Creating opportunities for young people in our community
by Yasir Naqvi, MP, Ottawa Centre
One of the things I look forward to most in my role as your Member of Parliament is meeting smart and passionate young people in our community. It is always one of the most meaningful parts of my work, hearing their bold ideas and ambitions for making Canada a better place. But just as importantly, I also listen to the worries and struggles that many youth in our community are facing today.
From a global pandemic to very real threats to our sovereignty, uncertainty has become something every young Canadian knows all too well. In March of this year, youth unemployment sat at 13.8%. Across the country, young people are struggling to land their first job, all while trying to keep up with the rising cost of living and holding onto the dream of an education, a career, and a home of their own.
That is why, in the Spring Economic Update, the federal government introduced real, concrete measures to support young Canadians. These actions will support apprentices, make it easier to own a home, and build thriving lives through sports.
Supporting Workers and Young People
One of the main focuses of the government’s Spring Economic Update is supporting young Canadians and workers across the country. Central to this is Team Canada Strong, a $6 billion investment to recruit, train, and hire up to 100,000 new Red Seal skilled trades workers by 2030-31. This initiative gives young Canadians and those struggling to find employment a paid pathway into good, long-term careers.
In addition, to help ease the financial pressures of post-secondary education, we are increasing Canada Student Grants from $3,000 to $4,200 per year and raising weekly student loans from $210 to $300, while keeping federal student loans interest-free.
Canada’s own Sovereign Wealth Fund
We are establishing the Canada Strong Fund, a new national investment fund designed to ensure that the benefits of major national projects are shared with all Canadians, not just large corporations and private investors. Seeded with $25 billion, the Fund will invest in major Canadian projects across energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing, ensuring that as Canada builds and grows, all Canadians share in that success. Our government believes that building a stronger, more independent Canada means one where everyone can take part and benefit.
Making Life More Affordable
The Spring Economic Update also introduces important measures to help Canadians afford everyday essentials and a place to call home. The new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will provide $11.7 billion in support over six years to more than 12 million Canadians, helping ease the rising cost of groceries and day-to-day essentials. Changes to the Disability Tax Credit will also make it easier to access, providing an estimated $345 million in additional tax relief for Canadians with disabilities and their families.
On housing, the government is investing over $140 billion over five years to build more homes faster, eliminating the GST for first-time home buyers on new homes up to $1 million. In Ontario specifically, a new federal-provincial partnership will reduce taxes and fees on new homes by up to $200,000 — a significant step toward making homeownership more attainable for Canadians across the province.
Stronger and Safer Communities
The Spring Economic Update makes significant investments to build stronger and safer communities across Canada. A $755 million investment over five years will support Canada’s sport system, grow participation and bringing world-class sporting events to Canada. Indigenous communities will also see an additional $2.1 billion invested in education, health care, and family services to support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals to fully participate in community life. We plan to support our children and youth from playground to podium.
To help keep communities safe, a new Financial Crimes Agency will be established to investigate money laundering, fraud, and other serious financial crimes, while a new National Anti-Fraud Strategy will better protect Canadians across the financial, telecommunications, and digital sectors. Finally, $75 million over five years will support the Canada Community Security Program, helping communities at risk respond to rising hate-related crimes.
Canada Summer Jobs
The Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program is a concrete measure to help young Canadians. I remain firmly committed to keep working hard for the people of Ottawa Centre each and every day, especially youth in our community. The decisions we make today will shape the future they inherit tomorrow. This year, our program has supported 193 projects, 583 jobs, for $3,061,923. Youth can apply through the CSJ website: jobank.gc.ca/youth Find a job in Canada as a young Canadian – Job Bank
The photos above were taken from the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2025 while visiting the Old Ottawa Community Association at their summer camp program.