Crack Down on Child Labor in Canada!
- by: Care2.com
- recipient: Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada
Andrew James was buried alive under a mound of hot asphalt while off-loading materials for a paving company. Andrew James was only 15 years old.
Often times, we associate child labor problems with developing countries but there are serious problems with child labor laws in Canada. Andrew's death and others like his bring current child labor laws into question. Why was a boy that young put in a position that was so dangerous? Employees under sixteen are not allowed to work on construction sites, and yet Andrew was loading asphalt and paid for it with his life.
Child labor laws in Canada are entirely too relaxed and need to be re-evaluated immediately. There isn't enough enforcement of current laws. Urge Prime Minster Stephen Harper to revamp national child labor laws and make sure they are enforced in all provinces!
Dear Prime Minister Stephen Harper,
The child labor laws in Canada are currently far too relaxed. Children shouldn't be allowed to work under conditions where they could become the victims of serious injuries or even death. We often think problems with child labor laws are in developing countries, but there are serious problems in Canada, too.
The death of children like 15-year-old Andrew James, who was buried alive under a mound of hot asphalt at a construction site, is simply unacceptable. Children under 16 are not allowed to work on construction sites and yet Andrew was there and ended up paying for it with his life. And to make matters worse, the laws in place are not even being regulated. It is up to the adults to make sure the nation's children are safe.
(Your Comments Here)
For the past ten years, Canada's child labor laws have continued to become more and more relaxed. It's time that all provinces re-evaluate child labor laws, and make sure that they are enforced across the nation.
