allow more time for health-care providers to spend with patients.
These changes are based on input from health-care providers, who pointed to scientific evidence that shows most minor illnesses for adults, such as a cold and influenza, have symptoms that typically resolve within five days.
“No one should have to choose between their health and their job,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health.