NDP: Ontario’s youth are ready to work, but the government is failing them

QUEEN’S PARK – Shadow Minister for Finance & Shadow Minister for Treasury Board, Jessica Bell (University–Rosedale); and Shadow Minister for Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Catherine Fife (Waterloo), issued the following statement in response to the Toronto Youth Employment Postcard Report, showing youth unemployment in Toronto has reached crisis levels:

“This isn’t about a lack of effort,” said MPP Bell. “We’re hearing from young people who are applying for hundreds of jobs and never hearing back. They want to work and contribute, but can’t find real pathways into steady jobs, they’re being left behind.

“Our next generation deserves the same opportunities to build a future in this province like their parents did and we need a youth employment strategy that sets them up for success. The future of our province depends on it.”

“Young people are doing everything they can to build a future, but they keep hitting wall after wall,” said MPP Fife. “They are dealing with unaffordable housing, rising costs, cuts to education and training, and now they can’t even find work. It’s frustrating, and it’s a sign that something is seriously wrong.

“This is a crisis. If no action is taken, there is a huge risk of losing a generation of true potential. Ontario needs to step up with affordable housing, rent control, investment in training and education, and better access to good jobs. Young people are not asking for handouts. They are asking for a fair chance. It’s time this government listened.”