On March 5th, 2026, the government of Manitoba introduced Bill 11, The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act (Sick Notes for Employee Absences), which, if passed, would limit when an employer may require a sick note from an employee who is absent from work due to injury or illness.
Key details of the proposed changes include the below.
- Restrictions on Requiring Sick Notes: An employer would be prohibited from requiring a sick note unless:
- The employee's absence continues for more than one week; or
- The employee has been absent due to illness or injury on more than 10 scheduled workdays in the same calendar year.
- Approved Health Professionals: Employers must accept a sick note from a variety of health professionals who have provided care, including physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, psychologists, and midwives.
- Employer Must Reimburse Costs: If an employer requires a sick note, they would be required to reimburse the employee for any reasonable cost charged by the health professional. If not paid on time (within 30 days), the unpaid reimbursement is deemed wages owing.
Once this legislation is effective, employers in Manitoba should:
- Review and revise attendance policies;
- Train managers and HR staff;
- Establish a reimbursement process;
- Adjust leave tracking systems; and
- Budget for new costs.