Work, leave & claims
When illness affects work: sick notes, EI, workplace injury and ICBC claims.
BC's new sick-note rules: when your employer can't ask for a doctor's noteSince November 2025, for your first two sick leaves each year of up to five days each, a BC employer can no longer require a doctor's note. Where the line is, when a note can still be required, how the five paid sick days work, and which industries follow different rules.Reporting a workplace injury in BC: what to do if your employer discourages itEmployers cannot stop workers from filing a claim in BC. Steps to report to WorkSafeBC, the Teleclaim line, the one-year deadline, wage-loss benefits and who is covered.Treatment after a car accident in BC: what ICBC covers in the first 12 weeks without approvalUnder ICBC Enhanced Care, which treatments are covered without pre-approval in the first 12 weeks, how to report a crash, extra fees, the receipt deadline, and wage-loss benefits.When sick days run out: EI sickness benefits for up to 26 weeksWhen employer sick days run out, federal EI sickness benefits can pay for up to 26 weeks. Eligibility, amount, medical certificate, waiting period and self-employed rules.Maternity and parental leave in BC: how much EI pays and how to apply2026 EI maternity and parental benefit amounts and weeks, eligibility and application timing, and the job protection BC employment standards provide.A parent seriously ill abroad: can you get EI caregiving benefits?EI caregiving benefits can be claimed even if the person you care for lives abroad. Weeks for the three benefits, 2026 amounts, eligibility, documents and BC's matching unpaid leaves.