On November 12, 2025, the Government of British Columbia passed Bill 11, the Employment Standards Amendment Act, which was first introduced in the Institute’s April Late Breaking Payroll News.
Under the new employment standards regulations, employers are prohibited from requesting a sick note for a worker’s first two short-term, health-related absences of five consecutive days or fewer within a calendar year.
The restriction on medical notes/documents/records does not apply where they are necessary to assess whether the employee:
- Is fit to return to work after the health-related leave; or
- Requires accommodation to return to work after the health-related leave.
Employers should:
- Review and update internal policies/collective agreements;
- Train managers and supervisors;
- Adjust documentation procedures;
- Communicate the change to employees; and
- Track employee absences accurately.