Item - 2025.EC25.7

The Executive Director, Social Development recommends that:

1. The Economic and Community Development Committee receive this report for information.

Toronto faces one of the highest youth unemployment rates in Ontario, at 15.2%, highlighting the ongoing challenges many young people are facing in accessing stable and meaningful employment. Indigenous, Black, newcomer, and 2SLGBTQ+ youth experience the greatest barriers, including limited access to networks, training opportunities, and pathways into stable work.

The City of Toronto employs more youth, aged 15 to 29, per capita, than any other Canadian municipality. Each year, over 16,000 youth are employed across the City system. Building on this strength, the City is taking steps to improve equitable youth employment and create clearer pathways from skill development to lasting careers, guided by Council direction and aligned with key Council-approved strategies.

This report provides an overview of the City’s youth employment programs. Attachment 1, City of Toronto Youth Jobs Inventory, provides a comprehensive inventory of 40 youth-specific employment programs offered across 10 City divisions, agencies, and corporations. Attachment 2, Case Studies of Toronto Youth Employment Pathways, provides case studies of how youth move through training, work experience, mentorship, and into careers through these programs.

While Toronto is a leading municipal youth employer, stronger coordination and investment across governments is needed. Limited provincial funding, and the seasonal nature of federal programs like the Canada Summer Jobs, highlight the need for a more aligned, multi-government approach to meet the needs of Toronto’s youth labour market.

In 2026, the City will focus on key actions to improve youth employment:

- Address barriers in hiring by reviewing and reforming practices like police reference checks, simplifying qualifications, and making job postings clearer, accessible, and more inclusive.

- Modernize recruitment systems with digital tools, data insights, and plain language for better transparency, and efficiency.

- Strengthen entry pathways through internships, and early talent programs to support smoother transitions into public service careers.

- Expand partnerships through the Youth Employment Table and the upcoming Toronto Youth Employment Charter.

- Create local jobs through major events like FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the municipal election.

These steps aim to build a more equitable system and call for stronger collaboration across governments and sectors to advance youth employment opportunities.

There are no financial implications resulting from the adoption of the recommendation in this report. Any future financial impacts will be requested through future budget processes for consideration along with all other City priorities. 

The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer has reviewed this report and agrees with the information as presented in the Financial Impact section.