Legal Working Age in Ontario: Everything You Need to Know

Child labor has long been a concern in society, leading to strict labor laws that regulate when and where young individuals can work. Today, Ontario has clear laws governing the legal working age in Ontario, ensuring that youth employment is safe and aligned with education requirements. Whether you’re a parent, student, or employer, understanding these laws is essential.

At Dharsi Law, we aim to educate both employers and employees on legal obligations, ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) while protecting the rights of young workers.

Minimum Legal Working Age in Ontario

Contrary to common belief, the minimum working age in Ontario isn’t universally 16 years old. The age at which someone can legally start working depends on the type of job and the industry they wish to enter. Here’s how it works:

1. Minimum Age: 14 Years Old

At 14, individuals can work in specific safe environments, including:

Offices
Retail stores
Shopping malls
Arenas
Restaurant serving areas

However, jobs that pose a higher risk to physical or mental well-being are restricted at this age.

2. Minimum Age: 15 Years Old

Once an individual reaches 15, additional employment opportunities become available, such as:

Manufacturing and assembly plants
Repair shops
Restaurant kitchens
Automotive services and garages
Warehouses (administrative roles only, no physical labor)
Laundromats and laundry services

3. Minimum Age: 16 Years Old

The OHSA permits 16-year-olds to work in industries involving moderate risk, including:

Surface mines and mining plants (excluding the working face)
Construction sites (except roles like shaft attendants)
Logging operations

4. Minimum Age: 18 Years Old

At 18, individuals gain access to more hazardous occupations, such as:

Underground mining
Window cleaning on tall buildings
Offshore oil drilling platforms

5. Minimum Age: 19 Years Old

At 19, workers can take on specialized roles in the mining industry, including:

Shaft attendant positions with hoist operations

Education and Work Restrictions

While employment laws allow minors to work, education remains a priority. Under the Ontario Education Act, individuals under 18 must attend school and cannot work during school hours (with rare exceptions). This ensures that young workers prioritize their education while gaining part-time work experience. What Matters.

Minimum Wage for Young Workers

Ontario recognizes that young workers, especially students, often work part-time. Here’s what applies:

Student Minimum Wage: Applies to individuals under 18 working 28 hours or less per week during the school year.
General Minimum Wage: If a student works more than 28 hours per week, they are entitled to the general minimum wage.

Employers must adhere to these wage policies to avoid legal complications.

Civil Litigation Lawyer Toronto

Legal disputes can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when they escalate to litigation. Having a skilled civil litigation lawyer in Toronto by your side can make all the difference. At Dharsi Law, we specialize in handling a wide range of civil disputes, providing strong legal representation tailored to your needs.

What We Handle:

Contract Disputes: Whether you are dealing with a breach of contract or an unfair agreement, we provide expert legal assistance.
Business Litigation: Protect your business interests by resolving disputes efficiently.
Real Estate Litigation: From property disputes to landlord-tenant conflicts, we ensure fair resolution.
Personal Injury Claims: If you have suffered injuries due to negligence, we help you seek rightful compensation.
Defamation Cases: Protecting your reputation is vital, and we take action against false claims and slander.

Why Choose Dharsi Law?

Experienced Representation: Our legal team brings years of courtroom experience to fight for your rights.
Client-Centered Approach: We tailor our legal strategies to your unique case.
Aggressive Advocacy: We are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.

If you need a reliable civil litigation lawyer in Toronto, trust Dharsi Law to handle your case with professionalism and expertise.

Real Estate Litigation

Real estate disputes can be complicated and costly, making it essential to have an experienced real estate litigation lawyer by your side. At Dharsi Law, we provide expert legal representation in resolving disputes related to residential and commercial properties in Toronto and across Ontario.

Common Real Estate Disputes We Handle:

Breach of Contract: Disputes arising from failed real estate transactions or agreements.
Property Ownership Disputes: Conflicts over legal ownership and title issues.
Landlord-Tenant Disputes: Representation for both landlords and tenants in eviction cases, lease violations, and rental disagreements.
Construction and Development Disputes: Issues related to zoning, permits, and contractual disagreements between developers and contractors.
Boundary and Easement Disputes: Resolving disagreements over property lines and access rights.
Mortgage and Foreclosure Issues: Legal representation for property owners facing foreclosure or disputes with lenders.

Why Choose Dharsi Law for Real Estate Litigation?

In-Depth Knowledge: Our legal team has extensive experience in real estate law and litigation.
Effective Negotiation: We aim to resolve disputes efficiently through mediation and negotiations whenever possible.
Strong Court Representation: If litigation is necessary, we provide aggressive legal advocacy to protect your interests.
Client-Focused Approach: Every case is handled with attention to detail, ensuring the best possible outcome.

Real estate disputes can have significant financial and legal implications. If you’re facing a real estate conflict, contact Dharsi Law today for professional legal guidance and representation.

Why Employment Laws Matter

Ontario’s employment laws are designed to protect young workers from hazardous conditions while ensuring they receive fair wages. Employers must ensure compliance with age restrictions and provide a safe working environment. Any violations could result in penalties under OHSA regulations.

Best Employment Lawyer

When facing workplace disputes or seeking employment legal guidance, hiring the best employment lawyer can make all the difference. At Dharsi Law, we provide expert legal services tailored to both employees and employers, ensuring fair treatment and compliance with labor laws.

Why Choose Dharsi Law?

Expertise in Employment Law: Our experienced legal team specializes in wrongful termination, workplace harassment, employment contracts, and labor disputes.
Strong Advocacy: We fight for your rights in negotiations and court, ensuring justice is served.
Personalized Legal Solutions: Every case is unique, and we provide tailored strategies for your specific employment-related issues.
Employer & Employee Representation: Whether you’re an employer ensuring compliance or an employee seeking fair treatment, we provide balanced legal solutions.
Proven Track Record: Our success in handling complex employment cases speaks for itself.

How Dharsi Law Can Help

Navigating employment laws can be complex, especially when dealing with minors in the workforce. Dharsi Law specializes in employment law, offering expert legal guidance for both employers and employees. Whether you need help understanding workplace rights, filing a complaint, or ensuring compliance with OHSA, our team is here to assist. Matters for all.