What's Blocking Young Canadians From Getting Jobs?
Official title: Building Canada Strong: Youth in the Labour Market
The federal government wants to know why young Canadians are struggling to find work. They're asking about the biggest barriers to employment, what programs actually help, and what employers need to hire more youth. Your input will shape future job programs and funding.
Why This Matters
Looking for your first job? Watching your kids struggle to get hired? Youth unemployment affects families across Canada. This consultation could lead to new training programs, employer incentives, or changes to how job services work. If you've experienced the job market recently—or hired young workers—the government wants to hear what's working and what isn't.
What Could Change
The government could redesign the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy based on this feedback. That might mean new funding streams for employers who hire youth, expanded training programs, or better coordination between schools and workplaces. Existing programs could be cut if they're not working.
Key Issues
- What are the biggest obstacles young people face in finding and keeping jobs?
- Which programs or activities are most effective at helping youth find employment?
- What barriers and incentives affect employers' decisions to hire youth?
- What gaps exist in skills training and employment support services for youth?
- What should be the top priority to reduce youth unemployment?
How to Participate
- Read the discussion paper to understand the current challenges facing youth in the job market.
- Complete the online questionnaire to share your ideas. No account needed and responses are confidential.
- Alternatively, email your thoughts on any of the key questions to edsc.dgce.secj-secretariat-yess.seb.esdc@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.
Submit Your Input
Questions Being Asked (5)
- From your perspective, what are the biggest obstacles facing young people in finding and maintaining employment?
- In your experience, what have you found to be the most effective or helpful programs or activities to help put youth on successful employment pathways?
- What are barriers and incentives to hiring youth?
- Have you observed any gaps in skills and employment support and services for youth? If so, what gaps have you observed?
- What is the top priority to focus on immediately to drive down youth unemployment and ensure youth have the skills and opportunities to succeed in the changing labour market?