Canada signs international treaty aimed at reducing child labour

Canada has added its signature to an international treaty that aims to reduce child labour around the world.

Labour Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk made the announcement today in Geneva.

The treaty, known as the International Labour Organization's Minimum Age Convention, 1973, requires ratifying member states to set a minimum age for employment of at least 15 years.

It also bans hazardous work for young workers under the age of 18, unless specific measures are put in place.

A statement from Mihychuk's office early Wednesday said ratifying the treaty is "not expected to negatively impact Canadian businesses and operations such as family farms, or part-time work by Canadian teens working at babysitting, camp counselling or other similar jobs."

The treaty is scheduled to take effect in June 2017.