Home / Health / Manitoba Ditches Sick Notes for Short Absences
Manitoba Ditches Sick Notes for Short Absences
18 Nov
Summary
- Manitoba plans to end mandatory sick notes for short absences.
- Notes only required after seven consecutive days of absence.
- This change is expected to free up 300,000 doctor appointments annually.
Manitoba is preparing to table legislation that will eliminate the need for sick notes for short-term absences from work. This significant policy shift, supported by Doctors Manitoba, aims to alleviate unnecessary burdens on the healthcare system and patients. Under the proposed rules, employers will only be able to request a doctor's note for absences lasting seven consecutive calendar days or more.
Doctors Manitoba has actively campaigned for this change, estimating that ending the practice for minor illnesses could free up approximately 300,000 patient appointments annually. This is equivalent to adding 50 physicians to the workforce, a crucial boost for a province facing a doctor shortage. The advocacy group highlighted that the current system costs taxpayers an estimated $8 million per year and is not always medically verifiable.
The proposed legislation, which will apply to most public and private workplaces, has received support from the labour management review committee. While acknowledging potential concerns about abuse, business leaders suggest alternative methods for addressing such issues, emphasizing that employees shouldn't have to visit a doctor for minor illnesses.
