Mixed reaction to idea of Sask. lowering legal working age to 13
At this ice cream counter, Amelia Watson is starting a busy shift. At 18 years old, she's already been working for four years. You get a bit more independence, especially for like things saving up for like a car or school too. The restaurant's owner says she relies largely on young employees balancing shifts with classes and sports. And that's the best thing about a part time job where they can make a little bit of money but still enjoy, you know, being a kid. The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce wants to see people as young as 13 get that same opportunity. 14 is currently the minimum age to work, with exceptions for jobs like farming or a family business. We're talking as young as like grade 7-8. This workplace safety expert says a young worker limited to light duty work could get assigned to more risky tasks. He points to the story of Will Kratenko, a teen who suffered severe carbon monoxide poisoning while working at a Saskatchewan grocery store. I think it's foolish to lower the minimum working age to 13. And. Have have these these young people expose these potential hazards. There is evidence part time jobs give teens a competitive advantage later in life. AUBC study followed working 15 year olds for a decade and found as adults they had better suited jobs and higher wages. Those teenagers who can manage to work and go to school, they are developing that time management skill set. Chocolate Raspberry cup gender views part time work as a learning opportunity. And says young employees are better prepared for the future. It really teaches you how to handle customers, how to deal with people, make relationships. So would you be open to hiring a 13 year old? I think I would be. As long as they were eager and ready to work and, you know, wanted to be here, I would definitely give them the chance. The Saskatchewan government says it has no immediate plans to act on the Chamber of Commerce's proposal, but with the provincial election on the horizon, they're open to considering the idea. Alexander Silverman, CBC News, Regina.