A plain-language guide for employers. Because many YouthHire applicants are students and minors, businesses that hire them have specific legal duties under provincial Employment Standards. Here's what to confirm before you post.
This is general information, not legal advice. Employment rules for minors are set and enforced by each province and territory (and by the Canada Labour Code for federally regulated employers). Always confirm the current rules with the authority for the province where the work takes place — links are below.
British Columbia — the basics
YouthHire is based in B.C., so here is B.C.'s framework in detail. Other provinces differ — see the directory below.
16 +General minimum working age. Young people 16 and older may be employed in most jobs, subject to restrictions on hazardous work (some occupations require 18 or 19).
14 – 15May be employed only with the written consent of a parent or guardian. Limited to light work and to the hour limits set by the Employment Standards Regulation, and may not work during school hours.
Under 14Requires a permit from the Director of Employment Standards (or a variance). An employer may not hire a child under 14 without it.
Exact hour limits, supervision requirements, and the list of hazardous occupations are set out in B.C.'s Employment Standards Regulation. Read the official B.C. rules →
Your responsibilities as an employer
Confirm the minimum working age — and any consent or permit requirements — for the province where the work happens.
Get written parent/guardian consent where it is required before the young person starts.
Respect limits on hours, late-night work, and work during school hours.
Do not assign hazardous work below the legal age for that occupation.
Provide young-worker safety orientation and supervision appropriate to their age and experience.
Pay at or above the provincial minimum wage (YouthHire enforces this at posting time).
Employment Standards by province & territory
Official authorities. Rules for minors vary — confirm the ones that apply to your posting.
British Columbia — General minimum age 16; ages 14–15 need written parent/guardian consent; under 14 needs a permit.
Alberta — Minimum age and permitted tasks vary by age band (12–14, 15–17). Some work needs parental consent.
Saskatchewan — Workers under 16 must complete the Young Worker Readiness Certificate and have parental consent.
Manitoba — Workers under 16 generally need a Young Worker Employment permit and a completed safety course.
Ontario — Minimum ages are set per industry by regulation; restrictions apply to younger workers.
Quebec — Under-14s need written parental consent; night-work and school-hour limits apply to minors.
New Brunswick — Restrictions on hours and hazardous work for workers under 16.
Nova Scotia — Hour and task restrictions apply to workers under 16; some require supervision.
Newfoundland & Labrador — Minimum working age and hour limits for young workers set by Labour Standards.
Yukon — Workers under 17 generally need director permission or parental consent for certain work.
Northwest Territories — Restrictions on hours and hazardous work for workers under 17.
Nunavut — Labour Standards restrict hours and hazardous work for young workers.
Federally regulated employers — Canada Labour Code: minimum age 17 (younger only in non-hazardous work meeting conditions).
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age to hire a young worker in British Columbia?
In B.C. the general minimum working age is 16. Workers aged 14–15 may be hired only with the written consent of a parent or guardian, and are limited to light work within set hour limits. Hiring anyone under 14 requires a permit from the Director of Employment Standards. Hazardous work has higher age minimums.
Do I need parental or guardian consent to hire a minor?
In several provinces, yes. B.C. requires written parent/guardian consent to employ a 14- or 15-year-old; Quebec requires it for under-14s; other provinces have their own consent and permit rules. Always check the Employment Standards authority for the province where the work happens.
Are there limits on the hours a young worker can work?
Yes. Most provinces restrict young workers' hours — especially during school hours and the school year — and limit late-night and hazardous work. The exact limits are set by each provincial Employment Standards Regulation. Confirm the limits for your province before posting.
Is this guide legal advice?
No. This is general information to help employers post compliant job listings on YouthHire. It is not legal advice. Always confirm your obligations with the relevant provincial or federal employment standards authority.