Preventing a Lockdown Generation
A plan to support Canada’s youth in post-pandemic recovery
1. Building an Inclusive Society
Focusing on inclusion and equity is a fundamental component of post-pandemic recovery. It will be pivotal to preventing a lockdown generation and ensuring young people are able to reach their full potential. Using an intersectional approach, we must prioritize dismantling all forms of systemic racism, commit to Indigenous reconciliation, address discrimination experienced by 2SLGBTQIAA+ communities, address ableism and the inequities experienced by people living with disabilities, uproot systemic sexism and work to eliminate the digital divide.
2. Promoting Meaningful Employment for Young People
Young people have disproportionately felt the brunt of job losses during the pandemic as they are more likely to hold low-wage, temporary and less secure jobs. They are more likely to have jobs in sectors most affected by pandemic-induced lockdowns such as accommodation, food services and retail. Black, Indigenous, and racialized youth, young women and youth living with a disability have been hardest hit by the current economic downturn, further entrenching inequalities that these groups were already battling. As evidence from previous recessions shows us, if we don’t support young people in their employment aspirations right now, they may experience detrimental effects for years to come. We need to invest in targeted job programs and skills development services for young people alongside long-term policies to promote resiliency in youth employment.
3. Ensuring Housing for All
The lockdown required people to stay at home, but for the nearly 40,000 young people across Canada living in homelessness, that was not an option. Housing insecurity continues to be an issue as Canadian youth struggle to pay their rent or save for a mortgage. Gender-based violence increased during the pandemic, putting immense pressure on shelters that were already at capacity. Affordable, quality housing will only be realized when the Canadian government actively tackles unaffordable rents, increases housing supply, and supports housing initiatives targeting the needs of youth, particularly diverse and equity-deserving young people.
4.
Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing
Young people have experienced many stressors during the pandemic that have contributed to poor mental health and wellbeing. Experiences of income loss, illness, loss of loved ones, systemic racism and discrimination, coupled with forced social separation due to the pandemic is impacting our communities, and our youth are struggling to find safe coping mechanisms. Canadian youth are reporting low levels of life satisfaction and poorer perceptions of mental health. We need to act, and fast. It is imperative that investments in programs and services are made to support youth as they navigate the challenging circumstances of life.
5. Investing in Youth Leadership
Young leaders are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are leading right now. Young people have demonstrated significant leadership and have been at the forefront of many pandemic relief, response, and recovery initiatives. Young people should have meaningful opportunities to participate in decision making and public policy that affects their lives, especially youth who are experiencing the greatest forms of marginalization. We won’t be able to recover fully without investing in youth leadership.
6. Supporting the
Youth-Serving Sector
The pandemic has had adverse effects on the funding and capacity of community based youth-serving charities and non-profit organizations. From cancelled fundraising events to program closures, these organizations are expected to offer an increased level of support to youth with less financial backing and resources at a time when young people need support the most. The youth-serving sector needs targeted supports over the next 18 months to build back better. Investing in this sector will play an essential role in helping young people cope, connect and recover post-pandemic.