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The Manitoba government committed this week to eliminate sick notes through legislation, a long-overdue change that will reduce unnecessary visits and free up your time to focus on patients who need your care. 

Why it matters: This is a significant step forward in our advocacy work to minimize your administrative burdens. Manitoba was one of only two provinces not to take any action to limit sick notes. 

• Government officials confirmed legislation will eliminate sick notes for absences of seven days or less, which would make Manitoba’s rules the strongest in Canada, and likely in the world. 

The details: We were at Tuesday’s Throne Speech, where the provincial government set its agenda for the year ahead and made its commitment. 

• According to government officials, employers will only be able to request a sick note after seven consecutive calendar days of absence, something we will call a new minimum standard.
• Notably, this is happening following consensus among union and business stakeholders, which was reached after our outreach to broker support. 
• Eliminating sick notes will free up the equivalent of 300,000 patient visits annually. 

In the news: Doctors Manitoba President Dr. Nichelle Desilets spoke to news outlets about the major win including CBC’s Ian Hanomansing on national TV Tuesday night (watch it here!), where she explained how big a win this is for Manitoba’s physicians. 

📊 By the numbers:

• 600,000+ sick notes are requested annually in Manitoba. 
• 1 in 3 patients have no symptoms left to assess by the time they reach their doctor. 
• This results in unnecessary appointments costing taxpayers $8M+ per year.

Between the lines: This is a win for physicians’ time, patients’ access to care, and employers’ efficiency. We’re encouraged by the government’s commitment and look forward to continued collaboration. 

What they are saying about it: Many have been quick to show support for the change: 

• Dr. Nichelle Desilets, President of Doctors Manitoba, explained that ​“we all end up paying for sick notes through longer wait times to see a doctor and as taxpayers too. Manitoba is about to move from worst to first in Canada when it comes to limiting sick notes. This is good for patients, good for employers, and good for physicians.” 

• Manitoba Chambers of Commerce said they ​“welcome the decision to eliminate the requirement for sick notes” noting the change ​“aligns with recommendations from our joint report with Doctors Manitoba on addressing the province’s physician shortage through improved recruitment, retention, and reduced administrative load.” 

• Manitoba Federation of Labour President Kevin Rebeck explained that ​“sick notes have been doctors saying, ​‘Oh, you were ill last week? What were you ill with?’ We need to figure out a way that we deal with this that doesn’t burden our health-care system.” 

What’s next: Sick notes aren’t eliminated just yet. 

• We will be watching closely to ensure legislation is introduced by spring to eliminate sick notes, as promised. 

• Based on the experience in other provinces, we know simply changing the law doesn’t end requests for sick notes. That’s why Doctors Manitoba has teamed up with HR professionals and will launch a tool kit and webinars to support employers as they transition away from sick notes in the coming months. 

Sick notes aren’t the end: We know there are many other administrative burdens that physicians face. We are continuing our work on a number of fronts and encourage physicians to watch for updates. You can email any concerns to adminburden@​doctorsmanitoba.​ca.

Go deeper: Visit Sick​Of​Sic​kNotes​.ca to learn more and share! 

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.