Going the Distance: Immigrant Youth in Canada's Labour Market

Immigrant and refugee youth in Canada -- despite high levels of educational attainment -- tend to experience higher rates of unemployment and are more likely to work in low-skilled, low-wage jobs than their Canadian-born counterparts. COVID-19 has exacerbated these employment disparities. Despite the increasing number of job vacancies, Canada is at risk of failing to adequately support this emerging talent pool and ensure the country's future economic growth. This report examines the disparity between the high levels of academic success immigrant and refugee youth achieve and the challenges they encounter when seeking to enter the workforce. It also provides several programmatic and policy recommendations to facilitate the inclusion and long-term advancement of immigrant and refugee youth. This report will provide insight into: (1) The challenges immigrant and refugee youth face that often make career development and exploration difficult; (2) Opportunities to support immigrant and refugee youth in their career development journey; and (3) Suggested strategies from research and youth themselves to help ensure success in the Canadian labour market.