Canada Launches National Consultation on Youth Employment Future

Government Seeks Public Input on Youth Labour Market

The Government of Canada officially launched a national online engagement titled 'Building Canada Strong: Youth in the Labour Market' on November 24, 2025. This initiative aims to gather crucial insights and feedback from Canadians, particularly young people, on the evolving landscape of youth employment. The consultation is spearheaded by the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Federal Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, and is being led by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

Addressing Current Youth Employment Challenges

The consultation comes at a critical time, as young people in Canada face significant hurdles in the labour market. Data from October 2025 indicates that the unemployment rate for youth aged 15 to 24 stood at 14.1%, a notable increase from the pre-pandemic average of 10.8% recorded between 2017 and 2019. Furthermore, nearly one in five teenagers (15 to 19) who wish to work are unable to secure employment. The number of youth aged 15 to 29 not in education, employment, or training (NEET) has also risen to approximately 914,000 in 2025, representing 11.5% of the total youth population. Factors contributing to these challenges include rapid population growth, a softening demand for hiring in key sectors, and a changing labour market influenced by technological advancements like artificial intelligence.

'Building Canada Strong' Consultation Details

The 'Building Canada Strong: Youth in the Labour Market' engagement invites Canadians to share their experiences, challenges, and innovative ideas for fostering a more robust and inclusive workforce. The consultation specifically seeks input on:

• The biggest obstacles young people encounter in finding and maintaining employment.
• Effective programs or activities that have successfully guided youth toward employment pathways.
• Barriers and incentives related to hiring youth.
• Observed gaps in skills and employment support services for young Canadians.

Canadians can participate by completing an online questionnaire or submitting a written submission. The consultation period is open from November 24 to December 19, 2025, providing a focused window for public contribution.

Part of a Broader Strategy

This consultation is an integral part of the Government of Canada's ongoing commitment to supporting young people through its comprehensive Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS). YESS is a horizontal government initiative that delivers a wide array of programs, including Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ), designed to help youth aged 15 to 30 gain work experience, develop skills, and overcome employment barriers. Recent federal budgets have allocated substantial investments, with over $1.5 billion earmarked to help youth acquire the necessary skills and experience for successful careers. These investments support programs like the Student Work Placement Program and the YESS itself, aiming to provide tailored employment supports, training, and wraparound services such as mentorship and mental health counselling to thousands of young Canadians annually.