Jobs for 13-Year-Olds in Hamilton, Ontario: Where to Apply
Legal Work at 13 in Ontario: What's Possible
In Ontario, the minimum age for most formal employment is 14. However, 13-year-olds can work in specific, limited roles with restrictions (max 3 hrs/day on school days, 8 hrs non-school, no late nights, no hazardous tasks). Here are real employers known to hire at 13.
Confirmed Employers (as of recent hiring patterns)
| Employer | Typical Role | Notes |
|---|
| Hamilton Public Library | Page (shelving, circulation help) | Structured program; apply via library website. |
| McDonald's | Crew (front counter, dining area) | Franchise-dependent; some locations hire at 13 with work permit. |
| Tim Hortons | Team Member | Similar to McDonald's—varies by franchisee. |
| Wendy's | Crew Member | Check local store. |
| Pizza Hut | Delivery Driver | Unlikely at 13—requires driver's license (G1 at 16). Likely error in source. In-store roles possible. |
| Giant Tiger | Cashier / Stocker | Part-time; apply in-store or online. |
| FreshCo | Cashier / Stocker | Sobeys-owned; similar policies. |
| Metro | Cashier / Stocker | Unionized; check collective agreement age rules. |
| Sobeys | Cashier / Stocker | Parent of FreshCo. |
| Shoppers Drug Mart | Cashier / Stocker | Loblaw-owned; some locations hire 13+. |
Other Avenues
- Recreation centres / City of Hamilton: Junior camp counselor, rink attendant, pool helper (often 14+ but some 13-yr volunteer-to-paid pathways).
- Local independent businesses: Bakeries, cafés, garden centres, pet stores—ask in person with résumé.
- Newspaper/flyer delivery: Classic 13-yr job; contact Hamilton Spectator or local distributors.
- Babysitting / pet-sitting / lawn care: Informal, self-employed—build a client base via neighbours, community Facebook groups.
Legal Requirements
- Work Permit: Not required for 13-year-olds in Ontario (unlike some provinces), but employer must follow Occupational Health and Safety Act and Education Act (school attendance priority).
- Hours: Max 3 hrs/school day, 8 hrs/non-school day, not before 7 AM or after 11 PM.
- Prohibited: Construction, factories, kitchens (deep fryers, slicers), ladders, chemicals, freezers.
How to Apply
- Prepare a simple résumé: name, contact, school, availability, any volunteer/chore experience.
- Visit in person (best for food/grocery) or apply online (library, chains).
- Bring a parent/guardian for interview if requested.
- Follow up in 1 week.
Note: Hiring policies change by franchise and season. Always confirm directly with the location.
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