Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to table a petition on a very sombre subject, which is the ongoing youth unemployment crisis. Youth unemployment is approaching 15%. More than 460,000 young people aged 15 to 24 are out of work.
The petitioners highlight that youth unemployment is alarmingly high across Canada. They note that the current situation leaves many Canadians in these critical formative years unable to secure stable, full-time employment, despite having education and the skills and being ready to work. They also highlight that training and skill development programs have not kept pace with the realities of Canada's labour market, and that many young people are left without the skills that align with what employers are looking for. The petitioners raise concerns as well about how immigration policy is impacting the youth unemployment crisis, and how immigration policies have not been well aligned with our labour market needs. Further, the rising cost of living makes it harder for young people to afford housing near or where available jobs are and for businesses to attract and retain employees.
Persistent youth unemployment weakens Canada's economy and social well-being. The petitioners want the Government of Canada to do what Conservatives have already done, which is to present a clear plan to reduce youth unemployment developed in consultation with young Canadians, employers and educators. Conservatives have already done that through the Conservative youth jobs plan. They want to see the government develop a plan and report to Parliament on progress towards job creation, training alignment and youth labour market participation.