by Nash Alonto
April 9, 2024
A Green MLA called for the removal or limitation of sick notes as a requirement for Island workers.
Borden-Kinkora MLA Matthew MacFarlane raised this concern during Question Period at the Legislative Assembly on Friday, April 5.
“One way we could immediately reduce some of the pressure is to remove the need for sick notes that some employers demand of their employees,” MacFarlane suggested.
Health and Wellness Minister Mark McLane agreed.
“I don’t believe sick notes are probably required in this day and age, with the pressures on our health care system,” McLane said.
However, McLane couldn’t comment on whether they’re still happening.
“I would assume that would be a topic that would come up because I don’t think there are that many employers that require them anymore. But if they still do, I would support the removal of them, for sure,” he said.
MacFarlane said sick notes are an unnecessary burden to Island doctors.
“The need for sick notes ultimately forces sick people to attend clinics and emergency rooms, where one Island ER doctor has recently said they never go through a shift without someone asking for a sick note,” he said.
In response McLane said he would work with Workforce Minister Jenn Redmond regarding requirements in the Employment Standards Act.
“I would support anything to reduce administrative burden for our physicians anywhere in our system,” he said.
MacFarlane mentioned that 10,000 hours of clinical time on P.E.I. were wasted on sick notes. He also referenced statements by the Canadian Medical Association and Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians calling for the banning or severe limitation of sick notes, to which McLane also agreed.
“We want to reduce the administrative burden on our physicians anywhere we can,” he said.
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