Gen Z Facing Canada’s Worst Youth Job Market in Decades

Canada’s youth unemployment has reached its highest level in 25 years (excluding the pandemic), leaving many young Canadians struggling to find work in their fields. Many are forced to take unrelated jobs, return to school, or delay starting their careers.

Several factors contribute: rapid population growth, high inflation, rising interest rates, and global trade uncertainty. Immigration has increased the labour supply, while businesses pull back on hiring. Automation and growing numbers of temporary foreign workers may also be shrinking entry-level opportunities.

Experts warn this could lead to long-term "wage scarring," where early career unemployment reduces lifetime earnings. Despite some government efforts to create jobs, many young Canadians remain on the sidelines, waiting for better conditions.