More young Canadians worried about job market: survey

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Young people in Canada are concerned about the current job market, according to new data.

A new survey released by the Angus Reid Institute on Wednesday found that as of March, 38 per cent of Canadians aged 18 to 24 listed jobs and unemployment as their top issue.

That number has climbed significantly over the last year. At the start of 2025, only 18 per cent of that age group listed it as their top issue.

Looking back even further, the start of 2023 saw only eight per cent of respondents say this was their highest concern.

Canada’s unemployment rate stayed fairly steady in March at 6.7 per cent, but Angus Reid notes the unemployment rate for people aged 15 to 24 has more than doubled at 13.8 per cent.

“While the national unemployment rate has held steady in recent months, a surge in youth unemployment and widespread pessimism about job prospects point to a labour market that feels far weaker than top-line numbers suggest,” the report reads.

Angus Reid also found around 16 per cent of households report having someone who is unemployed or looking for a job, while 21 per cent say they know a close friend or family member who is looking for work.

The data suggests those seeking employment don’t have a very bright outlook on the current job market, with 38 per cent of respondents saying it’s bad, while another 39 per cent say it’s terrible. Only 13 per cent say it’s either good or great.

“There are two standout reasons that job-seekers or those in their orbit offer for why the market is difficult. It would appear that if a person does apply, they aren’t getting a call back (68%) or that there just aren’t enough jobs in their area (66%). Other common reasons are a lack of skill match, no offer when an interview is attained, or low pay that makes the jobs unattractive.”

Angus Reid surveyed more than 2,300 Canadians online between April 24 and 28. The results have a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points.