Every time we have an election, we hear lots of talk about low young voter turnout and the misguided perception that youth are apathetic. But recent findings from a study on young people’s political participation will hopefully put this misperception to bed once and for all — or at least put it down for a much-needed nap. Yes, youth voter…
Rising youth unemployment demonstrates again that it’s time for change.
August 7, 2015
Job numbers released by Statistics Canada today show youth unemployment and self-employment are on the rise while overall job growth continues to stagnate. Youth unemployment rose from June’s 12.9 per cent to 13.2 per cent in July, with 29,000 fewer young workers in full time jobs. “It’s time for change,” said CLC president Hassan Yussuff. “We need a new government…
Despite the positive signs in the most recent labour force survey from Statistics Canada, the picture for the next generation remains bleak. “Last month, another 26,000 young workers gave up looking for a job and left the labour market. If you look at the jobs that our economy has created for these young people over the past year, you’ll see…
Canada needs a Marshall Plan to deal with youth unemployment
November 5, 2014
The Canadian Labour Congress says Canada needs a Marshall Plan to deal with double digit youth unemployment. The organization was responding to Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz’ suggestions before a parliamentary committee earlier this week. Poloz proposed that young unemployed workers should pad their resumes by volunteering or taking on unpaid internships. “Governor Poloz’ comments speak volumes about the…
Governments failing young Canadian workers: CLC calls for national jobs strategy
June 6, 2014
OTTAWA ― Far too many young Canadian workers are either unemployed or underemployed and governments must come up with a strategy to solve the problem – a problem that has been with us persistently since the 2008 recession, says Hassan Yussuff, president of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Young people people want to work and contribute. They want to build lives…
Underemployment is Canada’s Real Labour Market Challenge
March 6, 2014
A Profile of Canada’s Labour MarketIntroduction Each month, Statistics Canada releases its unemployment rate, and many use it to talk about job creation in Canada. Monthly unemployment rates move up and down, making headlines but revealing little. As work patterns change, with greater use of part-time employees and other forms of precarious labour, the headline unemployment rate becomes less and…
Canadian workers being under-utilized: Ken Georgetti responds to Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey
November 8, 2013
OTTAWA ― The President of the Canadian Labour Congress says that too many Canadian workers are stuck in part time jobs and others have given up looking for work altogether. Ken Georgetti was commenting on the release by Statistics Canada of its Labour Force Survey for October 2013. “I get letters almost every month from people who have been looking…
CLC says government failing young workers: Only 13% of unemployed youth qualify for EI benefits
May 10, 2013
OTTAWA ― The President of the Canadian Labour Congress says that the federal government’s labour market policy is failing young Canadian workers. “Unemployment remains unacceptably high for younger Canadians and only a small fraction of those without work are able to gain access to Employment Insurance benefits,” says CLC President Ken Georgetti. “The government is abandoning these young workers.” Georgetti…