22 Aug Canada for Youth Development

Achievements of Canadian Government  for Youth Development

1. High Educational Attainment Canada has made significant strides in youth education, with a notable increase in the number of young Canadians attaining postsecondary qualifications. As of 2019, approximately 73% of Canadians aged 25 to 34 have completed a postsecondary education, a substantial rise from 59% in 2000. This trend is particularly pronounced among young women, who are achieving university credentials at higher rates than their male counterparts. Furthermore, Canadian youth outperform their peers in other OECD countries regarding educational attainment, literacy, and numeracy.

2. Support for Diverse Populations The educational achievements among different demographic groups highlight Canada’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Young South Asian and Chinese adults exhibit the highest proportions of bachelor’s degree attainment compared to other groups. However, challenges remain for Black youth and those not classified as visible minorities, who show lower levels of postsecondary education completion.

3. Employment Outcomes Postsecondary graduates in Canada enjoy higher employment rates and income levels compared to those without such qualifications. The data indicates that individuals with a university degree earn significantly more over their lifetimes than those with only a high school diploma. For instance, university graduates aged 25 to 34 earned an average of $18,868 more annually than similarly aged secondary school graduates.

4. Addressing Student Debt While many students take on debt to finance their education—over half of postsecondary graduates report having student loans—the cumulative earnings premium associated with obtaining a degree far outweighs the average debt levels incurred by students. The average student debt at graduation is around $23,000, which remains relatively stable over time except for professional degree holders.

5. Impact of COVID-19 on Youth Development The COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges but also highlighted the resilience and adaptability of Canadian youth. Many students transitioned to online learning during school closures, and while some faced job losses or reduced hours, participation rates in education remained steady compared to pre-pandemic levels.

6. Intergenerational Mobility Canada exhibits high intergenerational mobility concerning educational attainment; children from families without college degrees often achieve higher education levels themselves. This upward mobility is crucial for fostering equitable access to education across socio-economic backgrounds.

Canada’s achievements in youth development are characterized by high educational attainment rates, support for diverse populations, favorable employment outcomes for graduates, management of student debt issues, resilience during the pandemic, and significant intergenerational mobility.