Unemployment is directly tied to the mental health and well-being of youth.
Montreal’s job market grapples with the intersectionality of youth unemployment, immigration, barriers faced by visible minorities, linguistic challenges and the brain-drain phenomenon. In June, the Canadian youth unemployment rate (age 15 to 24) soared to 13.5 per cent — the highest since September 2014, excluding the pandemic years. From April 2023 to April 2024, the rate increased by 2.9 percentage points to 12.8 per cent. These statistics highlight the job market’s stark realities and the hurdles young job seekers face.
Additionally, unemployment and underemployment are directly linked to the mental health and well-being of youth. It is crucial that youth, regardless of language barriers or background, have access to comprehensive health and social services, including mental health support and job search assistance. Addressing mental health is essential, as challenges like anxiety, depression and trauma can hinder employment readiness. Counselling, therapy and stress management programs are needed at employment centres to help stabilize mental health, making individuals more resilient and ready for the workforce. Ensuring equitable access to these resources can empower youth from diverse backgrounds to achieve their full potential, gain a secure footing in the labour market and build a stable foundation for their future.
Youth and individuals with intersecting identities, including those facing language barriers, newcomers, racialized individuals, women and members of LGBTQ2+ communities, encounter additional employment challenges. To ensure they make significant gains, targeted initiatives and sustained investments are essential. Engaging youth, particularly members of visible minorities and language minorities, will enhance both community vitality and economic growth. It is this kind of engagement that not only empowers youth to develop their skills and pursue their aspirations, but brings diverse perspectives and talents into the economy, driving innovation and productivity.
Lastly, employability skills training and work placement programs have high success rates and youth retention. These learning opportunities are vital, offering practical experience and cultural integration. French-language training is crucial, particularly for English-speaking Quebecers and other minority language groups, and should be accessible and free, focusing on professional skills. Community organizations like YES play a critical role in bridging the gap between education and employment, providing tailored support and resources directly to communities.
By implementing these initiatives and securing sustained investments, we can improve employment outcomes for youth and contribute to community vitality and economic growth. Fully utilizing the existing workforce, especially young visible minorities and women, is essential to prevent socio-economic exclusion and poverty, and to ensure social cohesion.
Annalise Iten is director of employment for YES Employment + Entrepreneurship and has been with the organization for 20 years.