When it comes to taking time off work nowhere is it done more often than in Quebec, and some health experts say it's a sign of a growing health problem.
Data gathered by Statistics Canada shows that on average Quebecers are absent from work 12 days a year which is up from 10.7 days in 2012.
In comparison, the average Albertan takes 7.5 days for medical, family or personal reasons.
The Journal de Montreal says in addition, women are absent four days more per year than men taking an average 14 days off compared to about 10 days for men.
A researcher at the MUHC, Dr. Charles Sounan, says one key factor is increasing stress levels in the work place.
He says two areas that have undergone major reforms are education and healthcare and women, who make up the majority of workers in those two fields, face high levels of constant, daily stress.