QUESTION PERIOD — Employment and Social Development
Youth Employment
June 2, 2026
Welcome back, government leader.
A recent study by the Bank of Canada warns that Canada is now stuck in a low-hire, low-fire labour market where it has become exceptionally difficult for unemployed Canadians to find work, near the worst level in 30 years.
Youth unemployment has surged above 14%. Long-term unemployment is rising due to structural issues like skill mismatches and policy-driven labour supply pressures.
How does your government justify policies that appear to be worsening these structural labour market imbalances rather than addressing them?
The government is addressing that important issue.
Youth unemployment is a structural issue of the economy that many countries face, not just Canada.
The government is acting to answer the concern it has heard from young Canadians through its engagement programs by publishing 100,000 Canada Summer Jobs on the job bank as of April 20; expanding the Student Work Placement Program to 55,000 for work-integrated learning opportunities for post-secondary students; expanding the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy to 20,000; and facilitating careers in Red Seal trades with a $75-million expansion of the Union Training and Innovation Program in Budget 2025.
The government is also increasing, by 40%, the Canada Student Grants and increasing the Canada Student Loan limit, as I said in answer to Senator Klyne’s question.
Thank you, Senator Moreau.
I’m sorry, leader. Your government is already facing a failing grade on poverty. Now the bank warns of a structurally broken labour market.
Beyond helping students, we are talking about young Canadians. What does your government have to say to young Canadians who are struggling to see a viable path into the workforce or confidence in their economic future? You are failing them.
I am sorry to disagree, Senator Martin.
The government is working on creating jobs for all Canadians, including young Canadians.
The government is diversifying its economy by having agreements with many outside countries.
Excepting those living on another planet, we all know that we are in a geopolitical change with respect to U.S. policy. The government is working against that situation —
Thank you, Senator Moreau.
