As students across the province return to school, Quebec’s regulation aimed at limiting the work hours for teenagers is now becoming enforceable.
Initially announced in March by Quebec’s Labour Minister, Jean Boulet, the law restricts the working hours of teenagers aged 14-16 to 17 hours per week, with a maximum of 10 hours during weekdays and seven hours on weekends. Additionally, the law sets the minimum legal working age at 14.
Boulet is confident that this legislation will contribute to students’ academic success. At a recent press conference, joined by representatives from the education and business sectors, Boulet defended the new rule, which takes effect on September 1.
The law is designed with two primary objectives: to keep students in school and protect them from workplace injuries. According to statistics cited by Boulet, nearly a third of teenagers working over 16 hours per week drop out of school. He also highlighted a substantial increase in work-related accidents involving youth between 2017 and 2022.
Boulet mentioned that the government conducted a thorough examination of approaches taken by other countries and analyzed statistics concerning teenagers’ balance between school and work before finalizing the 17-hour work week restriction.
Boulet referred to a study on the psychological health of individuals aged 12 to 25, which revealed that those working more than 15 hours per week reported symptoms of depression or anxiety. Additionally, about 40% of these individuals felt exhausted upon returning home.
Andrée Mayer-Périard, a participant in an organization network focused on student success, noted that this law reflects a positive trajectory in improving child labor regulations over the past two decades. Mayer-Périard emphasized the importance of sending a message to students and employers regarding the value of education.
Although Quebec is facing a significant labor shortage, Karl Blackburn, the leader of the province’s largest employers’ group, the Conseil du patronat du Québec, stated that burdening youth with the staff shortage isn’t a solution. He emphasized the necessity of education for shaping competent employees, employers, and citizens both now and in the future.