BELL, FIFE: Ontario’s next generation deserves better than this job market

QUEEN’S PARK — Ontario NDP Shadow Minister for Finance and Treasury Board, Jessica Bell; and Shadow Minister for Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Catherine Fife, say Ontario’s latest jobs numbers paint a frustrating picture for young people trying to build a future in this province.

“Young people are applying everywhere they can, working extra shifts, taking on huge amounts of debt, and still hearing ‘no’ over and over again,” said Bell. “A 17.7 per cent youth unemployment rate is not normal. In fact, it’s more than 10 points higher than Ontario’s overall unemployment rate of 7.5 per cent.”

“Time and time again these numbers need to be a massive wake-up call for the Premier,” said Fife. “We’re seeing job losses in construction, education, and professional sectors while young people are being told to just hang in there. People want the chance to work, afford school, and actually feel optimistic about being able to stay here in the province.”

“We should be helping young people get their foot in the door, not pulling the ladder up behind them,” said Bell. “That means investing in summer jobs, apprenticeships, and making college and university affordable and accessible again.”

“Ontario has some incredibly talented young people who want to stay, work, and build a life here. We need to give them that chance,” said Fife. “The Ontario NDP is fighting for good local jobs and affordable education so young people can actually see a future for themselves in this province.”