Sick pay in Canada (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: For employers under federal jurisdiction, the Canada Labour Code gives up to 10 paid days of medical leave a year and up to 27 weeks of leave. Employment Insurance pays sickness benefits of 55% of insurable earnings for up to 26 weeks. For most other employees, each province and territory sets the rules.

RuleWhat applies
Who pays sick payBeing ill and unable to work; Federally regulated employers and federal EI benefitsEmployers under federal jurisdiction must give paid medical leave: up to 10 days a year with pay. After that, Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits are paid by the federal government to eligible claimants. [1]
Sick pay rateBeing ill and unable to work; Federally regulated employers and federal EI benefitsPaid medical leave days are paid at the employee’s regular rate of wages for normal hours of work. EI sickness benefits are 55% of weekly insurable earnings. [1]
Maximum durationBeing ill and unable to work; Federally regulated employers and federal EI benefitsMedical leave under the Canada Labour Code is up to 27 weeks, of which up to 10 days a calendar year are paid. EI sickness benefits are paid for up to 26 weeks. [1]
Waiting daysBeing ill and unable to work; Federally regulated employers and federal EI benefitsUnder the Canada Labour Code an employee earns 3 days of paid medical leave after 30 days of continuous employment, then 1 more day at the start of each month after one month of continuous employment. The Employment Insurance Act sets a waiting period of one week of unemployment before benefits are paid in a benefit period. [1]
Medical certificateBeing ill and unable to work; Federally regulated employers and federal EI benefitsUnder the Canada Labour Code the employer may, in writing and within 15 days after the employee returns, require a health care practitioner’s certificate for a medical leave of at least 5 consecutive days. [1]

Notes

  • These rules cover employers under federal jurisdiction and the federal EI scheme. For most other employees, each province and territory sets paid sick leave. No provincial rules were read for this page.
  • The EI waiting period is stated in s. 13 for benefits in general. Whether it applies to a given sickness claim was not checked in the regulations.
  • The medical evidence needed for an EI sickness claim is set in regulations that were not read.

Sources

  1. Department of Justice Canada (Justice Laws Website): Canada Labour Code (R.S.C., 1985, c. L-2), XML version, point in time 12 December 2025 (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

Compare all countries →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.