When it comes to youth employment, understanding the legal working age in Ontario is critical for both employers and young job seekers. Ontario’s employment laws are designed to protect young workers while still allowing them to gain valuable work experience. Whether you're a parent, an employer, or a teenager looking to land your first job, it’s essential to be informed about the current regulations in place as of 2025.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the legal working age in Ontario, including job categories, restrictions, and your rights as a worker.
What is the Legal Working Age in Ontario?
In Ontario, the legal working age varies depending on the type of job and the industry in which an individual is employed. While there is no general minimum working age under the Employment Standards Act (ESA), other laws and regulations fill in the gaps to ensure the safety of minors in the workplace.
Here’s a quick breakdown by sector:
Retail, Hospitality, and Offices: The minimum age is 14 years.
Industrial Establishments (e.g., factories): Must be at least 15 years old.
Construction Sites: Minimum working age is 16 years.
Mines or Mining Plants: Workers must be 18 years or older.
These restrictions are not arbitrary—they are in place to prevent youth from working in environments that pose significant safety risks. It's important to note that just because a young person is legally allowed to work at a certain age, it does not override other protective regulations concerning hours of work, rest periods, and school attendance.
Jobs Youth Can Legally Do in Ontario
Youth employment opportunities are diverse but regulated. At age 14, a teenager can begin working in various roles including:
Retail clerk
Cashier
Fast food server
Camp counselor
Grocery bagger
Office assistant
However, they cannot be employed in roles that expose them to dangerous machinery, hazardous materials, or elevated workspaces (such as roofing or scaffolding work).
For those aged 15 and above, job options expand to include:
Warehouse assistant (non-hazardous areas)
Delivery person (non-motorized vehicle)
Dishwasher in a commercial kitchen
Once a young person turns 16, opportunities widen to include more labor-intensive work, provided all safety and training requirements are met.
Special Considerations for School-Aged Youth
Ontario's Education Act also affects youth employment. Any individual under 18 is required to attend school unless they have graduated or are exempt under specific conditions. As a result, employers must ensure that work hours do not interfere with a youth’s school responsibilities.
During school weeks, work is typically restricted to:
Maximum of 28 hours per week during the school year
No more than 8 hours per day on weekends and holidays
Not before 6 a.m. or after 11 p.m. unless the job site is exempt
These limitations are in place to ensure that employment does not compromise a young person’s education or well-being.
Responsibilities of Employers Hiring Minors
Employers who wish to hire workers under 18 must comply with several legal responsibilities:
Health and Safety Training: Mandatory under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
Parental Consent: While not required by law, it's often advisable, especially for younger workers.
Age Verification: Employers should request proof of age, such as a government-issued ID or birth certificate.
Workplace Safety: Jobs must be assessed to determine suitability for youth workers and modified if necessary.
Failing to comply with these laws can result in fines, penalties, and even business closure in severe cases.
Rights and Protections for Young Workers
Young workers in Ontario are entitled to the same rights and protections as adult employees. These include:
Minimum wage compliance
Overtime pay where applicable
Breaks and rest periods
Harassment-free workplace
Right to refuse unsafe work
Educating young workers about their rights is crucial. Employers should provide orientation programs, safety checklists, and assign mentors to help them transition into their roles effectively.
Benefits of Youth Employment
Despite the restrictions, youth employment offers many benefits:
Skill Development: Builds responsibility, time management, and communication skills.
Financial Independence: Allows young individuals to earn money and learn budgeting.
Career Exploration: Offers exposure to different industries and roles.
Community Engagement: Encourages local economic growth and engagement.
By creating a safe and legally compliant environment, employers can contribute positively to the development of Ontario’s future workforce.
Final Thoughts
The legal working age in Ontario provides a framework that balances the developmental needs of young people with the benefits of early work experience. Employers, parents, and youth themselves must work together to ensure these opportunities are safe, constructive, and legally compliant.
Understanding and adhering to these guidelines is not just a legal obligation—it’s a step toward building a better, more inclusive workforce.
Conclusion
Whether you're navigating your first job or looking to hire youth employees, staying informed about Ontario’s employment laws is crucial. For expert guidance on employment standards, workplace policies, and compliance strategies, visit Dharsi Law Firm. Our legal team is committed to helping individuals and businesses alike understand and respect employment laws across Ontario.
