Youth Unemployment Skyrockets: Calgary's Crisis
Calgary faces a youth unemployment crisis with rates soaring to 16.5% amid fierce job market competition.
CALGARY — A recent surge in youth unemployment has left many young Calgarians, like an 18-year-old online student, struggling to find entry-level jobs despite an apparent increase in job postings. The youth unemployment rate in Calgary rose to 16.5% in October 2025, indicating fierce competition for positions that traditionally required little to no experience.
The Deeper Context
Historically, Calgary's job market has experienced fluctuations, particularly impacting youth employment. During the 2015-2016 oil price downturn, youth unemployment peaked at 12.3%. The COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted the market, with significant spikes in unemployment rates. In late 2023 and early 2024, the Canadian labour market began cooling, leading to increased competition for job seekers. Despite an overall addition of 31,200 jobs year-over-year to October 2025, driven by the service sector, the unemployment-to-job-vacancy ratio increased to 3.9. This suggests that while jobs are available, the competition remains stiff, especially for young workers. The Alberta Employment Standards Code, which maintains the minimum wage at $15.00 per hour, continues to shape the labour landscape for entry-level positions.
The Critics & Costs
Critics argue that while the service sector has seen growth, young job seekers are not benefiting equally due to high competition and potential skill mismatches. Major employers like McDonald's and Walmart, who typically hire entry-level positions, have not publicly addressed these hiring challenges. Calgary Economic Development, along with the Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Trade, focus on strategies to attract and retain talent, but the immediate impact on youth unemployment remains limited. The Calgary Chamber of Commerce often highlights these labour market challenges, urging for more targeted employment programs to support young workers. The ongoing struggle for employment among Calgary's youth underscores the need for strategic intervention to bridge the gap between job availability and employment.
Looking forward, it remains crucial for local and provincial authorities to enhance employment programs and support initiatives that address the specific needs of young job seekers. As the labour market continues to evolve, adapting strategies to effectively integrate youth into the workforce will be key to mitigating the high unemployment rates in this demographic.
