Notifications

Government mail service may be affected by the Canada Post labour disruption. See how to send and receive government mail during this time

Employment standards – Permits and variances

Apply for variances to basic employment standards rules or for a permit to employ a person under 18 for certain types of work.

Introduction

While the employment standards rules set out the basic standards that employers must provide to employees, exceptions can be made in certain circumstances. Employers, groups of employers, or employer associations can apply for a variance or exemption from minimum standards. In this section, find out how to apply and search online registries of active permits and variances.

Our services

Employers may apply for a permit to employ a person 14 years of age and under for certain types of work.

Employers, employer groups or associations may apply for the ability to vary from certain mandatory employment standards obligations and requirements.

Government may provide employers with the ability to vary from mandatory obligations and requirements of the Employment Standards Code.

Information is posted about employers with variances or exemptions issued by Employment Standards after January 1, 2018.

Find a list of employers with a Ministerial Order for Employment Standard

Information is posted about employers with youth employment permits issued by Employment Standards.