First of all, as you said, as currently drafted the employer may require no later than 15 days after the employee's return to work that the employee provide a certificate issued by a health care practitioner certifying that the employee was incapable of working for the period of their absence.
Listen, both of these things being presented here are either-or, either we do it all or we don't do it all. There is room for a compromise that would acknowledge arguments on both sides. That's how this country was built.
I can understand how this could be onerous for workers, particularly in light of the pandemic. There's data that indicates workers are less likely to use the sick leave they are entitled to when a doctor's note is required. An Ipsos poll was done that indicated 82% of Canadians would rather go to work sick than obtain a medical certificate, so that's not in keeping with the spirit of this legislation.
As I've said, I am mindful of potential barriers to access for paid sick leave and potential ways to address them. I'm also very much aware of businesses' concerns about abuse—