In Canada, the legal age to enter into a contract is 18 years old. This means that anyone below the age of 18 is considered a minor and is not capable of entering into a legally binding agreement.
The rationale behind this law is to protect young people from making potentially harmful decisions that they may not fully understand the consequences of. The law recognizes that minors lack the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts since they are not yet considered fully competent to make such decisions.
It is important to note that even if a minor enters into a contract, it can be voidable at their discretion. This means that the minor has the right to disaffirm or cancel the contract once they reach the age of majority. However, the other party must also be notified of this cancellation, and any benefits received under the contract must be returned.
One exception to this rule is contracts for necessities, such as food, clothing, and shelter. These types of contracts are considered enforceable, even if entered into by a minor, since they are essential for the minor’s wellbeing.
Another exception is contracts for employment. Minors are allowed to enter into employment contracts, provided that the work is not prejudicial to their health, safety, or education.
In summary, the legal age to enter into a contract in Canada is 18 years old. Although minors may enter into contracts, they do not have the legal capacity to do so, and any contracts they enter into can be voidable once they reach the age of majority. Exceptions to this rule include contracts for necessities and employment contracts, which are enforceable even if entered into by a minor.