There is no single universal minimum age to work in Ontario — it depends on the type of work and the setting. However, the general rules are:
- Age 14 — the minimum age for most general employment in Ontario
- Age 15 — required for certain industrial or more demanding work environments
- Age 16 — required for the most hazardous types of work
Children under 14 can work in certain limited circumstances — such as in the entertainment industry or in a family business — but these situations come with strict conditions.
What Can 14 and 15 Year Olds Do?
Employees aged 14 and 15 can work in most general settings including retail, food service, and offices — but with important restrictions:
- They cannot work during school hours unless they are no longer required to attend school
- They cannot work more than 8 hours per day
- They must have adequate time to travel to and from school
- Night work restrictions apply — they generally cannot work after 11 PM
What About Hazardous Work?
Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Employment Standards Act restrict young workers from performing dangerous tasks regardless of age — but certain thresholds exist:
Under 15 — cannot work in industrial establishments such as factories, construction sites, or mines under any circumstances.
Under 16 — cannot work in logging operations or other specified high-risk environments.
Under 18 — cannot work in underground mines, and are restricted from certain other hazardous activities even in workplaces that otherwise permit young workers.
School Hours and Young Workers
One of the most important rules — and one frequently overlooked by employers — is the school hours restriction. Young workers who are still required to attend school cannot be scheduled during school hours, regardless of parental consent or the employee’s own preference.
This applies even if the young person claims they have a spare period or a flexible schedule. If they are legally required to be in school, they cannot legally be at work during those hours.
Entertainment Industry — A Special Case
Children under 14 can work in film, television, theatre, and other entertainment productions — but only under specific conditions:
- A Director’s Permit must be obtained from the Ontario Ministry of Labour
- Hours are strictly limited depending on the child’s age
- A parent or guardian must be present on set at all times
- The work must not interfere with the child’s education or wellbeing
Without this permit, employing a child under 14 in any capacity is a violation of Ontario law.
What Are Young Workers Entitled To?
Young workers have the same basic rights as any other employee under the ESA, including:
- Minimum wage — the student minimum wage applies to those under 18 working 28 hours or less per week during the school year; the general minimum wage applies otherwise
- Overtime pay — after 44 hours per week
- Eating periods — 30 minutes after every 5 consecutive hours of work
- Safe working conditions — the right to refuse unsafe work applies to all workers regardless of age
- Protection from reprisal — cannot be punished for asserting their rights
The Right to Refuse Unsafe Work
This is especially important for young workers, who are statistically more vulnerable to workplace injuries due to inexperience and a reluctance to speak up.
Every worker in Ontario — regardless of age — has the legal right to refuse work they believe is unsafe, without fear of punishment. Young workers should know this right exists and feel empowered to use it.
For Employers — What You Need to Know
- Verify the age of every young employee you hire — do not rely on the applicant’s word alone
- Never schedule a young worker during school hours
- Do not assign hazardous tasks to workers under the applicable age thresholds
- Obtain a Director’s Permit before hiring anyone under 14 for entertainment work
- Post health and safety information in a visible location — young workers are entitled to know their rights from day one
- Train young workers thoroughly — inexperience is the leading cause of youth workplace injuries
The bottom line: Ontario’s rules around young workers exist for good reason — to protect teenagers and children from exploitation, unsafe conditions, and interference with their education. Whether you are a young person entering the workforce for the first time, a parent helping them navigate it, or an employer bringing them on board, knowing these rules protects everyone.
