Youth unemployment refers to young people, aged 15 to 19, who are jobless but who are able to work and looking for employment. Unemployment can result in financial difficulties, emotional distress, or a loss of opportunity to develop or maintain skills. Youth who are unemployed are more likely to be diagnosed with mental health disorders and participate in risky health behaviours (e.g., alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use).[1]
Youth Unemployment Rate |
About the MeasureThe unemployment rate is the number of people without paid work, who are available to work and actively looking for work, expressed as a percentage of the labour force. For this measure, youth are defined as individuals aged 15 to 19. Key FindingsAcross Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph, youth unemployment rates increased between 2006 and 2016. In 2016, the youth unemployment rates were higher in Guelph (17.7%) and Dufferin (17.4%) than Wellington (11.8%). However, unemployment rates varied greatly at the municipal level. Municipal data can be found in the downloadable Excel file at the bottom of this page.
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Source: Census, 2006 & 2016. Labour Force Status. Census of Canada (database). Statistics Canada Catalogue Number 8-400-X2016286. Community Data Program (distributor). Last updated November 29, 2017. www.communitydata.ca. (accessed September 12, 2018). LimitationsSeasonal variations and variations associated with years-long economic cycles affect employment in ways that are not captured by the census.
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[1] Jin, R. L., Shah, C. P., & Svoboda, T. J. (1995). The impact of unemployment on health: a review of the evidence. CMAJ: Canadian Medical Association Journal, 153(5), 529.