Temporary Youth Worker Program

AI summary

The petitioners say youth unemployment in Canada is a serious economic and social challenge and cite a Statistics Canada projection that it could cost about $18.5 billion by 2034 through lost wages, reduced productivity, and lower government revenues. They ask the House of Commons to establish a Temporary Youth Worker Program providing 12-month wage subsidies for employers who hire Canadian citizens and permanent residents aged 15–24, with subsidy levels reviewed by Parliament, targeted sectors (green economy, digital industries, skilled trades, community health, housing construction), and to frame the program as both an employment initiative and a deficit-reduction strategy.

AI summaries describe petitioners’ requests and claims. Consult the official record for the full text.

Official petition

Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament assembled Youth unemployment in Canada remains a serious economic and social challenge, particularly for Canadians aged 15 to 24; Statistics Canada projected that youth unemployment could cost the Canadian economy approximately $18.5 billion by 2034 through lost wages, reduced productivity, and lower government revenues; High youth unemployment increases pressure on public supports such as Employment Insurance and social assistance programs; Failure to act now will exacerbate deficits and undermine the long-term fiscal sustainability of the country; Investing in youth employment today can reduce future economic losses while helping address Canada’s deficit responsibly; By not taking action, we risk infringing upon youth rights to liberty life and security of the person; and By implementing the program, we increase Canadian GDP, help lower youth unemployment, increase job retention for canadian youth, and incentivize businesses to grow. We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to: 1. Establish a Temporary Youth Worker Program providing 12-month wage subsidies for employers who hire Canadian youth that are citizens and permanent residents aged 15 to 24; 2. Ensure subsidy levels are determined and reviewed by Parliament to balance fairness with fiscal responsibility; 3. Target high-demand sectors such as the green economy, digital industries, skilled trades, community health, and housing construction, with special attention to regions of high unemployment and vulnerable youth; and 4. Recognize this program as both an employment initiative and a deficit-reduction strategy, converting projected losses into long-term gains for Canada’s economy. 1. Establish a Temporary Youth Worker Program providing 12-month wage subsidies for employers who hire Canadian youth that are citizens and permanent residents aged 15 to 24; 2. Ensure subsidy levels are determined and reviewed by Parliament to balance fairness with fiscal responsibility; 3. Target high-demand sectors such as the green economy, digital industries, skilled trades, community health, and housing construction, with special attention to regions of high unemployment and vulnerable youth; and 4. Recognize this program as both an employment initiative and a deficit-reduction strategy, converting projected losses into long-term gains for Canada’s economy.

Government response

No government response is available yet.