1 Group definition

Generally, Statistics Canada defines youth as those aged 15 to 29. However, for this article, we are analyzing youth aged 15 to 24.

2 Selection criteria data and analysis

2.1 Labour market representation

Three key metrics for evaluating the representation of youth–or any group–in the labour market are the unemployment, employment, and labour force participation rates.

The unemployment rate of youth has been several percentage points higher compared to the total population since 2007. In fact, their unemployment rate is one of the highest of all groups compared in this analysis, indicating that they may face barriers entering the workforce. As a result, this group may benefit from better information to address the factors preventing effective labour market integration.

The participation rate of youth in contrast with immigrants, who landed five or less years earlier, is much lower, possibly since many of them are enrolled in post-secondary institutions. According to a Statistics Canada report from 2009, 80.3% of youth aged 15 to 19 and 38% of youth aged 20 to 24 were enrolled in institutes. The employment rate of youth though several points lower than that of the total population, follows the same trend.

2.2 COVID-19 impact

One way to measure the impact of COVID-19 is to examine the average monthly employment loss from February through June. As we can see from the table, immigrants, who landed five or less years earlier, were the hardest hit during the pandemic, suffering an average monthly employment loss of 5%, followed by females and youth aged 15 to 24, who experienced an average monthly job loss of 2% and 1%, respectively.

demographic Average month-over-month growth (%)
15 to 24 years -1
Females -2
Total population -3
Immigrants, landed 5 or less years earlier -5

As is clear from the plot below, among all the groups, youth aged 15 to 24 experienced the highest volatility in monthly employment from February through July–a fact that the table on average monthly employment does not capture. Monthly employment for females was the second-most volatile of all groups, followed by immigrants, landed five or less years earlier, whereas according to the table, this group experienced the highest average monthly employment loss. Monthly employment for the total population was the least volatile of all groups.

2.3 Accessibility of LMI

Another factor to consider is the group’s relationship to LMI. Specifically, we want to know their experiences locating and interpreting LMI. For example, among those youth surveyed, 57% reported difficulty finding this information, as opposed to 49% of the general population surveyed. And 42% said the information available is difficult to understand, as opposed to 37% of the general population surveyed.

2.4 Use and impact of LMI

It is also important to consider the impact that LMI will have on youth. Knowing, therefore, whether youth use LMI and the impact it has had on their previous job-related decisions can be beneficial. Among the youth surveyed, 57% reported using LMI, as opposed to 50% of the general population of Canadians surveyed. And 89% said this information had an impact on their decision making, in contrast with 83% of the general population surveyed.

2.5 Existing representation

There are several organizations which help youth overcome barriers to entering the workforce. Some of which are:

YES: a charitable organization, which offers over 25 employment counselling, training and placement programs for youth.

YMCA: another charitable organization, which provides career counselling and personal development services.

Canadian Council for Youth Prosperity: a national non-profit, which works to boost infrastructure that supports the youth workforce development ecosystem.