Youth involved in household chores, or other activities such as 4-H, are not considered employees. Therefore, Employment Standards do not apply. The following rules on youth employment are effective May 1, 2018.
Regardless of age, all employees under 18 years of age are entitled to the minimum standards of employment, such as general holidays, vacations, minimum wage and termination notice or pay. The rules about allowable work will apply to youth workers on farms and ranches just as they apply in other industries. Children doing chores on the farm or helping out around the home are not considered to be in an employment relationship or performing “work.” There are different youth restrictions dependent upon age of the worker:
12-year olds and under:
Cannot be employed on farms and ranches.
13 - 15-year olds:
Can only be employed in jobs considered ‘light work’ or other non-hazardous work authorized by a permit (requiring parental consent) from the Director of Employment Standards. Youth 15 years of age and under can't work between the hours of 12:01 am and 6:00 am.
16 - 17-year olds:
Cannot be employed in hazardous work unless authorized by a permit from the Director of Employment Standards.
If you have further questions about these laws, you can call the Alberta Employment Standards office toll-free at 1-877-427-3731. You should also visit the website alberta.ca/ESchanges for complete information
