Provincial definitions of a minor

This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.

In Canada, the definition of a minor child varies according to province as indicated in the table below.

Province Definition of minor child Definition of minor for child protection purposes

British Columbia

Person under 19 years

Same

Alberta

Person under 18 years

Same

Saskatchewan

Unmarried person under 16 years

Same

Manitoba

Person under 18 years

Same

Ontario

Person under 18 years

“child” means a person under the age of 16

Quebec

Person under 18 years

Same

Nova Scotia

Person under 19 years

“child” means a person under the age of 16

New Brunswick

Person under 19 years

“child” means a person under the age of 16

Newfoundland

Person under 16 years (youth defined as a person who is 16 years or older, but under the age of 18)

Same

Prince Edward Island

Person under 18 years

Same

Northwest Territories

Person under 19 years

“child” means a person under the age of 16

Yukon

Person under 19 years

“child” means a person under the age of 16

Nunavut

Person under 19 years

“child” means a person under the age of 16

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