Canada’s Summer Job Market is Getting SLAMMED— What That Means, & What We Can Do

john90345
May 22
2 min read

A recent Globe and Mail article highlights a growing concern across Canada: this summer’s job market is failing young people. With youth unemployment climbing and fewer seasonal roles available, many students face a summer without income, experience, or meaningful career steps.

What’s Happening?

The article reports a mismatch between the number of job seekers and the jobs available, especially in roles traditionally filled by students. A combination of economic uncertainty, employers' cost-cutting, and slow hiring in key sectors (like retail and hospitality) has created a bottleneck.

Even as the overall job market shows signs of recovery, young workers are being left behind. This has long-term effects—not just financially, but in terms of skill-building, confidence, and professional growth.

Why It Matters

For many students and recent graduates, summer isn’t just about making extra money—it’s when career foundations are built. A seasonal role might be the first time someone:

Learns how to work in a team
Navigates a professional environment
Gains relevant experience to add to a resumé
Forms a connection that leads to a future job

Without those chances, the gap between education and employment grows wider—and harder to bridge.

What Can We Do?

This is a systemic issue, but there are meaningful actions individuals and organizations can take:

If you’re an employer:

Consider hiring a student or recent grad, even on a short-term or project basis
Think about roles that can be part-time or remote
Offer paid internships or co-op placements wherever possible

If you’re a professional:

Reach out to students in your network who might benefit from mentorship
Share job opportunities or recommend early-career candidates
Be open to informational interviews or portfolio reviews

If you’re a student or recent grad:

Don’t lose hope. Use this time to build skills through volunteering, freelancing, or personal projects
Network genuinely, many opportunities come from conversations not job boards
Keep track of everything you’re learning and doing. It all counts

The bottom line: young people need more than encouragement, they need opportunities. Let’s do what we can to create them.