Building Canada. Building Careers. A job guarantee and career pathways for young Canadians

Every young Canadian who is ready to work deserves a real chance to start their career. Investing in young people is not just the right thing to do, it is essential to building strong communities and a strong economy. When we invest in training, paid work, and mentorship, we fill the jobs our communities need and give the next generation a guaranteed path to real careers, stable futures, and the chance to build their lives where they live.

Current programs for young Canadians are too limited in time, options and opportunities. The jobs crisis young people are facing demands that we go further. Canada must guarantee access to real jobs, real experience, and a clear bridge to long-term careers that will strengthen our communities and our economy.

This is the bold and ambitious plan Canada’s next generation needs to finally end youth unemployment and create real opportunity for every young person. It builds on what already works, avoids unnecessary bureaucracy, and focuses on practical, achievable steps. By recognizing systemic barriers and providing targeted support, this plan guarantees that every young person can access training, mentorship, and meaningful work.

Young people are ready to build their communities, their country, and their future. With this plan, we can set them up for success.

Real Work. Real Purpose:

A Year-Round Community Work Placement for Young Canadians

Opening Doors to Skills and Education

Connecting Generations through the Canadian Mentorship Network

Real Work. Real Purpose:

A Year-Round Community Work Placement for Young Canadians

The problem:

Many young Canadians struggle to find real work experience after training or school. Most federal youth programs are limited to temporary, part-time, or summer jobs, leaving thousands of work-ready young people without a path into stable employment or careers. Rural, northern, and remote communities are hit the hardest.

The plan:

Create a year-round Community Work Placement program that provides guaranteed, paid, practical placements for young Canadians in sectors that need workers the most. These placements will pay a local living wage, strengthen communities, and reflect the real work Canadians rely on, including:

Climate and Energy: Expanded and properly funded Youth Climate Corps roles in solar installation, home retrofits, municipal energy projects, and community-owned clean power.
Care: Support for seniors, child care, and community-based health services.
Skilled Trades: Construction, plumbing, electrical, and other hands-on trades.
Creative and Digital: Arts, culture, storytelling, and digital media that support local economies and community connection.

Every young person who completes a recognised training program, apprenticeship, or certificate will be guaranteed a job. The program will be delivered in partnership with municipalities, Indigenous governments, labour councils, and community organisations, with dedicated support for rural, remote, and northern regions.

The plan also guarantees continued support for up to 18 months after placements end. Young workers will be supported as they move into permanent jobs or transition into related sectors. Training will be offered in direct connection to good union jobs where apprentices learn from experienced workers and build stable, well-paid careers.

How it works:

Year-round placements are created in priority sectors identified with local partners.
Young people are matched with living-wage placements based on their training or certification.
Municipalities, Indigenous governments, labour councils, and community organisations host placements and identify local needs.
Rural, northern, and remote communities receive targeted funding and support.
After placements, graduates receive 18 months of follow-up services to support full-time employment.
Union partnerships ensure apprentices learn directly from skilled workers and enter good-paying jobs.

Career Pathway Guarantee ensures every placement will include a career bridge through a recognized training program, apprenticeship stream, or mentorship partner so participants leave with a next step lined up.

The Public Work Guarantee ensures that every young Canadian who is ready to work is guaranteed a job after training.

How it helps:

Young people gain real experience, stable income, and a direct path into long-term careers. Communities benefit from increased capacity, stronger local services, and support in sectors that face worker shortages. No young person who is ready to work will be left without a job.

Opening Doors to Skills and Education

The problem:

Most federal education and training supports are designed for university students. Young Canadians pursuing trades, apprenticeships, college programs, Indigenous-governed programs, or community-based certificates face higher barriers and fewer supports. Rural, northern, and low-income learners often face additional costs for tools, travel, childcare, and living expenses.

The plan:

Create new opportunities for young Canadians to get into careers through apprenticeships, trades training, and college or certificate programs. Extend the Canada Student Grant to non-university learners and guarantee $6,000 per year for full-time participants.

Through the implementation of a proposed Canada Education Act, similar to the Canada Health Act, use federal funding to ensure pan-Canadian standards, including the elimination of tuition fees in publicly funded post-secondary institutions.

Partner with Indigenous-governed and led education and training to provide culturally appropriate and self-determined pathways for Indigenous learners. Provide additional grants for apprentices and trainees who must travel or purchase specialised tools.

Ensure supports are available to all learners, with particular attention to those facing systemic, financial, or geographic obstacles. Access to childcare, travel and mobility assistance, and culturally relevant career counselling will help remove barriers to participation.

Expand access through the inclusion of modular, part-time, hybrid, and flexible program options for learners with caregiving responsibilities or other life circumstances.

How it works:

The Canada Student Grant is expanded to include all non-university training pathways.
Full-time grants of $6,000 per year.
Apprentices and trainees receive an additional $1,000 annually for tools or travel.
Indigenous-governed learning pathways are funded and supported.
Support for childcare, travel, mobility, and counselling.
Flexible program options allow learners to participate regardless of schedule or caregiving responsibilities.

How it helps:

Young people can access the training they need without financial barriers. Communities gain skilled workers who are able to learn and train close to home.

Connecting Generations through the Canadian Mentorship Network

The problem:

Young people entering the workforce often lack access to experienced mentors who can help them navigate careers, skills development, and opportunities. Existing mentorship programs are scattered, inconsistent, or limited by region, and mentors are often not fairly compensated for their time.

The plan:

Create a nationwide mentorship program that connects young workers with experienced workers from unions, small businesses, Indigenous organisations, and community groups. The network will be jointly delivered through labour councils, chambers of commerce, and educational institutions to ensure credibility and broad participation.

A national digital hub will connect all mentorship programs in one coordinated place. Physical mentorship centres will be located in libraries, union halls, colleges, and Indigenous training centres to ensure that mentorship is available to young people without reliable internet.

Participating workplaces will receive tax incentives for contributing. Mentors will receive stipends for their time, including direct stipends for mentors from low-income backgrounds and community organisations to ensure fair and equitable participation.

How it works:

Labour councils, chambers of commerce, colleges, and Indigenous organisations recruit mentors and host programming.
A national digital hub organizes matching, resources, and training.
Physical centres ensure access across rural, remote, and low-connectivity communities.
Workplaces receive tax incentives for participating.
Mentors receive stipends to recognise their contribution and remove financial obstacles.

How it helps:

Young people entering the workforce gain trusted guidance, networks, and professional relationships. Communities strengthen intergenerational connections and workplace capacity. Employers benefit from better-prepared young workers, and mentors are recognised for building the next generation.

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Real Work. Real Purpose:

A Year-Round Community Work Placement for Young Canadians

Opening Doors to Skills and Education

Connecting Generations through the Canadian Mentorship Network

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