(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Burton Bailey, MP, Red Deer

tough go out there

Op-ed: Canada’s youth face a challenging job Market, says MP Bailey

Sep 22, 2025 | 1:00 PM

Statistics Canada’s August 2025 Labour Force Survey reveals troubling trends in the Canadian job market, particularly for young people. Published monthly, the survey provides critical insights into labour market conditions, guiding decisions by governments, the Bank of Canada, industries, and financial markets. The latest data highlights a weakening economy, with Canada’s youth bearing the brunt of these challenges.

Nationally, the unemployment rate climbed to 7.1%, with Red Deer seeing a local increase to 6.7% from 5.4% in July. This upward trend reflects the growing difficulties Canadians face in finding work to support themselves and their families. However, the most concerning figures are for young people aged 15 to 24, who face significant barriers in the job market.

[rdnewsNOW note: The unemployment rate figures noted above are accurate as per Table 7 of the August 2025 Labour Force Survey, which are based on a three-month moving average, seasonally adjusted. However, as reported by rdnewsNOW recently, using Table 9 of the same survey, which is based on a three-month moving average unadjusted for seasonality, and which is the data used by the Government of Alberta, Red Deer’s unemployment rate was 5.4 per cent in August — up from 4.7 per cent in July 2025 and down from 7.9 per cent in August 2024].

For high school-aged youth (15–19), the unemployment rate soared to 20.9% in August 2025, with 204,400 unable to find jobs. Among those employed, 489,200 were limited to part-time positions, while only 285,100 secured full-time work. For students saving for post-secondary education, part-time jobs are often inadequate, restricting their ability to build savings and gain valuable work experience that fosters essential life skills.

The situation is equally troubling for those aged 20–24, many of whom are college or university students. Their unemployment rate stands at 11.4%, with 45% of employed youth in this group restricted to part-time work. For students relying on summer earnings to fund their education, part-time jobs fall short, forcing many to take on more debt to cover tuition and living expenses.

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These figures signal a “youth-cession”—a recession-like experience for young Canadians. High unemployment and limited full-time opportunities this summer could lead to long-term consequences, including lower wages, delayed career progression, and challenges in achieving milestones like homeownership or starting a family. The reliance on part-time work and rising debt levels underscores the urgent need for solutions to support Canada’s next generation.

The Liberal government, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, has exacerbated these problems. Rapid immigration increases have strained labour market capacity, driving competition for entry-level jobs that young Canadians often rely on. Meanwhile, unprecedented government overspending has failed to deliver meaningful job creation, leaving youth unemployment at crisis levels. While the Liberals keep spending your tax dollars on bureaucratic red tape, there has been little movement on any of the sky-high campaign promises Carney made.

Canada’s youth deserve an economy that offers meaningful employment prospects, enabling them to build skills, financial stability, and confidence as they enter the workforce.

Stay connected:

• Facebook: @BurtonBaileyRD
• X (formerly Twitter): @BurtonBaileyRD
• Instagram: @BurtonBaileyRD
• Website: www.burtonbaileymp.ca
• Email: Burton.Bailey@parl.gc.ca

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EDITOR’S NOTE: The views expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of rdnewsNOW or Pattison Media. Column suggestions and letters to the editor can be sent to news@rdnewsNOW.com.