A Pledge from City Hall

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe announced Tuesday that the city will aim to end youth homelessness by 2030. Speaking at a press conference, he committed to ensuring young people who enter shelters receive immediate help to secure safe and stable housing.

The Goal Behind the Promise

Sutcliffe argued that addressing youth homelessness is a necessary step toward eliminating homelessness more broadly. He pointed to research showing half of chronically homeless adults first experienced homelessness before the age of 16. Between 50 and 100 youth are currently homeless in Ottawa, according to city estimates.

Key Timeline for Change

The city’s 2026 budget, now in planning, will include new investments aimed at preventing and reducing youth homelessness. Sutcliffe said the five-year horizon is realistic and allows the city to establish systems that keep young people from becoming trapped in long-term homelessness.

Community Voices on the Plan

Local advocates and service providers welcomed the pledge. Kaite Burkholder Harris, executive director of the Alliance to End Homelessness, called it a “doable goal,” explaining that ending homelessness means it becomes rare, brief, and non-recurring. Ali Campbell of Shepherds of Good Hope highlighted that youth who face homelessness are more likely to experience it again later in life. Councillor Stéphanie Plante stressed the importance of prevention and urged that no one should remain in a shelter for more than two weeks.

Steps Underway to Find Solutions

Although details remain limited, Sutcliffe confirmed that no additional funding will be sought from other levels of government. He will also participate in a University of Ottawa “hackathon,” where students and community partners will design strategies to prevent youth homelessness. These efforts are expected to complement future city-funded programs.

The Road Ahead for Ottawa

The mayor emphasized that success will be measured by whether homelessness among young people is rare and short-lived. The coming budget will determine how much funding is directed to prevention, rapid rehousing, and youth-specific supports. If achieved, the initiative could serve as a model for addressing homelessness across Canada.

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Politicians challenge Ottawa’s program

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and B.C. Premier David Eby are urging Ottawa to reform or abolish Canada’s temporary foreign worker (TFW) program, arguing it limits opportunities for young Canadians. Both leaders claim the system is driving down wages and locking domestic workers out of good-paying jobs.

Experts point to other pressures

Immigration lawyer Mark Holthe countered that the TFW program requires proof no Canadians are available before employers hire abroad, with rules ensuring prevailing wages are paid. He argued that open work permits granted to international students pose a greater challenge, as their availability and willingness to work at lower wages distort the labour market.

Impact of international students

According to federal data, over one million international students held valid permits in Canada in 2024, many transitioning into open work permits after graduation. A Desjardins report found that relaxed work restrictions during the pandemic led to a surge in young workers aged 20 to 24, outpacing labour demand and contributing to higher unemployment.

Youth unemployment remains high

Statistics Canada reported youth unemployment at 14.5 per cent in August. McGill University economist Fabian Lange described the trend as “a canary in the coal mine,” noting that hiring freezes caused by economic uncertainty hit new labour market entrants first. He cautioned that an approaching recession could further worsen the outlook for young job seekers.

Federal government response

Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government is working to lower immigration levels from seven to five per cent of the population in coming years. Ottawa has also reduced international study permits and reinstated limits on off-campus work hours for students. Holthe noted these measures may eventually ease pressure on youth employment but warned that meaningful change could take years.

Looking ahead

With population growth slowing and labour demand cooling, experts suggest youth job prospects may improve in the long term. Still, economists stress that the broader health of Canada’s economy will ultimately determine whether young Canadians see better employment opportunities.

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In a major push to support youth employment and strengthen the economy, the Government of Canada is expanding its Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program by creating up to 6,000 additional job opportunities this summer. The announcement raises the total number of CSJ-supported positions to 76,000, offering young Canadians more chances to gain paid work experience in communities nationwide.

The expanded initiative comes at a critical time, as the country focuses on building the strongest economy in the G7 while supporting small businesses and not-for-profits through the busy summer season.

Real Jobs, Real Skills for the Future

The CSJ program gives youth aged 15 to 30 meaningful, paid job opportunities that help shape their education and career paths. Whether in tourism, housing construction, recreation, environmental protection, or digital technology, the positions are designed to build skills, grow confidence, and improve long-term job prospects.

“The Canada Summer Jobs program helps young people get meaningful, paid work experience that builds skills, confidence, and connections,” said Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families. “It also gives small businesses and not-for-profits the staff they need to grow and serve their communities.”

Supporting Indigenous-Led Projects

Minister Hajdu made the announcement during a visit to Wataynikaneyap Power’s head office on Fort William First Nation in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The organization, which leads a large-scale energy project connecting remote First Nations communities to the power grid, has already hired students through CSJ funding—including an electrical engineering technologist.

“Capacity-building is part of our vision,” said Margaret Kenequanash, CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power. “We appreciate the CSJ program for helping us hire five students since 2022. Our goal is to create hope and opportunities for our youth.”

Application Window Now Open

Youth can now explore job opportunities across the country on the Job Bank website and mobile app. The 2025 hiring period runs through July 21, with positions spanning sectors like food service, marketing, STEM, and skilled trades.

Anna Gainey, Secretary of State for Children and Youth, encouraged youth to explore the program:

“A good summer job offers valuable work experience and builds confidence. I invite young Canadians to look for CSJ opportunities in their communities.”

Program Results and Future Investments

Since 2019, the Canada Summer Jobs program has funded over 460,000 job opportunities for youth. In 2024 alone, it exceeded its target by supporting 71,200 jobs.

Recent data also shows the program’s strong impact:

• 92% of 2024 participants said they gained confidence in skills needed for future employment.
• 85% said they felt more optimistic about their future job prospects.
• An independent audit found that CSJ participants tend to earn more long-term compared to those who did not join the program.

Looking Ahead: A Bigger Investment in Youth

As part of Budget 2024, the federal government has committed $351.2 million to support 90,000 youth employment opportunities in 2025–26. This includes:

• $200.5 million for CSJ to offer high-quality summer jobs, especially in sectors like housing construction facing labour shortages.
• $150.7 million for the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), which will fund placements and supports in key growth industries including STEM and digital tech.

The 6,000 new CSJ jobs announced today come from an additional $25 million reallocated within the government in direct response to the growing demand for youth employment support.

Stay tuned to Maple Wire for more updates on youth employment, economic opportunities, and workforce development across Canada.

The post Canada Expands Summer Jobs Program with 6,000 New Roles first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Job Market Woes Shadow Graduation Season

Across Canadian campuses, graduation ceremonies in 2025 are marked by uncertainty. For 23-year-old University of Calgary graduate Sarah Chung, celebrations are tempered by the reality of a grim labour market. “It’s bleak,” she said, echoing the fears of a generation facing Canada’s highest youth unemployment rate in nearly 25 years.

Unemployment Among Youth Hits Historic High

According to Q1 data from Statistics Canada, unemployment among Canadians aged 15–24 is at its worst since the mid-1990s—excluding the pandemic. Unlike past generations, today’s youth are navigating a transformed labour landscape shaped by the digital economy, gig work, and AI.

Economic Forces Behind the Decline

This downturn stems from a combination of pandemic aftershocks, inflation, and population growth outpacing job creation. Experts point to the U.S. trade war and fears of a looming recession as amplifiers of the crisis. Tricia Williams of the Future Skills Centre calls youth unemployment a “canary in the coal mine” for deeper economic trouble.

A Rollercoaster Recovery Followed by a Stall

Post-pandemic hiring surged, briefly benefiting Gen Z workers. But as economic optimism faded, so did job prospects. Interest rate hikes, affordability issues, and rising automation have cooled employer hiring appetites—especially for entry-level roles.

Rising NEET Rates and Diminished Hopes

Since spring 2024, more young people are falling into the NEET category—not in education, employment, or training. Students like Thivian Varnacumaaran report applying to hundreds of jobs without success. Economists warn that continued stagnation could deepen the problem.

Real-Life Stories Reflect Broader Trends

Ben Gooch, a mechanical engineering graduate, now sweeps floors at a garden centre to make ends meet. Despite over 100 job applications, he’s landed just a few interviews. “I feel like I’m throwing darts at a wall,” he said, voicing the frustration of many recent grads.

Long-Term Damage: Wage Scars and Lost Opportunity

Economists warn of “wage scarring,” where early unemployment leads to reduced long-term earnings and career setbacks. Research links recession-era graduation with poorer health outcomes and diminished lifetime prospects—even among high achievers.

Societal Impacts and Diverging Futures

The fallout doesn’t just affect young workers. “Young people are a treasure of resources,” said Williams. However, economist Miles Corak suggests the impact may be more symbolic—showcasing the widening divide between well-positioned youth and those left behind.

A Generation Left Waiting

Many Gen Z workers feel their adult lives are on hold. “I haven’t started my career. I’m kind of waiting for life to start,” said Gooch. With jobs scarce and the economy unstable, Canada’s youth are left navigating the unknown, one resume at a time.

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A Growing Crisis Unfolding Across the Nation

Canada is facing a youth mental health crisis of alarming proportions. As of 2025, suicide remains the second leading cause of death among Canadians aged 15 to 24. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression, but even as restrictions have eased, the crisis shows no signs of waning. One in four Canadian youth now reports poor or fair mental health, according to a recent Statistics Canada survey.

The Human Toll Behind the Numbers

For 17-year-old Ava Martin from Toronto, her struggles with depression began in middle school. “I felt invisible. There was no one to talk to at school, and by the time I got help, I was already in crisis,” she says. Ava’s story is echoed by thousands across the country, especially in marginalized communities where access to culturally competent care is limited. Indigenous and LGBTQ+ youth, in particular, report higher levels of trauma and are less likely to receive timely treatment.

What the System Offers—and Where It Fails

Mental health services for youth in Canada are chronically underfunded and overstretched. Wait times for publicly funded counselling can exceed six months in some provinces. While Canada does have a national youth mental health strategy under the Mental Health Commission of Canada, its implementation has been inconsistent across jurisdictions. School-based mental health programs are present but under-resourced, and youth often fall through the cracks between child and adult services when they turn 18.

Innovative Approaches on the Rise

In response to these systemic challenges, startups and nonprofits are stepping in. Vancouver-based app MindMatch uses AI to pair youth with the right therapists and peer support groups. Meanwhile, Jack.org, a youth-led nonprofit, runs nationwide mental health education and advocacy programs. Some schools are piloting on-site wellness hubs, offering drop-in therapy and mindfulness sessions, though these remain limited in scope.

Government Response and Policy Gaps

In the 2024 federal budget, the Canadian government pledged $500 million over five years to expand youth mental health services. However, advocates argue it’s not enough. “We need a coordinated, national action plan that includes funding, accountability, and data sharing,” says Dr. Renée Leduc, a youth psychiatrist in Montreal. Provinces are responsible for healthcare delivery, leading to disparities in care based on geography and demographics.

The Path Forward

Experts agree that tackling this crisis requires more than funding—it needs structural change. Recommendations include integrating mental health education into school curricula, training more youth-specific therapists, and prioritizing early intervention. As Ava puts it, “It shouldn’t take a breakdown to get help.”

The mental health of Canada’s youth is at a tipping point. Addressing it requires not just policy and technology—but compassion, urgency, and collective will.

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New Legislation Targets Disposable E-Cigarettes

The UK government is set to implement a nationwide ban on the sale and supply of disposable vapes, effective June 1, 2025. This legislation aims to address rising concerns over youth vaping and environmental damage caused by single-use e-cigarettes. The ban will apply to all single-use devices, regardless of nicotine content, and will be enforced across England and Wales. Retailers are required to sell any remaining stock by the deadline, after which violations may incur fines up to £200.

Environmental Concerns Drive Policy Change

The surge in disposable vape usage has led to significant environmental issues. In 2024, approximately five million single-use vapes were discarded weekly, contributing to widespread littering and improper waste disposal. These devices often end up in landfills, where their lithium-ion batteries pose fire risks and leach harmful substances into the environment. Material Focus, a UK-based non-profit, reported that over 40 tonnes of lithium were discarded annually with single-use vapes, enough to power 5,000 electric vehicles.

Youth Vaping Epidemic Sparks Health Concerns

The popularity of disposable vapes among young people has raised public health alarms. Attractive flavors and colorful packaging have made these products appealing to minors. A 2024 survey by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) revealed that 18% of 11 to 17-year-olds, approximately 980,000 individuals, vaped, with disposable vapes being the preferred choice among young adults aged 18 to 24. Health experts warn that nicotine addiction at a young age can lead to disrupted sleep, concentration issues, and increased anxiety.

Industry Reactions and Potential Challenges

The vaping industry has expressed concerns that the ban could lead to unintended consequences. Dan Marchant, director of Vape Club, cautioned that the legislation only prohibits the sale of disposable vapes, not their use, potentially driving consumers toward illegal products. Additionally, experts fear that users might opt for refillable devices, which could still be discarded after a single use, undermining environmental objectives. The government is also introducing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to regulate vape marketing, packaging, and flavors, aiming to further curb youth vaping.

Enforcement and Future Outlook

Enforcement of the ban will involve coordinated efforts across various sectors. Retailers must ensure compliance by ceasing the sale of disposable vapes and safely disposing of any remaining stock. Authorities will monitor online platforms and physical stores to prevent the illegal sale of banned products. While the ban represents a significant step toward reducing youth vaping and environmental harm, experts emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies, including public education and support for smoking cessation, to effectively address these issues.

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