By Charles Lefebvre

Province announces new employment guidelines for youth

Dec 7, 2018 | 4:28 PM

EDMONTON, AB — The province has announced updated rules of employment for youth aged 12 years old and younger.

In a news release sent out on Friday, the Ministry of Labour announced youth 12 and under will only be able to work in artistic endeavours, such as film, stage or television productions, and only with a government issued permit and parental/guardian consent.

The new standards only apply when there is employment relationship, such as jobs where employers make deductions or provide benefits, such as vacation pay. They do not apply to casual work or volunteer activities such as farm and ranch work, babysitting, lawn-mowing and snow-shovelling.

“By providing clarity on the standards for employing youth under age 13, the updated legislation will ensure stronger protection for children, while still offering them the choice to gain valuable life experience through their first jobs,” said Labour Minister Christina Gray in a news release.

The release says the province consulted with more than 100 individuals and organizations, including parents, students, employers and farm organizations, to update the standards.

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

Apr 18, 2024

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

Medicine Hat College holding event for missing and murdered Indigenous women awareness day

Apr 16, 2024

The rules of employment have not changed for people aged 13 years or older. Youth aged 13 and 14 are able to be employed in jobs such as as a store clerk, server, or delivery person, or other jobs with a permit and parental consent.

Youth between the ages of 15 and 17 are able to work at most occupations, although restrictions on work hours and certain supervision requirements still apply.

Youth employment rules do not apply to farms and ranches, according to the release.