Are you a teenager or young adult looking to enter the workforce in Ontario? If so, it’s important to know the legal age for employment. Not only can breaking this law result in consequences for both employers and employees, but understanding your rights will help you make informed decisions about your career path. So let’s dive into the question on everyone’s mind: what is the legal age to work in Ontario?
What is the Legal Age to Work in Ontario?
In Ontario, the legal age to work is 14. However, there are some restrictions for 14- and 15-year-olds. For example, they can’t work in jobs that require them to operate machinery or be exposed to hazardous materials.
There are also limits on the hours that 14- and 15-year-olds can work. They can’t work more than:
- 3 hours on a school day
- 8 hours on a non-school day
- 2 hours on a Sunday
During a school week, they can’t work more than 18 hours in total.
Overview of Labour Laws for Youth in Ontario
In Ontario, the legal age to work is 14. However, there are some exceptions for youth under 14 who can work with a permit in certain limited circumstances, such as:
- Performing in a live entertainment event
- Working as a model in a fashion show or photoshoot
- Serving food or beverages in licensed premises (e.g. restaurants, media)
- Delivering newspapers
There are also different rules for youth under 18 who work in hazardous occupations. For example, they may not operate power-driven machinery or work with dangerous chemicals.
The Ontario government has created a website called “Young Workers – Know Your Rights” to help young workers understand their rights and responsibilities at work. The website includes information on topics such as hours of work, minimum wage, pay equity, health and safety, and more.
Age and Employment Restrictions
In Ontario, the legal age to work is 14 years old. However, there are some jobs that have age restrictions. For example, you must be 16 years old to work in a job that involves handling hazardous materials. If you are under 18, you may also need your parent or guardian’s permission to work certain jobs.
There are also employment restrictions for young workers. For example, young workers are not allowed to work:
- A day with more than 8 hours
- More than 48 hours a week
- Between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- In a job that is classified as hazardous
Types of Jobs Available to Young Workers
The legal age to work in Ontario is 14 years old. However, there are some jobs that require you to be 16 years old. If you are under the age of 16, you may not be able to work:
- In a job that involves handling hazardous materials
- In a job that requires operating heavy machinery
- In a job where you would be working alone without adult supervision
Below are some jobs that may be available to young workers:
- Retail Sales Associate
- Food Service Worker
- Babysitter
- Dog Walker/Pet Sitter
- Tutor
- Gardener/Landscaper
- Delivery Driver/Courier
- Library Aide/Assistant
- Lifeguard
- Ticket Salesperson for Events or Attractions
- Grocery Store Clerk
Working Hours and Wage Restrictions
There is no general minimum working age in Ontario. However, there are a number of laws that set out the minimum age for certain types of work. For example, the Occupational Health and Safety Act sets out the minimum age for hazardous work. The Employment Standards Act sets out the minimum age for most other types of work.
The Employment Standards Act also imposes restrictions on the hours that young workers can work. These restrictions are designed to protect young workers from being overworked and to ensure that they have enough time to study and enjoy their childhood.
The minimum wage in Ontario is $16.55 per hour. For young workers, there are a few exceptions, though. For example, learners who are enrolled in a training program approved by the Ministry of Labour may be paid 70% of the minimum wage ($9.80 per hour). There are also different rules for servers who earn tips and commissioned salespeople.
Rights and Responsibilities of Young Workers
In Ontario, the legal age to work is 14 years old. However, there are some restrictions for 14- and 15-year-olds. For example, they can’t work in places where there is exposure to hazardous materials or where their safety could be at risk.
There are also restrictions on the hours that young workers can work. For example, 14- and 15-year-olds can’t work:
- On a school day, more than three hours per day
- During school hours, more than 18 hours per week
- On days off from school, longer than 8 hours a day
- On any given day, between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m
When school is not in session, the limits on hours of work are different.
Tips for Keeping Youth Safe at Work
In Ontario, the legal age to work is 14. However, there are restrictions on the type of work that youth under the age of 16 can do. Youth between the ages of 14 and 15 can only work:
- Up to 4 hours per day on school days
- On days off from school, up to 8 hours a day
- Up to 18 hours per week during a school week
- Up to 40 hours per week during a non-school week
Here are some tips for keeping youth safe at work:
- Make sure the workplace is safe. This includes ensuring there are no potential hazards that could injure workers, such as slip and fall risks.
- Ensure that all workers have received proper safety training, including youth. This will help them be aware of potential hazards and how to avoid them.
- Have a system for reporting workplace injuries, so they can be promptly addressed.
Online shopping is very popular now, because opening online stores is also a way for many young people to make money. If you want to open a low-cost online store, you can sell gifts such as stickers or pins. Such small commodities are very popular, often full of personality, high quality and low price. If you need a reliable supplier of lapel pins, CustomPins.CA is a good choice. Their pins can be customized by you, come in a variety of styles, are durable and very cost-effective. Put your customized lapel pins for sale on your online store, I believe people who browse will like it and want to own it!
Conclusion
The legal age to work in Ontario is 14 years old. However, it is important to remember that there are various restrictions on the type of work a person under 18 can do and how many hours they can work. As such, it is important for employers to be aware of these laws and regulations before hiring any minors. It is also recommended that young people seek guidance from their parents or guardians before taking up any kind of employment while they are still under the age of 18.
FAQ – Legal Age to Work in Ontario
How many hours can a 14 year old work in Ontario?
In Ontario, the legal age to work is 14. However, there are restrictions on the type of work and the number of hours a 14-year-old can work.
A 14-year-old can only work in jobs that are considered to be light work. This includes jobs like babysitting, yard work, or working in a retail store. A 14-year-old cannot work in any job that is considered hazardous.
The maximum number of hours a 14-year-old can work in a week is 28. This includes all types of employment, including part-time, full-time, and casual labour. If a 14-year-old works more than 28 hours a week, their employer is breaking the law.
Is a 15 year old legally entitled to work in Canada?
In Canada, the legal age to work is generally 15 years old. However, there are some exceptions. For example, the legal age to work in Alberta is 14 years old. In Quebec, the legal age to work is 16 years old.
There are also some jobs that have different age requirements. For example, you must be 18 years old to work in a job that involves handling alcohol or gambling. It would be best if you also were 18 years old to work.
What is the 3 hour rule in Ontario?
In Ontario, the legal age to work is 16 years old. However, there are some restrictions for young workers under the age of 18. The three-hour rule is one of those restrictions.
The three-hour rule states that young workers under 18 cannot work more than 3 hours a day without taking a 30-minute break. This break must be taken in the middle of their shift and must be paid.
What is the youngest age to work?
In Ontario, the legal age to work is 14 years old. However, there are some restrictions for 14- and 15-year-olds. For example, 14- and 15-year-olds can’t work:
- On a school day, more than three hours per day
- More than 18 hours a week
- Before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- In a job that has been declared hazardous by the Minister of Labour
There are also some jobs that 14- and 15-year-olds can’t do at all, regardless of when they work or how many hours they work. These include jobs in:
- Logging and forestry operations
- Mining exploration, development and production
- Power generation, transmission and distribution
What is the shortest shift legal Ontario?
The shortest shift that is legal in Ontario is 3 hours. This is the minimum time an employer can schedule an employee for a shift.
