By Josh Hall with files from Alberta Government

New employment standards for youth aged 12 and under

Dec 9, 2018 | 8:25 AM

EDMONTON —  There are new employment standards in Alberta for anyone 12 and younger.

Changes recently made by the Alberta Government mean that youth in that age range who are working jobs where there are mandatory deductions or benefits provided can only be employed in artistic endeavours.

This includes film, stage or television productions, and there must be parental/guardian consent, as well as a government-issued permit.

The province says it consulted with more than 100 individuals and organizations on the changes.

“By providing clarity on the standards for employing youth under age 13, the updated legislation will ensure stronger protection for children, while still offering them the choice to gain valuable life experience through their first jobs,” says Christina Gray, Minister of Labour.

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The amendments complete work being done to revise Alberta’s Employment Standards Code and Regulation which began Jan. 1, 2018.

The new standards take effect Jan. 1, 2019.

Rules remain the same for those aged 13 and up. Youth who are 13 or 14 can be employed in jobs such as store clerk, server, delivery person, dishwasher, and food assembler with a permit and parental consent.

Those who are 15-17 can be employed in most occupations, though there are requirements for supervision and restrictions on hours of work.

Youth employment rules also do not apply to farms and ranches, and don’t generally apply to casual work such as babysitting, lawn-mowing, or snow-shovelling.