As a potential employer you will need to meet with both the child actor and their parent/guardian. If they are part of a union (such as the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists organization) you may need to negotiate with the union to work out a contract. As with all films, television and “professional group projects” you should have a contract that sets out the pay and requirements of the role.
If there’s the potential for any dangers or hazards during the process of filming, it is recommended that you inform the child actor’s parent/guardian. Unlike an adult actor, a child actor may have need of supervision and training/instruction – more information about restrictions can be found on the Ministry of Labour websites and it is jurisdictional. It is always recommended that the child’s parent/guardian is aware of this information. You will also need to let the child and their parent/guardian know: the description of the role, the location and hours of work, health and safety hazards, any special effects or exposure. If you plan on providing food, you’ll need to have healthy snacks and meals for the child actor(s). You need to comply with the ACTRA IPA, Protecting Child Performers Act (PCPA), and general health and safety laws in Ontario found in Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Relevant acts:
Protecting Child Performers Act (PCPA)
Occupational Health and Safety Act
Ontario Ministry of Labour website
The Queen’s Film & TV Research Group are not lawyers, and this is not legal advice! For more information on labour and employment law, please see the Labour & Employment Law section of this site. Find out more about Queen’s Law on their website, and Pro Bono Queen’s at the PBSC Queen’s site.