With a change in Legislature to the Employment Standards Code, Manitobans no longer need sick notes for everyday work absence.
After the change, notes are only needed if an employee is absent due to sickness for a period of one week, or if an employee takes more than 10 sick days in a year. Plus, in the event of an employee requiring a sick note, they must be reimbursed by their employer for the cost of the note.
The Province said the change was made to help reduce the burden on Manitoba's already strained healthcare system, and to support workers.
Doctors Manitoba Board of Directors Chair Dr. Nichelle Desilets noted that Manitoba has come a long way when it comes to sick notes. She said sick notes requests take a lot of time out of a physician's day, so the change to make them less necessary gives Manitoba's doctors more time to see more patients.
Uzoma Asagwara, Manitoba's Health, Seniors, and Long-Term Care Minister, said it helps promote workers prioritizing their health when they're sick, and helps doctors focus on providing care.
