Yesterday, the Quebec Minister of Labor, Jean Boulet, presented a bill regulating child labor that sets 14 years as the minimum age for work, with some exceptions, effective from September 1, 2023.

Accordingly, Minister Boulet has reinstated the main recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Labor and Workforce (CCTM) to set the general age for employment acceptance at 14 years.

Under the bill, minors aged 14 to 16 are prohibited from working more than 17 hours per week, including weekends, during the school year, provided that the working hours between Monday and Friday do not exceed 10.

The bill excludes newspaper distributors, child caregivers, day camp supervisors, and children who provide help with homework.

Furthermore, Minister Boulet wishes to identify risks that may particularly affect the health and safety of workers aged 16 or younger, analyze them, and take them into consideration.

The Commission for Standards, Equity, Health and Safety at Work (CNESST) will be given the authority to provide financial assistance to labor market actors to support prevention initiatives.

It is noted that amid the labor shortage, more children find themselves in the labor market, with the associated risks.

Their increasing presence in workplaces not only raises health and safety issues but also exacerbates the problem of school dropout.

It is noted that currently, there is no minimum working age in Quebec, unlike many other Canadian provinces. However, those under fourteen who wish to work must obtain parental consent.

Additionally, under Quebec’s Public Education Act, no person aged 16 or under, who has not yet obtained a school certificate, is allowed to work during school hours. However, they may work every weekday evening and every weekend.