Most employers have policies, practices or collective agreement language that say when sick notes may be required to verify an absence from work for medical reasons. A new law is on its way that will upend common approaches for sick note requirements in Manitoba.
On April 21, 2026, Bill 11 (The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act – Sick Notes for Employee Absences) received second reading in Manitoba Legislature. This is a government sponsored bill, so it is expected to become law.
The Bill says that an employer cannot require an employee to provide a sick note unless:
– the employee has been absent due to injury or illness for more than a week; or
– the employee has had more than 10 scheduled work days of absence due to illness or injury in that calendar year.
