For many young Canadians, landing a part-time job has become about far more than earning spending money: it’s about independence, stability and hope for the future.
Hundreds lined up outside Toronto’s CNE job fair Wednesday morning, some before sunrise, hoping this would finally be the day an employer gave them a chance.
It’s been reported that the CNE received nearly 50,000 applications ahead of the fair, with more than 700 seasonal jobs available for positions like cashiers, game attendants, food service workers, guides and retail staff.
To provide more opportunities for attendees, this year other agencies like Metrolinx and YMCA will be included in the job fair, as well as services to help with job hunting, such as free headshots and resume reviews.
Young people are still finding it very difficult to find a job, especially finding something long term or full-time.
The Brandon Gonez Show spoke to some of the youth at the job fair who are looking for part-time and full-time positions, many feeling discouraged after being on the job hunt for months, and for some, over a year.
“I’ve been looking for a job since I was eligible to get a job in Ontario. Since like, 2024 [in] December. So, yeah, it’s been a long time until now,” shared Toronto local Tiffany J.
Tiffany J. also told The Brandon Gonez Show that it is important for her to be employed so she can feel a sense of accomplishment and freedom.
“It’s like, so crazy because it’s just like I’m trying to get my money up. Like I don’t want to be on the streets, you know. I don’t want to be dependent on people. I know I’m still a teen, but I want to have my own possessions and like, feel proud of myself to even get a job,” she said.
Hasan R., who attended the CNE job fair searching for a second part-time job for the summer, shared that he wants employers to recognize that the stereotype of teenagers and young adults being “lazy” and not interested in working is false, and in reality, it’s the exact opposite.
“Definitely give us a chance, the students. It’s definitely worth a try. We’re some hardworking, reliable, resilient, accountable,” said Hasan R.
His friend Mavi R. also attended the job fair to look for a second job, and also shared that despite younger people not having a lot of experience like someone older might, they should also be given the chance to prove themselves as fit for the job.
“I’d say for the employers, definitely give young people a chance because we are the future of the country, and we do need a chance to kind of build our way to working bigger and better jobs, and it all starts from, small things like part-time jobs,” Mavi R. told The Brandon Gonez Show.
Last year’s CNE job fair also had thousands of people in attendance, with a record number of 54,000 people submitting applications.
Although thousands are feeling pessimistic about finding a job as something that seems impossible, the rate of unemployment for ages 15 to 24-years-old is getting slightly lower.
The difficult job market for young Canadians remains a national concern.
While Statistics Canada reported that the unemployment rate for people aged 15 to 24 fell slightly to 12.7 per cent in June from 13.4 per cent the previous month, it remains well above the overall unemployment rate, leaving many young job seekers facing intense competition for entry-level and seasonal work.
