Unpaid Internships in Ontario: Are They Legal?

Under Ontario's Employment Standards Act (ESA), most interns are employees and must be paid at least minimum wage, along with other ESA rights.

The main exceptions

The ESA generally doesn't apply to:

• secondary school students in a work experience program authorized by their school;
• students in a program approved by a college, university or registered career college, such as a co-op placement.

Some other training programs have their own rules.

Calling it "training" doesn't change it

The Ministry of Labour says that someone called an intern or trainee is generally an employee if they are trained in a skill the employer's own employees use. Unpaid training for a job with that employer can still be work.

Your rights as an employee

• At least minimum wage.
• Overtime pay after 44 hours a week, for most jobs.
• Public holiday pay and vacation pay.
• Protection from reprisal.

Non-profits and charities

Volunteering for a genuine charity or non-profit is different, but a "volunteer" doing a regular job may still be an employee.

If you weren't paid

Keep a record of your hours and tasks, and you can file a claim with the Ministry of Labour, usually within two years.

Sources

• Employment Standards Act, 2000
• Ontario: unpaid internships

Read next: Your First Job in Ontario: 10 Rights Every Worker Has

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 15 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Pexels: Studying at a desk in a library · Taking notes during a job interview.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.