A proposed national youth service program could have big benefits for N.L., says economist

A proposed national youth service program could have big benefits for N.L., says economist

Engage Canada is calling on Ottawa to support a national program for ages 18-25

An advocacy group is calling on Ottawa to support a national youth service program and a Memorial University economist says if done right, it could be a boon for Newfoundland and Labrador.

Engage Canada wants the federal government to create a voluntary, paid national youth service program for Canadians aged 18-25. After general basic military training, successful applicants could work in a variety of fields, including emergency response, elder care and skilled trades.

According to Statistics Canada, N.L. has long struggled with high unemployment, especially among youth. In May, the province’s youth unemployment rate was 18.7 per cent, compared to a national rate of 13.4 per cent.

“Relative to the rest of Canada, this program certainly presents more potential, more promises,” said Memorial University economist Tony Fang.

If implemented properly, he said it could help with fostering employment skills among youth and to help prevent some of the high out-migration the provinces faces, he added.

Fang, who is not involved with Engage Canada, said the success of the program would depend on implementation.

“The key to success is not about what, it’s about how,” said Fang, adding it has to be an investment into the future workforce and not just short-term youth employment.

Engage Canada chair Michael Burns agrees.

“We don’t want people to come off of the program after, let's say 12 months, and they’re going off a cliff and they’re lost,” said Burns.

He said the Canadian Armed Forces often take on the burden of responding to climate emergencies and disasters. He said youths in the program could provide more labour for emergency response, including preventing and fighting wildfires.

“Wouldn’t it be something if we had a national service program like this, where instead of directing resources that should be defending the country from external threats, that we’ve got enough young people that are paid and are part of this national service program,” said Burns.

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The organization has submitted a proposal to the federal government’s finance committee to fund a “program definition phase” in the next budget. It would help iron out details, like how to properly transition participants into the general workforce, said Burns.

He hopes the federal government will ultimately include the $18 million the organization said would allow for the survey to better develop the program.

Fang hopes the government pursues consultation with stakeholders and youth themselves.

“Prime Minister Mark Carney and his government is talking about how to build Canada for the long-term, for the future. And youth, of course, present the best hope for the long-term, national building exercises,” said Fang.

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Matthew Robertson is a recipient of the 2026 CBC News summer scholarship in memory of Joan Donaldson and Peter Gzowski. He is from Stittsville, Ont., and has a degree in journalism and political science from Carleton University.