City Moves to Break Barriers and Expand Youth Job Opportunities

Toronto is advancing a major plan to improve youth employment, following a key discussion at the Economic and Community Development Committee chaired by Councillor Alejandra Bravo. With youth unemployment at 19.7%—and even higher among Indigenous, Black, newcomer, and 2SLGBTQ+ youth—the issue is especially urgent in communities like Regent Park, Moss Park, and St. James Town. During the meeting, youth residents, community advocates, and members of the Toronto Youth Cabinet delivered strong deputations outlining long-standing barriers: limited access to quality jobs, unfair wages, lack of mentorship, and unclear pathways into stable careers. Their input helped shape a series of committee recommendations designed to remove systemic barriers and expand opportunities. Key proposals include calls for increased provincial funding for the Focus on Youth Program, inflation-linked investments for youth services, and new citywide employment targets through the Youth Employment Table. Councillors also pressed for fair federal funding under national youth programs to ensure Toronto youth are not left behind. The plan further outlines expanded access to internships, hiring reforms, and new partnerships tied to major events like the FIFA World Cup 2026™, which could generate hundreds of youth jobs across the city. For Regent Park and nearby communities—where youth unemployment remains especially high—these commitments mark an important step toward tackling the crisis. By expanding access to skills training, mentorship, and real career pathways, the plan offers much-needed support for young people who continue to face steep barriers to stable work.