Minimum working age in B.C. goes up to 16, some younger teens still allowed 'light work'
Changes to B.C.’s employment rules that affect teenagers come into effect this week.
Starting Oct. 15, the general working age in B.C. goes up to 16 from 12. The new regulations, first announced in July, aim to bring the province in line with international health and safety standards on jobs for kids.
However, those aged 14 and 15 are still allowed to do what the Ministry of Labour defines as “appropriate,” “light work” with permission from a parent or guardian.
“The new rules do not prevent children from babysitting or delivering newspapers part time, or students from working in a work-study or work experience class, which are among the jobs excluded from the new rules,” reads a statement from the ministry.
Jobs that the ministry considers appropriate for 14-and-15-year-olds include being a cashier, camp counsellor, lifeguard assistant, performing artist, salesperson in a store, food server, sports coach, tutor, designer and more.
Kids aged 12 and up can still work at a business or farm owned by an immediate family member as long as the work meets certain safety criteria.
There’s also a list of jobs and tasks that are now considered unsafe for youth under 16 to take on. According to the ministry, teens under 16 cannot repair heavy machinery, work in construction, handle or apply hazardous substances such as pesticides, lift or carry heavy items or animals, work inside freezers or coolers (except to take out or put an item back), or in a space designed to be oxygen-deficient or toxic. They also aren’t allowed to work in a space or with substances that are otherwise restricted to minors (such as at a bar or serving alcohol).
“These new rules bring British Columbia in line with international standards for children's employment,” the statement continues.
“Prior to these changes, B.C. was the only province in Canada whose general minimum working age was as young as 12.”
Furthermore, there are exceptions to the ministry’s definition of “light work.”
“In some cases, children aged 14 and 15 may be permitted to do work outside the definition of light work with a permit from the Ministry of Labour's Employment Standards Branch,” reads the statement.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.