By Canadian Updates | June 11, 2025
Young people in Canada are finding it harder than ever to get jobs. In May 2025, the unemployment rate for Canadians aged 15 to 24 reached 14.2%. This is the highest it’s been in decades, except for during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many young Canadians, especially those just finishing school, are struggling to start their careers. Let’s break down why this is happening and what it means for Canada’s youth.
Why Are Young People Struggling to Find Jobs?
The job market in Canada is tough right now for several reasons. Here’s what’s making it hard for young people to find work:
- Rising Prices: Everything costs more these days, from groceries to rent. This makes it harder for businesses to hire new workers, especially young people with less experience.
- More People in Canada: Canada’s population is growing fast. More people means more competition for the same jobs.
- Trade Problems with the U.S.: The United States has placed taxes, called tariffs, on Canadian goods. This hurts industries like car manufacturing and retail, which employ many young workers.
- Weak Economy: Canada’s economy is slowing down, and some experts worry a recession might be coming. When businesses are unsure about the future, they hire fewer people.
Did You Know? In May 2025, only 54.1% of young Canadians had jobs, and 14.2% of those looking for work couldn’t find it. This shows how tough the job market is for youth.
How Bad Is It Across Canada?
Not every part of Canada is affected the same way. Some places are seeing higher unemployment rates than others:
- British Columbia: The unemployment rate for young people here jumped to 16.6% in May 2025, up from 10.5% a year earlier. That’s one of the highest in the country.
- Alberta: This province has the highest youth unemployment rate at 17.2%. Cities like Calgary are especially tough, with a youth unemployment rate of 14% in February 2025.
- Windsor, Ontario: This city, known for car manufacturing, had an overall unemployment rate of 10.7% in April 2025. U.S. tariffs are hitting its auto industry hard, leaving fewer jobs for everyone, including young workers.
Real Stories from Young Canadians
Sarah Chung, a 23-year-old who graduated from the University of Calgary with a degree in media and communications, shared her story. She called the job market “bleak.” Even with a degree, she’s struggling to find work. Many other young Canadians feel the same way. They’re sending out resumes, going to interviews, but often hear nothing back. For students, summer jobs are also harder to find because companies are cutting back on hiring.
How Does This Compare to the Past?
The 14.2% youth unemployment rate is high, but it’s not the worst Canada has seen. Back in 1983, it reached 18.3%, and in the early 1990s, it hit 17.2%. During the COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020, it spiked to 28.6%. However, today’s situation is still serious. When young people can’t find jobs, it can hurt their careers for years. They might earn less money or take longer to build stable lives.
What’s Happening in the Bigger Economy?
It’s not just young people struggling. Canada’s overall unemployment rate hit 7% in May 2025, the highest in nine years outside the pandemic. Since January 2025, the country hasn’t added many new jobs. People looking for work are spending an average of five months searching, compared to about four months a year ago.
Some industries, like manufacturing and retail, lost jobs in April 2025. For example, manufacturing jobs dropped by 1.6%, and retail jobs fell by 0.9%. These losses are partly because of U.S. tariffs, which make it harder for Canadian businesses to sell their products.
The Bank of Canada is watching closely. Its next decision on interest rates is set for July 30, 2025. Lowering rates could make it easier for businesses to borrow money and hire more workers, but it won’t fix everything.
What People Are Saying
Many Canadians are frustrated. On social media, young people and others are sharing their struggles. Some say there’s too much competition for jobs because of programs that bring in temporary foreign workers. Others feel the government isn’t doing enough to help young people find work. The mood is one of worry and disappointment, with many young Canadians losing hope about their future.
What Can Be Done?
Fixing this problem won’t be easy, but there are ideas to help:
- Job Programs for Youth: The government could create programs to help young people get training or find entry-level jobs.
- Support for Industries: Helping industries like manufacturing and retail could create more jobs for everyone, including youth.
- Changes to Worker Programs: Some suggest rethinking programs that bring in temporary foreign workers to make sure young Canadians have a fair shot at jobs.
Looking Ahead
The job market is tough for young Canadians right now, but it’s important to stay informed and keep trying. If you’re a young person looking for work, consider exploring job training programs or looking into industries that are still hiring, like healthcare or technology. Canadian Updates will keep you posted on any changes in the economy or new opportunities for jobs.
Stay tuned to Canadian Updates for the latest news on Canada’s economy and job market!
