Illness + Injury Leave
Important information about new group benefits providers
The university is moving to new providers for your group benefits in 2027. Your benefit plans are not changing, they will be administered and delivered by new partners.
We encourage you to visit the Benefits Provider Transition webpage for more information, including FAQs and benefit categories and timelines. The provider transition will begin this fall and conclude in April 2027.
Eligibility for paid illness and injury leave programs varies by staff group and appointment.
If you feel unwell, stay home. By taking care of yourself today, you’ll be in better shape to accomplish your goals tomorrow. Advise your supervisor that you'll be away; keep them informed.
Work-related Injury + Illness
If you've had a work-related injury or illness, visit our work-related injury page for information and forms.
Health Issue Affecting Work
If a health issue is affecting your work, visit our recovery and returning to work page for advice and services.
DISABILITY CULTURES + ACCESS HUB
If you experience disability related barriers in the workplace, The Disability Cultures and Access Hub (DCA Hub) is a database of U of A resources that can help faculty and staff to navigate barriers, register for and implement accommodations, improve accessibility and engage with disability cultures.
Mental Health Support
Review our staff resources and contact our Employee and Family Assistance Program at 780-428-7587.
Support Staff
Short-Term Illness
If you’re a support staff member who is sick or injured for more than three consecutive work days and are unable to work, you are required to provide a doctor’s note to your supervisor. As per the collective agreement, the note must state:
- that the employee is unable to attend work and perform their regular duties due to illness.
- the duration of illness.
Extended Illness
If you’ve used more than 10 casual illness days this calendar year, you must provide a medical certificate to your supervisor for every absence due to illness or injury.
Medical Certificates may be required for any absence due to illness immediately preceding or following a vacation period or a paid holiday.
If you anticipate being absent for more than 10 working days due to illness or injury, please notify your supervisor immediately.
Starting an illness leave
- Notify your supervisor of your absence from work and the anticipated duration. Your supervisor will work with the HR Partner to complete a referral form to notify Canada Life, the University Disability Provider, of your absence.
- Canada Life will contact you directly and advise on the documentation required to support the leave.
- It is your responsibility to ensure medical information is provided as required by Canada Life.
- Maintain regular communication with your Supervisor and the Canada Life Case Manager for the duration of your leave by phone or email.
Returning from a Leave
If modifications are needed for your return to work, Canada Life will work collaborate with you, and your supervisor and your HR Partner to identify suitable work within your restrictions. Return to work planning begins once your medical provider deems it appropriate.
If no workplace modifications are needed, Canada Life will notify your supervisor and the HR Partner of your return date. You are encouraged to contact your supervisor directly to discuss your return.
Academic Staff + Non-Union Employees (NUE) - (Academic Administrators, Continuing or Temporary)
If you're an academic staff member or non-union staff member who is sick or injured and unable to work, advise your Department Chair/Manager (or designate) about your absence.
If you will be away for more than 20 consecutive work days, start an illness leave following the steps below.
Starting an illness leave
- Notify your supervisor of your absence from work and the anticipated duration. Your supervisor will work with the HR Partner to complete a referral to notify Canada Life, the University Disability Provider, of your absence.
- Canada Life will contact you directly and advise on the documentation required to support the leave.
- It is your responsibility to ensure medical information is provided to Canada Life.
- Maintain regular communication with your Supervisor and the Canada Life Case Manager. The Case Manager will with you and your physician through your treatment and recovery.
Returning from a Leave
If modifications are needed for your return to work, Canada Life will work with you and your supervisor to identify suitable work within your restrictions. Return to work planning begins once your medical provider deems it appropriate.
If no workplace modifications are needed, Canada Life will notify your supervisor of your return date. You are encouraged to contact your supervisor directly to discuss your return.