Minimum working age · New Brunswick
Minimum working age in New Brunswick.
The youngest age a person can work in New Brunswick and what changes at each age. Enter an age to see the rule that applies.
New Brunswick: an employer who wishes to employ a child under 16 may apply to the Employment Standards Branch for authorization; under-14s are barred from forestry, construction, industrial undertakings, automotive service, hospitality and theatres.
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New Brunswick: minimum working age rules in detail
| Point | What the source says |
|---|---|
| Under 16 | Authorization from the Employment Standards Branch; no harmful work; 6-hour day, 3-hour school day, 8 hours school plus work, no 10 pm to 6 am |
| Under 14 | Barred from forestry, construction, industrial undertakings, automotive service, hospitality, theatre or dance hall |
Notes on this rule
The Director may issue a permit only if satisfied the work will not harm the child, will comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and will not hurt school attendance.
How to use this page
Enter an age to see the rule for that age. The bands run from the youngest age to adult, so you can step through each one to see what changes: permits, consent, hours of work and prohibited jobs.
Sources, read directly 19 October 2026: GNB - Employment of children under 16.
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to work in New Brunswick?
New Brunswick: an employer who wishes to employ a child under 16 may apply to the Employment Standards Branch for authorization; under-14s are barred from forestry, construction, industrial undertakings, automotive service, hospitality and theatres.
What is the general minimum in New Brunswick?
The general position is: 16 (authorization possible below). Younger workers are covered by the permit, consent, hour and job limits listed above.
Does a family business have different rules?
The source read for New Brunswick does not set out a separate family-business rule on the page used here, so none is stated. Ask the employment standards office before relying on a family exception.
Is this legal advice?
No. Youth-employment rules also depend on school-attendance law, occupational health and safety rules and the specific job. This page summarises the employment standards rules the sources state; check the source or the employment standards office before hiring or starting work under the minimum age.
Where does this New Brunswick information come from?
Every figure on this page was read on 19 October 2026 from: GNB - Employment of children under 16. The links are listed under the rules table above. If a source changes, this page is regenerated from one data file and the verified date is updated.
Reference only — not legal advice
This page states the statutory minimum working age rules from the published employment-standards legislation or the government’s own guide, read on 19 October 2026. It is not legal advice, does not model a collective agreement or an individual contract, and rules change. For a binding answer, contact the employment standards office named in the source or a lawyer.