A long-term illness and injury leave is an unpaid leave of up to 16 weeks in one calendar year. It is only available to an employee employed by the same employer for at least 90 days. You must provide your employer with: a medical certificate stating the estimated length of the leave. You should provide the medical certificate before starting the leave. If you cannot, you must provide the medical certificate as soon as possible after going on leave. written notice that you are taking a leave. You must provide the written notice as soon as possible, and include your estimated return to work date. If your return date changes, you must let your employer know. written notice at least one week before you plan to return to work (unless you and your employer agree to a shorter period). written notice of at least two weeks if you do not intend to return to work. This means you are quitting your job. Your employer does not pay you termination pay if you quit. COVID-19 Changes Employees can take an unpaid leave of up to 14 consecutive days if the employee is under quarantine. In this case, the employee does not have to: be employed for 90 days to take the leave provide a medical certificate provide a notice of their return date Last Reviewed: November 2020