Canada’s young job seekers are facing mounting challenges in what experts are calling a “recessionary” employment environment, particularly in the tech sector and other entry-level job markets.
A recent report from Indeed Canada reveals that tech job postings have dropped sharply since peaking in early 2022, with junior-level roles down 25% compared to pre-pandemic levels. These positions—typically a gateway for recent graduates—are disappearing at a time when youth unemployment is rising rapidly.
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In a separate report, CIBC Economics highlights that unemployment among Canadians aged 15 to 24 has surged by over 5.5 percentage points since mid-2022, reaching levels usually seen only during recessions. Even more concerning is the declining youth employment-to-population ratio, indicating a deeper systemic issue.
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Brendon Bernard, a senior economist at Indeed, notes that it’s entry-level and junior positions bearing the brunt of the downturn. According to Statistics Canada, in early 2023, around half of job listings were open to candidates with one year or less of experience. By early 2025, that number had dropped to just 41%.
CIBC economist Andrew Grantham adds that the job market squeeze isn’t solely due to population growth from international students and non-permanent residents, although increased competition plays a role. A larger issue, he suggests, is the impact of automation and AI on jobs traditionally held by young people. Industries with high exposure to automation—like business support services and certain professional roles—are seeing especially steep declines in youth employment.
These trends suggest a shifting early-career landscape in Canada, where young workers are being hit hardest by both technological change and broader economic pressures.
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