Moncton 
Concerns about employment have escalated sharply among young Canadians as the national unemployment rate edges upward, according to new data from the Angus Reid Institute.
Credit: Angus Reid Institute.
Nearly two-in-five Canadians aged 18 to 24 (37%) now consider jobs and unemployment the most pressing national issue. That figure has doubled since December 2024 (18%) and marks a nine-point increase since June (28%). In late 2022, only eight per cent of this group identified jobs as a top concern.
The shift comes as Canada lost 66,000 jobs in August, pushing the unemployment rate from 6.9 to 7.1 per cent. Youth joblessness has risen to levels some economists compare to recessions. This summer’s youth employment market was among the weakest since 2010, excluding pandemic years.
While younger Canadians report the greatest worry — with 52% of 18- to 24-year-olds fearing they or someone in their household could lose a job — the sentiment is broadly shared. Four-in-ten Canadians overall (40%) express the same concern, regardless of income.
Credit: Angus Reid Institute.
Economic signals remain mixed. On one hand, 57% of Canadians say they cannot keep pace with the cost of living, a trend unchanged since 2022. One quarter report they could not handle an unplanned expense above $250, though half say they could cover $1,000 or more. On the other hand, three-in-five describe their housing costs as manageable, a six-point improvement over last year.
Public focus on tariffs and U.S. relations has fallen significantly, with just 18% naming it a top issue, down from 41% in March.
