Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2025, published 114th ILC session (2026)

Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) - Canada (Ratification: 2000)

Articles 3(d) and 4(1) of the Convention. Hazardous work.Federal legislation. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes with interest that, in June 2023, amendments to the Canada Labour Standards Regulations have revised section 10 to raise the minimum age for admission to employment or work in certain types of hazardous work from 17 to 18 years of age.

Provincial legislation. Prince Edward Island. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s information, in its report, that the Review of the Youth Employment Act was completed in the fall of 2023, but that no actions have been taken on recommendations as of yet. The Committee observes, from the final report of the Employment Standards Act Comprehensive Review Panel, that the general minimum age established for admission to harmful and hazardous work in Prince Edward Island remains 16 years and that the Panel has not recommended the setting of a general higher minimum age of 18 in this regard. The Panel does, however, refer to section 7 of the Youth Employment Act, which provides that, where the Director of Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) or an OSH officer has determined that any toxic substance or machinery or equipment in use in any industrial undertaking or any plant engaged in the processing of fish, agricultural products or forest products, is potentially dangerous to young persons, they may, by order, prohibit the employment of young persons in that undertaking or plant either generally or in a location proximate to that substance, machinery or equipment. The Panel recommends removing this section from the Youth Employment Act to avoid any confusion and leave the critical assessment of dangerous workplaces where it most appropriately belongs under the authority of the OSH Act and its regulations. While taking note of this, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on whether any orders have been issued by the OSH Director or officers in application of section 7 of the Youth Employment Act, or of the relevant provisions of the OSH Act and its regulations. If so, please provide details about such orders, including the type of work prohibited.

Nunavut. The Committee recalls that the general minimum age established for admission to harmful and hazardous work in Nunavut is 17 years in Nunavut (Labour Standards Act and Employment of Young Persons Regulations). It notes the Government’s information that the review of the Labour Standards Act and its regulations is ongoing, and that it will include issues related to young workers, including those specifically identified by the ILO, in its assessment and consultations on potential amendments. The Committee requests the Government continue to provide information on the process of review of the Labour Standards Act and its regulations and indicate whether this review will raise the general minimum age for admission to hazardous work to 18 years of age.