Fact Sheet
Child Performer Recruitment Licence InformationAll businesses engaged in child performer recruitment are required to have a licence from the Employment Standards Branch before they can audition, scout or recruit a child. This requirement results from the Worker Recruitment and Protection Act, which improves protections for children in the talent and modeling industry. This page highlights the changes.
What is a child performer?Anyone under the age of 17 who performs as an actor, extra, musician, singer, dancer, entertainer, or a model promoting an idea or service. Is a licence required to work with child performers in Manitoba?
Yes. Agencies and businesses engaged in child performer recruitment must have a licence from Employment Standards before they can promote, audition, scout, or recruit a child performer. How do I apply for a licence?You can get an application form at www.gov.mb.ca/labour/standards/forms.html or by contacting the Employment Standards Branch. The form is designed to capture important business information and moral references. The completed form can be mailed or in person to the Employment Standards Branch. Are there restrictions on who can apply?No. However, licences will only be approved for legitimate businesses that Employment Standards deems will operate with professionalism and have measures in place to ensure the safety and well-being of the children with whom they work. What factors will Employment Standards consider in reviewing the application?Employment Standards will ensure the applicant provides any information required as part of the application, and will review the applicant's past conduct to assess whether they will behave lawfully, honestly, and in the public interest while carrying out the business of the license or registration. How much does a licence cost?The application fee is $100.00. The licence is valid for a year and must be renewed before it expires. Are there specific conditions for conducting recruiting activities in Manitoba?In addition to obtaining a licence to engage in child performer recruitment, a recruiter must provide the following information to Employment Standards, at least two weeks before advertising to audition, scout or recruit in Manitoba:
Is the information provided on the application confidential?Employment Standards may ask for permission to collect or disclose information with government officials, law enforcement agencies, and other regulators to evaluate the applicant for licensing. This will be used to verify information provided in the licence application and to investigate the character, financial history, and competence of an applicant. Can child performers work with an unlicensed talent agency or recruiter?
There is only one instance when a child performer may work with a business that is not licensed by Employment Standards: if the child is a member of the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) and is performing work at a workplace where ACTRA is the child's bargaining agent. When can work with a child performer begin?A recruiter and a talent agency must first receive their licence. Child performers may start work with a licensed agency once they receive their Child Performer Permit. Can fees be charged to a child performer?
No fees may be charged to child performers (or family members on their behalf) whether directly or indirectly, in relation to seeking or finding work.
What fees can be charged by a photographer, instructor, or other person offering services in the talent industry?The Worker Recruitment and Protection Act does not regulate the services associated with the talent industry. Child performers and their parents/guardians can choose who will provide these types of services, and any fees are their responsibility. However, the agency recruiting or promoting the child cannot make these services a condition of promoting the child. What records must I keep as a licensee operating a talent agency business or engaged in child performer recruitment?Complete and accurate financial operations records must be kept for at least three years, as well as records that show:
Why protect child performers?
What is the purpose of the "Code of Conduct for Working with Child Performers"?
The Code of Conduct was developed by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection and law enforcement officials who are experts in issues related to the exploitation of children. It outlines the shared responsibility between parents/guardians and agencies that work with child performers to protect children from those who see the industry as a way to get access to children for the purpose of exploitation. What is required by the "Code of Conduct for Working with Child Performers"?
Talent agencies promoting child performers must conduct themselves appropriately and take seriously their obligation to ensure all people working with children act safely and appropriately. Are there restrictions for a child performer?Some of the restrictions for child performers will be similar to the protections for children in other industries, such as the number of hours of work allowed. The Child Performer Permit will have specific terms and conditions the applicant must follow. Along with the permit, the applicant and the talent agency will receive a "Code of Conduct for Working with Child Performers", which must be followed by those working within the child talent industry. Why do child performers need a permit?
The permit system gives parents/guardians, the talent agency, and Employment Standards a chance to make sure the work is done in socially appropriate settings, with the right supervision, and does not affect the health, safety, or well-being of the child. How are child performers protected?
Employment Standards will conduct inspections and investigations and background checks to make sure the people working with child performers are reputable, they conduct themselves appropriately, and take seriously their obligation to ensure child safety. What happens to the permit if a child performer changes agencies?Permits are given one time per child, per agency and are valid for as long as the child works with that talent agency (or until the child turns 17). If the child performer changes agencies, both the child and the new agency need a new permit. Can I appeal?
Applicants can appeal a decision to refuse, cancel or suspend a licence or registration under The Worker Recruitment and Protection Act to the Court of King's Bench. Applicants who wish to appeal must file a Notice of Application (form 14B at the Statutory Publications Office) with the court within 14 days of receiving the decision. Who do I contact to report suspicion of abuse or misconduct?If you have suspicion, based on reasonable grounds, to believe a child is in need of protection, call the Child and Family All Nations Coordinated Response Network (ANCR) at 1-866-345-9241. For more information contact Employment Standards:Phone: 204-945-3352 or toll free in Canada 1-800-821-4307 Fax: 204-948-3046 Website: www.manitoba.ca/labour/standards This is a general overview and the information used is subject to change. For detailed information, please refer to current legislation including The Employment Standards Code, The Construction Industry Wages Act , The Worker Recruitment and Protection Act, or contact Employment Standards.
Available in alternate formats
Date Published: May 24, 2023 |
- Telephone: 204-945-3352
- Toll Free: 1-800-821-4307
- Fax: 204-948-3046
- Find the Office nearest you