Ottawa, ON – Garnett Genuis, Conservative Shadow Minister for Employment, issued the following statement:
“Earlier today, Conservatives moved a motion to begin debate on an all-party report from the Human Resources Committee on Youth Unemployment. Unfortunately, Liberals quickly voted to shut down debate on the issue.
“In the latest jobs numbers released earlier this month, Statistics Canada reported that labour force participation had reached a 29-year low, falling to 64.8%, its lowest level since 1997 outside the pandemic. Youth unemployment was up again at 13%.
“These numbers underline exactly why this report and the government’s response to it deserved serious consideration. People are losing hope. Parliament should be finding solutions, not avoiding the discussion.
“The committee’s recommendations reinforce many of the constructive proposals Conservatives have been championing: improving labour market outcomes, expanding skills and apprenticeship opportunities, supporting the skilled trades and ensuring young Canadians are prepared for the workplace of the future.
“At a time of rising youth unemployment and declining labour force participation, these recommendations deserve serious debate and urgent action.
“The youth unemployment crisis is not just another report. Young Canadians are struggling to find work, and many are delaying major life decisions like buying their first home and starting a family as a result.
“Conservatives have put forward a plan to restore economic growth by removing red tape, unleashing resource development, lowering taxes on work and investment and expanding opportunities in the skilled trades. These are practical measures that would help create the kind of high-paying jobs young Canadians are looking for.
“With job losses mounting and youth unemployment continuing to rise, the need for action has never been more urgent. Conservatives will continue pushing for solutions to save Canadian jobs, restore hope and help young Canadians build successful futures here at home.”