Minimum Working Age Requirements in Ontario
The legal working age in Ontario is governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), not by the Employment Standards Act (ESA). Understanding these regulations is crucial for both employers and employees to ensure compliance and safety in the workplace.
General Minimum Age
14 years old: The minimum age to work in most jobs such as offices, retail stores, arenas, and restaurant serving areas.
Specific Industries and Age Requirements
| Industry | Minimum Age |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing and Assembly Plants | 15 years old |
| Repair Shops | 15 years old |
| Restaurant Kitchens | 15 years old |
| Automotive Service Garages | 15 years old |
| Preparing Produce and Meat in Grocery Stores | 15 years old |
| Shipping and Receiving Areas in Grocery Stores | 15 years old |
| Laundries (e.g., in hospitals or hotels) | 15 years old |
| Warehouses | 15 years old |
| Mining Plants or Surface Mines (excluding the working face) | 16 years old |
| Construction Jobs (excluding shaft attendants using a hoist) | 16 years old |
| Logging Operations | 16 years old |
| Underground Mines or at the Working Face of a Surface Mine | 18 years old |
| Window Cleaning | 18 years old |
| Offshore Work on Oil or Gas Rigs | 18 years old |
| Shaft Attendant Roles Involving Hoists on Construction Projects | 19 years old |
Additional Restrictions
According to Ontario’s Education Act, children are required to attend school until they turn 18. Consequently, employers are generally prohibited from hiring children under 16 during school hours, except under specific exemptions as outlined in Ontario Regulation 374/10.
Student Minimum Wage
- Current Rate: As of now, the student minimum wage in Ontario is $14.60 per hour.
- Future Rate: Effective October 1, 2024, the student minimum wage will increase to $15.20 per hour.
Eligibility: Students under 18 years old who work 28 hours or less per week during the school year, including breaks and summer vacations, qualify for the student minimum wage. Those working more than 28 hours per week during school terms must be paid the general minimum wage.
Entitlements for Young Workers
Young workers are entitled to certain benefits, including the minimum wage (with exceptions for students under 18), holiday pay, and up to three days of unpaid, job-protected sick leave annually.
Compliance and Legal Support
Employers, ensure you are compliant with Ontario’s employment laws regarding minimum working age requirements. Contact Achkar Law for professional advice and support to navigate these regulations effectively. Protect your business and provide a safe, lawful working environment for all employees. Reach out today for legal assistance.
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The article in this client update provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. This publication is copyrighted by Achkar Law Professional Corporation and may not be photocopied or reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without the express permission of Achkar Law Professional Corporation. ©
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