The first state of youth report, released in 2021, has been compiled based on the priorities of youth across Canada. A sample size of 1000 youth surveyed and participated in sessions virtually, representing all youth, including First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Black and racialized, and LGBTQ2. Youth were engaged in discussions on what’s important to them, including challenges and opportunities faced in the post-pandemic reality.

Youth demand more accountability from their government and put pressure on leadership to provide actionable and measurable goals to meet their expectations. They are not afraid to push barriers and demand justice for a better future that is inclusive, for everyone in Canada. Below is a summary of the main priorities outlined in the report.

Truth & Reconciliation
Reconciliation isn’t an indigenous issue; it is something that must be addressed by everyone.  It is when past and present wrongs must be rectified to resolve intergenerational trauma and reduce present-day injustices faced by indigenous communities. It is all about rebuilding relationships with allied groups, organizations and communities. Indigenous youth are here to stay and will not allow themselves to perish or to be “left behind” and do have an impact on Canada’s social and economic outcomes. The truth is learning from indigenous experiences, from their injustices and listening to their stories.

Decolonization is part of the solution, by pushing the government to agree that Canada was built on colonization and oppression of the indigenous communities. Indigenous youth are positive, yet uncertain that reconciliation can be fully achieved in Canada. It doesn’t just represent land acknowledgement or listening to indigenous experiences, but rather actions that reconcile the relationship of indigenous groups with the government by land allocation, access to safe housing, education, and unbiased healthcare. They must also include indigenous truth in history, in all Canadian schools to ensure decolonization.

Environment & Climate Action
Youth want to be taken seriously by older generations when it comes to climate action. Climate action groups are often held by privileged groups, which exclude marginalized groups, because of their access to resources, based on their location, living in rural areas, with limited access to clean water, and transportation. Some even live in areas where pipelines and corporations disrupt their ecosystem causing health issues in indigenous and rural communities.

Leadership & Impact
Youth groups are demanding that the government lower the voting age from 18 to 16 years old, to be heard and inclusive in government decision making and to offer more paid, barrier-free opportunities for those with no experience to succeed.

Youth also recommend that police, or people in power, remove social biases in their judgements and refrain from using their power to exonerate marginalized groups on unfair pretenses and stereotypes.

Employment, Innovation, Skills & Learning
Technology and accessibility to information is what stimulates innovation and learning. Government should increase funding to work-integrated or co-operative education for students in high school and post-secondary education.

Entrepreneurship has also increased with youth groups and government funding should provide opportunities for young people to thrive as entrepreneurs, or seek paid employment, in areas of which barriers exist to pursue promising careers.

Health & Wellness
Access to reliable healthcare isn’t available to everyone equally in Canada. Youth would like Canada’s healthcare system to focus on nutrition, access to healthy food choices, adequate mental health and wellness services to ensure a healthy balance of work, school and life. Teachers and educators should have better training when it comes to helping or recognizing mental health issues or substance abuse in individuals.