The Big Story Why is it so hard for young people to find a job right now?
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Sep 7, 2025 L.J. Valencia, an Economist from Desjardins Financial and co-author of the Desjardins Report, dives into the tough reality facing young job seekers in Canada, where youth unemployment has soared to nearly 15%. He discusses how pandemic impacts, government job cuts, and shifting immigration policies complicate their job hunt. Valencia highlights the competition from temporary foreign workers and the necessity for young people to continuously upskill. He also underscores the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and employers to better prepare students for the job market.
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Post‑Pandemic Labor Shock Hit Youth Hardest
- Youth unemployment rose sharply after the pandemic due to a post‑pandemic labor shock and slower economic activity.
- Increased immigration and more young newcomers entering the workforce amplified youth job competition.
Pandemic Hiring Frenzy Then A Slowdown
- The youth unemployment spike began during the pandemic recovery when firms urgently sought young workers.
- That hiring scramble then reversed as economic activity slowed, leaving many young entrants without steady jobs.
Teens Face Rising Unemployment And Dropout
- The 15–19 age group has seen both rising unemployment and falling labour force participation.
- Many teens stopped looking for work while job opportunities also declined, pushing unemployment higher.