Front Burner Young people can't find jobs. Is Canada's economy in trouble?
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Aug 26, 2025 Armine Yalnizyan, an economist and Atkinson Fellow on the Future of Workers, dives into the troubling rise of youth unemployment in Canada, currently at a staggering 15%. She unpacks the unique challenges young job seekers face, including fierce competition from older workers and the looming threat of AI automation. The conversation also sheds light on the long-term scarring effects of joblessness on youth independence and mental health, emphasizing the urgent need for strategic economic reforms to better support the younger generation.
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Teen Job Hunt Example
- Violet, 17, applied to over 30 places and 15 online listings and still couldn't find summer work.
- Many peers only secured city lifeguard or camp roles, showing how scarce youth jobs are.
Youth Joblessness Is Disproportionate
- Youth unemployment (15–24) hit 15%, the highest since 2010 outside the pandemic.
- The striking fact is youth joblessness rose far more than overall unemployment, signaling structural change.
Older Youth Are Crowding Entry Jobs
- Older young adults (25–29) are occupying roles that teens once filled, delaying 'adulting.'
- High housing costs and more schooling push people to keep low-paid jobs, creating a structural shift.