New Toolkit and Webinars to Help Workplaces Transition Smoothly and Confidently

Doctors Manitoba has released a new toolkit today for employers and human resource professionals to help them manage absences without sick notes. The new resource will support employers as Manitoba moves to eliminate sick notes for short-term minor illnesses this spring.

“Doctors really appreciate the provincial government’s commitment to eliminate sick notes, and we want to support employers as they transition away from this longstanding but ineffective HR practice,” said Dr. Nichelle Desilets, President of Doctors Manitoba. ​“Rather than letting sick notes keep clogging up our clinics and ERs, we brought together leaders from business, labour, human resources, and government to fix this problem. With the toolkit we’re releasing today, we’re taking the extra step of making it as easy as possible for employers to move away from sick notes.”

The new toolkit was developed by Doctors Manitoba in collaboration with HR experts, and is presented in partnership with CPHR Manitoba. It is available for free at Doc​torsNotes​.ca and is designed for private and public employers of all sizes. Over the next few months, webinars will be held in partnership with CPHR Manitoba, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business to further support employers through this change.

The Government of Manitoba recently confirmed it will prohibit the use of sick notes for most minor illnesses, with legislation anticipated in spring 2026. Consensus recommendations from labour and employer representatives are anticipated to shape the new rules with what are expected to be the clearest and strongest rules in Canada.

“Phasing out sick notes for minor illnesses is a long overdue step toward reducing unnecessary barriers for workers and employers,” said Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino. ​“We’re modernizing workplace rules to make them clearer, fairer, and more practical. Today’s toolkit will help employers adopt better practices now, ahead of the new legislation our government committed to in this year’s throne speech ensuring Manitoba workplaces are ready for a smoother, more effective approach.”

“Our government is committed to improving access to care, and removing unnecessary sick notes is one way to help doctors spend more time with patients who need them,” said Health, Seniors, and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara. ​“This toolkit will help employers make that transition, and we appreciate the leadership of Doctors Manitoba and their partners for supporting a change that benefits patients, providers and workplaces across the province.”

The free comprehensive toolkit includes clear guidance and useful templates on effective practices to manage absenteeism without sick notes:

• Sick Leave Policy Template for immediate adoption

• Self-Attestation Form Template for employees to confirm illness without a doctor’s note

• Absence Management Flow Chart to guide decision-making

• Guidance for Employee Engagement to support communication and trust

• Workplace Poster to explain the new approach

• Employee Health & Wellness Tip Sheet

“CPHR Manitoba fully supports the forthcoming legislative changes and the new toolkit,” said Ron Gauthier, Chief Executive Officer at CPHR Manitoba. ​“Eliminating sick notes for short-term minor illnesses will ease pressure on health care, build trust in workplaces, and the toolkit will improve absence management. Employers can transition smoothly with the benefit of this toolkit, upcoming webinars, and the support of human resource professionals.”

“Our research clearly shows that sick notes have been bad for health care and aren’t effective for verifying employee absences”, added Dr. Desilets. ​“Eliminating sick notes will be good for employers, good for patients and workers, and good for doctors.”

The toolkit and more details can be found at Doc​torsNotes​.ca.