In Ottawa, the job market is becoming increasingly challenging for young graduates, particularly those entering the technology sector. Jacqueline Silver, a recent graduate of McGill University who now resides in Toronto, spent over a year searching for employment after completing her degree in computer science. She had initially believed her education would secure her a job in her field.
After applying to hundreds of positions, Silver finally found a role this month. She expressed her frustration, noting, “I was really exhausted, and it was also just really discouraging.” She mentioned that many of her classmates also faced similar difficulties in securing jobs. “It was basically like I was enrolled in a whole separate class because I would go to the library and do my homework for each class and then spend an equal amount of time just applying for jobs,” she added.
Silver”s experience highlights a troubling trend for early-career workers. Research from Stanford University indicates that workers aged 22 to 25 in professions most affected by artificial intelligence (AI) have seen a decline in job availability, while employment rates for more experienced workers remain stable. This shift is particularly detrimental to new graduates entering the workforce.
Hamoon Ekhtiari, the CEO of FutureFit AI, a Canadian firm focused on connecting individuals with job opportunities, pointed out that AI is significantly impacting entry-level positions in areas such as software development, sales, marketing, and customer service. He described the situation as “very complex,” acknowledging that while AI will generate new jobs, it is also displacing others.
Silver expressed concern that generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, could perform tasks traditionally assigned to entry-level employees, such as writing code. “Maybe you still need someone to tweak it or look at it closely, but overall, you don”t really need that many people to write it anymore because the generative AI can do it,” she noted.
Ekhtiari emphasized the need for companies to invest in developing young talent and for educational institutions to enhance their skills training programs. He also urged governments to support individuals navigating job transitions. “Traditionally, there was a promise. Go to school for four years, you”ll have a 40-year career. That promise no longer holds,” he stated.
Catherine Connelly, a professor of human resources and management at McMaster University, added that while AI can automate certain entry-level tasks, it is not a complete substitute for human workers, particularly in roles requiring strategic thinking and decision-making. She cautioned that the automation of these entry-level roles could prevent new graduates from gaining essential work experience.
Statistics Canada recently reported that unemployment for Canadians aged 15 to 24 rose to 14.7 percent in September, marking the highest level in 15 years outside of pandemic-related spikes. Conservative MP Garnett Genuis warned that the ongoing youth unemployment crisis could have long-term implications for young workers” career paths. He criticized the current government for lacking a comprehensive strategy to address this issue and proposed initiatives to enhance financial educational support in high-demand fields.
In response, Jennifer Kozelj, a spokesperson for Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu, acknowledged the pervasive influence of AI in various sectors, from healthcare to education. “The world of work is changing fast, and workers, particularly young Canadians, are feeling it,” she stated. “These are challenging times, but we are acting with urgency to harness this tool, build on productivity, and ensure no worker gets left behind.”
This report by The Canadian Press was initially published on October 19, 2025.
