🎉 It’s happening: Starting October 1, Manitoba employers will no longer be permitted to ask workers for a sick note simply to verify most short-term absences. 

Why it matters: Fewer unnecessary sick notes means less paperwork for physicians — and fewer appointments that take time away from patients who need medical care. 

💡 The big picture: In other provinces with sick note limits, some employers and patients continue to request notes. We’ve been working to help Manitoba avoid that. 

• For workers: We’re raising awareness so Manitobans know when a sick note is no longer required. 

• For employers: We’re helping workplaces prepare for the change, including partnering with HR professionals to develop a free toolkit and webinars. 

• For physicians: We’ll provide information to help you reinforce the new rules with patients and employers. 

📬 Watch your mail and email: In the coming weeks, we’ll send packages to clinics with posters and other materials you can use to prepare patients and help change employer practices. 

🙌 Bottom line: This change follows recommendations from Doctors Manitoba to end the unnecessary practice of sending patients to physicians simply for a sick note. We thank the Manitoba government, employers and unions for working together to make it happen. 

Learn about other ways we’re working to reduce your unnecessary paperwork.

Funding for this initiative was made possible by the Canadian Medical Association, MD Financial Management Inc. and Scotiabank as part of the Health Care Unburdened Grant program.