You are thinking of hiring a young person for your company: good idea or fantasy? On the one hand, there are the cost savings in terms of salary, the availability for evening and weekend shifts and the energy that young people bring to a company. On the other, there are legal limitations and the changes that have been made and/or will soon be made. But what exactly are these changes?
Bill 19
On June 1, the National Assembly passed Bill 19, regulating work by children to promote their academic success and protect their health and safety.
Effective date
Effective immediately, employers are prohibited from employing children under the age of 14, with the exceptions* listed below.
As of September 1, Bill 19 will apply to all children subject to compulsory school attendance. During the school year, they will be able to work a maximum of 17 hours per week, including 10 hours from Monday to Friday, with certain exceptions.*
It is important to note that these conditions do not apply during vacation and breaks of more than 7 days, i.e., during the holiday season and spring break.
Particularities relating to the employment of minors
As you can see, hiring young people requires a great deal of supervision. What about your obligations and other responsibilities in relation to their age?
- For those under 14:
In Quebec, the minimum legal working age is 14, with some exceptions.*
Employer's obligations:
- Have the parents sign a consent form.
- Keep this consent for 3 years.
- Ensure that the young person's schedule allows them to be in class during school hours, and to be home between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning, with certain exceptions.*
*EXCEPTIONS for age, maximum hours worked and night work:
- newspaper delivery, babysitting, homework help or tutoring
- artistic creation or performance (e.g., film, recording, stage, etc.)
- employment in a family business under certain conditions
- employment in a non-profit organization with a social or community vocation (e.g.: day camp or summer camp counselor)
- employment in an agricultural business under certain conditions
- For 14- to 16-year-olds required to attend school
In Quebec, people can start working at the age of 14. As an employee, they have the same rights and obligations, and are protected in the same way as older workers in the event of a workplace accident or occupational disease.
Employer's obligations:
- Provide the necessary training, instruction and supervision.
- Provide recommended protective equipment and materials.
- Ensure that the young person's schedule allows them to be in class during school hours and to be at home between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning, with certain exceptions.*
- Ensure that, as of September 1, 2023, the young person works a maximum of 17 hours per week, including 10 hours from Monday to Friday, with certain exceptions.*
Employer's prohibitions:
It is forbidden to ask a person under the age of 18 to do work that exceeds their abilities or that is likely to compromise their education, harm their health or physical or moral development.
- For young people under 18 not required to attend school
No restrictions on working hours. These young people have the same rights and obligations as older employees and are protected in the same way in the event of a workplace accident or occupational illness.
Employer's obligations:
These are the same as for all other workers, that is:
- Provide the necessary training, instruction and supervision.
- Provide recommended protective equipment and materials.
Some sectors suitable to hiring young people
- Babysitting has long been one of the first jobs held by a serious, responsible child.
- Amusement parks, water parks and summer camps frequently hire teenagers for the summer.
- Cinemas, theaters, leisure centers and ski resorts hire young people for jobs such as ticket sales, reception or maintenance.
- Restaurants, cafés and other establishments hire teenagers as waiters, dishwashers or kitchen help.
- Grocery stores and retail outlets may hire young people as cashiers, clerks or maintenance staff.
Aside from young people's lack of knowledge and increased need for supervision, it can be beneficial to hire staff under the age of 18, if only to spark their longer-term interest and provide them with work experience. By experiencing the world of work with an understanding team eager to share their know-how, young people are more likely to become involved in their studies, developing the knowledge that will lead them to fulfillment as workers and/or entrepreneurs!
At Bedard Human Resources, we can help you implement the necessary strategies to welcome young employees. Contact Stéphane Pépin for more information on our HR consulting services.
