4 in 5 Canadians Exposed to Job Market Describe It as ‘Bad’ or ‘Terrible’: Poll

Concerns about job prospects are rising among Canadian adults, a new survey suggests.

Nearly 80 percent of Canadians who are in search of a job or have a close acquaintance who is, characterize the current job market as “bad” or “terrible,” new data from the Angus Reid Institute indicates. Only 13 percent of those polled offered a positive assessment.

Optimism about the job market is on a downward spiral for young Canadians in particular, according to a report detailing the results of the survey.

Jobs and unemployment are a top concern for 38 percent of 18-to-24-year-olds in Canada, more than double the 18 percent who expressed such concerns at the beginning of 2025,

The number of 25- to 34-year-olds who expressed concerns has also risen over the same period, but to a lesser extent. Eighteen percent cited jobs as a top issue this month, compared to 11 percent last January.

The unemployment rate for people aged 24 and younger has risen to 13.8 percent—double the national job rate across all age groups. This elevated rate has not been seen since 1994, with the exception of the pandemic.

“Although there was some bounce in jobs created in March, the recent data did not offset the major job loss recorded by Statistics Canada across the country over the first two months of 2026,” the report authors noted. “In February, Canada’s economy lost 84,000 jobs, half of which were categorized as youth jobs.”

One in every six respondents—16 percent of the households surveyed—said they knew someone who is unemployed and actively seeking a job, while 21 percent report that unemployment is impacting their close friends or family.

Those numbers climbed among the 18-to-24 age group. Thirty-two percent of the youngest adult demographic said they knew someone looking for work and 29 percent said that person was a member of their household or another close family member or friend.

Job Seekers’ Concerns

Several frustrations are common among people looking for work, the report said.

Sixty-eight percent cited a lack of response from employers, and 66 percent mentioned a shortage of available jobs in their area. Forty-three percent said it was hard to find a job that matched their skills, 40 percent said they never received offers after interviews, and 39 percent said salaries weren’t meeting their expectations.

One-in-five Canadians fall into a “high financial pressure” category, defined by job instability and a negative perspective on future prospects, the survey found.

“These individuals are far more likely to experience or be surrounded by unemployment and job insecurity,” the report said. “Further, three-in-five within this group say they expect their financial situation to be worse next year.”

Job security was also a concern for those polled. Only 30 percent said they felt “totally secure” in their job while 53 percent said they felt “mostly secure.” That number dropped among households earning less than $50,000. Only 17 percent said they felt “totally secure” compared to 35 percent of households making more than $100,000.

Survey takers were not asked why they worry about job security.

The report noted that one in five Canadians are facing “high levels of job insecurity, difficulty putting food on the table, higher debt levels, and a generally pessimistic outlook on their finances.”

The share of individuals who say their financial situation has worsened in the past year has declined, however. It’s down five percentage points from last year and 12 points since 2024, but remains elevated at 35 percent. Meanwhile, 18 percent say they are in a better situation.

“The bad news is, the number who are worse off is still double those who are better off,” the report’s author wrote. “The challenge for governments and indeed, for individuals and their families, is to create better economic outcomes from difficult circumstances.”