There is no single federal minimum working age in Canada. Each province sets its own rules. In Ontario, 14 is generally the minimum age for most jobs — but restrictions on hours, dangerous work, and certain industries apply until age 18.
Minimum Working Age by Province
| Province | General Minimum Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 14 | Many restrictions under 16; industrial/hazardous work requires 18+ |
| British Columbia | 12 (light work) | 12–14 with parental consent and permit; unrestricted at 15+ |
| Alberta | 13 (restricted) | 13–14 limited hours/work types; 15+ with fewer restrictions; 18+ for dangerous work |
| Quebec | 14 | Must not interfere with schooling; restrictions on hours during school year |
| Saskatchewan | 16 (most jobs) | Under 16 requires employer exemption |
| Manitoba | 16 | 14–15 allowed in some light work with restrictions |
| Nova Scotia | 16 | 14–15 with parental permission for light, non-hazardous work |
| New Brunswick | 16 | 14–15 with restrictions and parental consent |
| PEI | 16 | Exceptions for family businesses |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | 16 | Exceptions for light, non-school work under 16 |
Ontario: The Detailed Rules
Ontario’s Employment Standards Act sets 14 as the minimum age for most employment. But the restrictions are significant:
- Under 16: Cannot work in industrial establishments (factories, construction, mines). Cannot operate power-driven machinery. Must not work between 11 PM and 6 AM if they have school the next day.
- Under 18: Cannot work in mines. Cannot perform tasks deemed hazardous by the Ministry of Labour. Specific restrictions apply in hospitality and manufacturing.
- At 14–15: Can work in retail, food service (not alcohol service), delivery, and most non-industrial settings.
There is no strict hour limit for youth workers in Ontario — but employers cannot require them to work hours that interfere with their schooling.
Federal Jurisdiction: A Separate Set of Rules
If you work in a federally regulated industry — banking, telecommunications, interprovincial transportation, federal government — you fall under the Canada Labour Code, not provincial employment standards.
Under the Canada Labour Code, the minimum working age is 17. No one under 17 may be employed in federally regulated businesses. This applies regardless of which province you are in.
Types of Work With Age Restrictions Across Canada
| Work Type | Minimum Age (Most Provinces) |
|---|---|
| General retail / food service | 14–15 |
| Serving alcohol | 18 (all provinces) |
| Operating heavy machinery | 18 |
| Construction/industrial work | 16–18 (varies) |
| Mining | 18 (Ontario); varies elsewhere |
| Federal regulated sectors | 17 |
| Adult entertainment | 18 |
Work Permits for Youth Under 18
Work permits in the immigration context are separate from age-based employment restrictions. If a minor (under 18) is an international student or temporary resident and wishes to work in Canada, they must meet both immigration requirements (valid work authorization on their permit) AND provincial minimum age and restriction rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 13-year-old work in Ontario?
No. The minimum age in Ontario for most employment is 14. A 13-year-old cannot legally work for pay in most settings, except on family farms with specific exceptions.
Can a 16-year-old serve alcohol in Ontario?
No. Serving alcohol in Ontario requires being 18 or older. This is set by the Liquor Licence and Control Act, not employment standards.
My child came to Canada on a study permit — can they work?
Minor children on study permits in Canada generally cannot work. Only the primary study permit holder has potential work authorization. Check the conditions on the specific permit.
Related Pages on Canadianow
- What Are the Highest Paying Jobs in Canada?
- How Many Hours Can International Students Work in Canada?
