Where can I get help if I’m being abused?
To report abuse or get help, call the Alberta Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-387-5437 (KIDS). You can report abuse at any age.
For more help and information about reporting child abuse, neglect and sexual exploitation, visit the Government of Alberta’s website.
Last Reviewed: November 2019
Do I need my parents’ permission to get help from a doctor or other health service provider?
It depends.
When you are a minor, you can make your own medical decisions when you are mature enough to make your own informed decisions and understand the consequences of your decisions. Generally, the treating doctor or other health service provider makes this determination.
Because this is not a strict rule, there are many court cases about minors who want to make their own medical decisions. They have to ask the court to determine if they are mature enough to do so.
Last Reviewed: November 2019
Will my parents find out what I’ve said to my doctor or other health service provider?
It depends.
Under the Health Information Act, minors can refuse to consent to the disclosure of information to their parents as long as they have the mental capacity to make this decision. In other words, they have to be mature enough to understand the decision they are making and the consequences of doing so.
There are certain circumstances in which a doctor must disclose health information, even if the minor has asked the doctor not to. Examples include if the doctor suspects abuse, for court proceedings, to prevent fraud or if it is related to an offence being investigated.
To learn more, contact the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta.
Last Reviewed: November 2019
How old do I have to be to consent to have sex?
It depends.
In general, Canadian law says that the age of consent for sexual activity is 16 years old, but there are exceptions:
- a person aged 12 or 13 can consent to sexual activity with someone less than 2 years older;
- a person aged 14 or 15 can consent to sexual activity with someone less than 5 years older.
People under 12 years of age cannot give consent at all, even with someone who is close in age.
However, if you are under 18 years of age, you cannot consent to sexual activity with anyone who:
- is in a position of trust or authority over you (such as a teacher, coach or employer); or
- you are in a relationship of dependency with; or
- you are in a relationship with and who is exploiting you.
Last Reviewed: November 2019
How old do I have to be to get birth control?
It depends.
You can purchase products – such as condoms (male and female), spermicides or contraceptive sponges – regardless of your age. You do not need a prescription. Condoms may be free at some health clinics. You can also purchase individual male condoms from vending machines in many restaurants or bars.
For other contraceptive methods (such as the birth control pill, the birth control patch and IUDs), you will need to see a doctor. The doctor will then decide which, if any, of these methods of birth control will work for you. You do not necessarily have to be 18 to get a prescription for these kinds of birth control. However, if you are under 18, the doctor may encourage you to talk with your parent. Also, the doctor must ensure that the treatment you are requesting is in the interests of your health and that you understand the nature and consequences of the treatment.
The Health Information Act says that you can expressly request that the doctor not inform your parents of the prescription. In certain circumstances, your doctor must comply with this request. For more information on the rules regarding a doctor disclosing health information to parents, see the question “Will my parents find out what I’ve said to my doctor or other health service provider?”
The emergency contraceptive pill (“ECP”, also known as the “morning after pill”) is available without a prescription from licensed pharmacists. Pharmacies keep ECP behind the counter so you must ask for it. Pharmacists are required to tell you about the drug, how it works and possible side effects. If you are a minor, a pharmacist can refuse to give you ECP if they thinks you don’t understand the information given to you. Some pharmacists may have moral or religious objections to the use of ECP. If so, they can refuse to give it you, but they should refer you to other places where you can get it. The record of your use of ECP is confidential and should not be made available to anyone else without your consent. However, if you are a minor, pharmacists are bound by law to report cases of suspected sexual abuse.
For more information on various methods of birth control, see MyHealth.Alberta.ca.
Last Reviewed: November 2019
How old do I have to be to buy a pregnancy test?
Over-the-counter pregnancy tests are available at almost every drugstore and in many supermarkets. You do not need a prescription or to be a certain age. These tests analyze urine in order to determine pregnancy.
Pregnancy tests that analyze blood are also available. For one of these you must go to a doctor. The doctor is bound by doctor-patient confidentiality and should not tell your parents. However, there are certain circumstances (such as suspected sexual assault) where a doctor might have to tell your parents. For more information on the rules regarding a doctor disclosing health information to parents, see the question “Will my parents find out what I’ve said to my doctor or other health service provider?”
Last Reviewed: November 2019
How old do I have to be to buy cigarettes or tobacco?
The legal age in Alberta to buy tobacco is 18. If you are under 18, no one can sell or give you tobacco. Using fake identification to buy tobacco is illegal and may result in consequences.
Last Reviewed: November 2019
How old do I have to be to drink alcohol?
You must be the age of majority.
In Alberta, that is 18 years of age. If you are under 18, you cannot:
- buy, drink or possess alcohol
- have someone else purchase liquor for you
- go into a bar, tavern, club or lounge
- be sold or served any alcohol
There is an exception where a parent, guardian or spouse gives a minor an alcoholic drink at home (such as a glass of wine with Christmas dinner). A home includes a hotel or motel room, and a tent or holiday trailer. In all other cases, a person who provides alcohol to someone under the age of 18 commits an offence.
A minor can only go into a liquor store if they are with someone who is over 18. Using fake identification to buy alcohol is illegal and may result in consequences.
Last Reviewed: November 2019
How old do I have to be to buy or consume legal cannabis?
In Alberta, if you are under 18 years old, you cannot buy, use or possess legal cannabis. A person under 18 years old cannot grow cannabis plants either.
For more information, see our Cannabis FAQs.
Last Reviewed: November 2019
How old do I have to be to do drugs?
Using illegal drugs is not legal at any age. If you are 12 or older, you can be charged for using, distributing (giving or selling) or possessing illegal drugs.
Last Reviewed: November 2019
How old do I have to be to have an abortion? Do I need my parents’ consent?
An abortion is a medical procedure to end a pregnancy. Abortions are legal in Canada. In Alberta, abortions are usually performed at specialized abortion clinics though some are also done at hospitals. Abortions are rarely done after 24 weeks of pregnancy. If you have Alberta Health Care, then you will not have to pay for an abortion in Alberta.
You do not need your parents’ consent to have an abortion unless your doctor believes you are not mature enough to understand the consequences of having an abortion.
Hospitals, clinics and health insurance plans are obligated to keep confidential the names of all women who have abortions.
For more information on abortion, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca.
Last Reviewed: November 2019
How old do I have to be to make medical decisions for myself? Or to refuse medical treatment?
There is no set age.
When you are a minor, you can make your own medical decisions as soon as you are mature enough to make your own informed decisions and understand the consequences of your decisions. Generally, the treating doctor or other health service provider makes this determination.
Because this is not a strict rule, there are many court cases about minors who want to make their own medical decisions. They have to ask the court to determine if they are mature enough to do so.
Last Reviewed: November 2019
How old do I have to be to get a tattoo?
In Alberta, there is no law that says how old you have to be to get a tattoo. However, getting a tattoo technically requires entering into a contract. As such, many tattooing facilities require that you be at least 18 years old to get a tattoo without parental consent.
Both Health Canada and the Government of Alberta have issued guidelines for tattoo artists. For example, the Government of Alberta suggests that even people over 18 need to demonstrate “informed consent” by providing a dated consent form. This form acknowledges that they:
- are undertaking the procedure of their own free will
- are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- are aware that the tattoo is permanent
For more information, see:
- MyHealth.Alberta.ca – Tattoo and Piercing Safety
- Government of Alberta – Health Standards and Guidelines for Tattooing
Last Reviewed: November 2019
How old do I have to be to get a piercing?
In Alberta, there is no law that says how old you have to be to get a body piercing. However, getting a piercing technically requires entering into a contract. As such, many piercing facilities require that you be at least 18 years old to get a piercing without parental consent.
If you are under 18, usually you can get a piercing as long as you have parental consent.
Last Reviewed: November 2019
See Also
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