16 September 2025, Ottawa - Today, the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations is calling for the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills Development, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) to reconsider its decision in June to not pursue a study into the issue of youth unemployment.

Student unemployment in Canada has reached its highest pre-pandemic rate since 1999, even higher than during the economic crisis leading to the great recession. This has happened despite recent decreases in numbers of international study permit holder arrivals,  as well as a growing proportion of STEM graduates, who traditionally have higher rates of employment. 

With one-in-five returning students unable to find employment, it is critical that Canada’s lawmakers investigate further actions that can be taken to address this youth employment crisis, including taking action to increase proven practices like work-integrated learning, and inducing private co-investment in training. 

Abdul Abbasi, Chair of CASA’s Board of Directors highlights the importance of a broad approach, “education is evolving, and we believe parliament should explore moving youth employment discussions beyond just summer jobs, and towards conversations about aligning willing students with the employers, existing and emerging, who are looking to invest in training their own future workforce.”

CASA will continue to communicate to parliament and the federal government to ensure that students have the economic tools to afford education,  including the Student Work Placement program, which supports both summer and non-summer employment.