Unemployment among young people: a storyline favored by questionable political figures

Economy Taking Toll on Youth Employment in Burlington, ON: Rising National Unemployment Affects Young Workers Disproportionately, Despite their Efforts and Ambition, as Indicated by Recent Media Coverage

, and ASMedia

2025 September 18 . 9:06 PM

2 min read

Politicians who lack credibility engaging in narrative-spinning about high youth unemployment rates

Unemployment among young people: a storyline favored by questionable political figures

In the heart of Canada, Ontario is grappling with a significant unemployment crisis. As of July 2025, an alarming 700,000 individuals are jobless, a figure that surpasses the national rate by a full point.

The unemployment rate in Ontario has been on the rise, with young people bearing the brunt of the impact. They are the "canaries in the coal mine," as they are just starting out and have shorter resumes. This situation is particularly concerning in cities like Windsor and Oshawa, where unemployment rates stand at 10.2 and 9.7 percent respectively. Even the economically vibrant city of Toronto, with its third-highest unemployment rate in Ontario at 9.0 percent, is not immune to this trend.

The economic problems plaguing Ontario, including those in manufacturing and the unaffordability of Toronto, are driving national unemployment, including among young workers. However, these issues are not often considered national stories. Instead, the media seems to favour the narrative of youth employment, drawn by its simplicity and compelling storytelling.

This shift in focus from economic problems to the unemployed can lead to moralizing and potential avoidance of responsibility for economic management. Politicians, including those in Ontario, may try to divert attention onto victims and away from causes. But helping unemployed young workers requires a focus on full employment and households with paycheques to protect a strong and independent Canada.

The media, particularly Ontario politics reporters, are overwhelmed by the "flood the zone" approach of certain politicians. This tactic often involves presentations of flights of fantasy and threats of action not in their jurisdiction, which receive top space in a celebrity-focused media. This diversion can lead to a neglect of economic analysis, public pressure, and potential economic solutions.

Business and economics reporters, on the other hand, are fully occupied with Trump tariff stories. Reminding them that Canada can't fight Trump with 700,000 Ontario workers' hands tied behind their backs is necessary. Soaring housing costs in Ontario are contributing to the unemployment crisis by crushing affordability, consumer spending, and jobs.

Certain Queen's Park reporters need to leave gossip, celebrity, and inanity to the National Inquirer. The unemployment crisis in Ontario represents a massive waste of economic potential and a massive social cost. It's time for the media and politicians to refocus their attention on the root causes and find solutions to this pressing issue.