From time to time we review legal documents, such as contest rules, releases, and contracts, that refer to one of the parties needing to be "18 years of age or older". These references are usually made to ensure the individual in question is of the age of majority and thus able to legally bind him or herself to the contract being entered into.
It is important to keep in mind that the age of majority is not the same everywhere in Canada. In some provinces it's 18 (e.g., in Ontario), and in others it's 19 (e.g., British Columbia). One way to deal with this situation is to consider stating "age of majority" instead. For example, "this contest is open to residents of Canada who have reached the age of majority in their province/territory of residence at the time of entry".
(And keep in mind that the legal drinking age is not the same as the age of majority!)
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