More than 60 employers and community organizations are taking part in a job fair at Place d’Orleans Shopping Centre on Thursday as young people face an increasingly challenging employment market. The YMCA of the National Capital Region is hosting the free event, with more than 1,000 job seekers expected to attend. Employers attending the event include Farm Boy, OC Transpo, RBC, Alterna Savings, Potvin Construction and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, with job openings across sectors including health care, construction, transportation, hospitality and retail. The fair also aims to connect job seekers with career guidance, training programs and community support. Statistics Canada latest report reveals Canada’s youth unemployment rate for people aged 15 to 24 was 13 per cent in September. Youth employment fell by 48,000 that month, marking a second consecutive monthly decline. Nationally, there were three unemployed people for every job vacancy in the second quarter of 2026, while the overall job vacancy rate stood at 2.8 per cent. The job fair runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Place d’Orleans Shopping Centre. Admission is free, and walk-ins are welcome.
