Youth Unemployment Crisis in Canada: A Growing Disaster

Strategic Insights -

Canada's youth unemployment rate has reached its highest mark in over 20 years outside of the pandemic, with 15 to 24-year-olds facing a daunting 14.1 per cent unemployment rate, according to Statistics Canada's April Labour Force Survey. In Ontario and Alberta, the situation is even more dire, with unemployment rates of 16.4 per cent and 17.2 per cent, respectively. This staggering statistic affects nearly one out of every six young people in Alberta alone. The trend has been evident for over a year, with the unemployment rate reaching 13.5 per cent in June 2024, the highest since 2014 except for the pandemic. The pain is palpable, with parents, young professionals, and even employers expressing frustration on social media.

Key Takeaways:

  • The national unemployment rate for 15 to 24-year-olds increased to 14.1 per cent, the highest mark in over 20 years outside of the pandemic.
  • The unemployment rate in Ontario is 16.4 per cent, while in Alberta, it's 17.2 per cent, affecting nearly one out of every six young people in Alberta alone.
  • The trend has been evident for over a year, with the unemployment rate reaching 13.5 per cent in June 2024, the highest since 2014 except for the pandemic.
  • The long-term unemployment rate for 15 to 24-year-olds, defined as six months or more, has increased to 3.5 per cent, another two-decade high.
  • According to Indeed's Labour Market Update for Q1 2025, 3.5 per cent of 15 to 24-year-olds are experiencing long-term unemployment.
  • The "prime age" demographic (25-54) reports a 15-year unemployment high of 5.7 per cent.
  • None of the above statistics adequately capture the true extent of youth unemployment, given the lack of further breakdown of the "prime age" demographic.
  • Unemployment rates for older age groups (55-plus) are lower than for younger groups, with the exception of those in the younger segment of the "prime age" range.
  • Politicians tend to be older and may be less attuned to the plight of younger Canadians, who are disproportionately affected by the crisis.
  • Unsustainable immigration targets and uncapped temporary foreign worker and international student visas have exacerbated the problem by stimulating demand for housing and jobs beyond supply, causing labour shortages.
  • The trend has been ignored by policymakers, who may have been preoccupied with catering to the concerns of older Canadians and garnering votes.

Statistics:

  • National unemployment rate for 15 to 24-year-olds: 14.1 per cent (Statistics Canada, April 2025 Labour Force Survey)
  • Unemployment rate in Ontario for 15 to 24-year-olds: 16.4 per cent
  • Unemployment rate in Alberta for 15 to 24-year-olds: 17.2 per cent
  • Long-term unemployment rate for 15 to 24-year-olds: 3.5 per cent (Indeed, Labour Market Update for Q1 2025)
  • Prime age (25-54) unemployment rate: 5.7 per cent

Sources:

  • Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, April 2025
  • Indeed, Labour Market Update for Q1 2025
  • Reddit, social media discussions on youth unemployment
  • X (formerly Twitter), social media discussions on youth unemployment
  • LinkedIn, #OpentoWork badges and discussions on youth unemployment