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In British Columbia, minimum standards for wages and working conditions for most workers are set under the Employment Standards Act and the Employment Standards Regulation.

The Act requires that any person who employs a child under 15 years of age obtain permission from the Director of Employment Standards, regardless of the type of employment. When granting permission, the Director also has the legal authority to set conditions of work for any child under 15 years of age.

Normally, when an application for a child employment permit is received, the Employment Standards Branch will conduct an investigation to determine that the employment situation meets the best interests of the child and will not adversely effect the child's social, physical or educational needs.

To expedite the permit process in the film, television and television commercial industry, special conditions have been developed for children under 15 years of age working in this industry. These conditions were developed in consultation with directors, producers, agents, actors and parents. They cover hours of work, education, workplaces safety and protection of income.

The complete details of these conditions and application forms are available from Employment Standards Branch offices and on the internet at http://www.labour.gov.bc.ca/esb/chldflm/. A separate fact sheet is also available on the subject of trust funds.

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This factsheet has been prepared for general information purposes. It is not a legal document. Please refer to the Employment Standards Act and Regulation for purposes of interpretation and application of the law. July 2002

For more information, please contact the Employment Standards Branch at their hotline

1-800-663-3316 (toll-free in British Columbia)

If for any reason you cannot reach them you can contact your local MLA who will help you get in contact with someone at the Employment Standards Branch.