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Age of Majority in Canada: What Does It Mean?

What is the age of majority in Canada, and what does it mean? This article is your complete guide to the age of majority in all the provinces and territories, including BC, Alberta, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and more. 

Many minors look forward to the day they turn 18 or 19 in Canada. It’s usually a big celebration, as they’re finally legally allowed to do many things they weren’t able to before. 

The age of majority is when someone becomes a legal adult and can do things like voting in an election, buying a lottery ticket, and getting married. 

What Does Age of Majority Mean in Canada? 

The age of majority in Canada is when the law considers someone a legal adult. When you’re no longer a minor, you don’t require oversight by a guardian or parent. 

At this age, you are granted the responsibilities and rights of an adult by law. 

The age of majority is not the same in all of Canada. It is either 18 or 19, depending on the province or territory you live in. Each part of Canada determined the age of majority based on section 92(13) of Canada’s Constitution Act, 1867. 

What Happens When You Reach the Age of Majority in Canada? 

When you reach the age of majority in Canada, your parents no longer have custody of you. You become responsible for the decisions you make, and you can do things such as:

  • Vote in elections
  • Get the full minimum wage
  • Buy a lottery ticket
  • Quit school 
  • Independently enter contracts
  • Make a will 
  • Change your name
  • Get married
  • Access social assistance 
  • Apply for most credit cards, loans, and more 

Age of Majority by Province 

Here’s a table of the age of majority in each of the Canadian provinces. It is either 18 or 19, depending on the province or territory. 

ProvinceAge of Majority
Alberta 18
British Colombia 19
Manitoba18
New Brunswick19
Newfoundland and Labrador19
Northwest Territories19
Nova Scotia19
Nunavut 19
Ontario18
Prince Edward Island18
Quebec18
Saskatchewan18
Yukon19

The legal age is completely different from the age of majority. It is an age where you are allowed to do a certain activity or have a certain responsibility.

For example, the legal age in Ontario to purchase alcohol is 19, and it is 16 to get a driver’s license. 

The age of majority in Ontario is 18. 

FAQs

What is an age of majority card in Ontario? 

An Ontario photo card is used to prove your identity and age. It can be used for day-to-day business transactions and as proof of identity for domestic travel. It is valid for five years, and if you have one, you cannot have a driver’s license at the same time. You can receive a photo card if you are 16 years or older and are a resident of Ontario. 

What is the age of majority in California? 

The age of majority in California is 18 years of age. 

What is the age of majority in the US? 

The age of majority by state can differ; however, almost all states set the age of majority to 18 years old. 

How old is a minor in Ontario? 

In Ontario, a minor is someone who is younger than 18 years of age. 

How old is a minor in the US? 

A minor in the United States is someone younger than 18 years old. 

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Author

Gravatar for Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)
Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)

Enoch Omololu is a personal finance expert and a veterinarian. He has a master’s degree in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Aberdeen Business School (Scotland) and has completed several courses and certificates in finance, including the Canadian Securities Course. He also has an MSc. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Manitoba and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Ibadan. Enoch is passionate about helping others win with their finances and has been writing about money matters for over a decade. He has been featured or quoted in Forbes, The Globe and Mail, Winnipeg Free Press, Wealthsimple, CBC News, Financial Post, Toronto Star, CTV News, Canadian Securities Exchange, Credit Canada, National Post, and many other personal finance publications. You can learn more about him on the About Page.

His top investment tools include Wealthsimple and Questrade. He earns cash back on purchases using KOHO, monitors his credit score for free using Borrowell, and earns interest on savings through EQ Bank.

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