Canada's NEET population is growing...how do we stop it?

This episode of The Big Story explores the growing number of Canada's youth who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET), a group that now makes up 11% of young people aged 15–24. Host Maria Kastain speaks with economist and podcast host Linda Nazareth about the root causes of this trend, including mental health challenges, economic uncertainty, geographic disparities, and systemic barriers for immigrants with foreign credentials. While NEET status is not new, the phenomenon has intensified over the past decade, particularly since the pandemic, which disrupted labor market entry for young people. Nazareth emphasizes that the real concern lies not with temporary transitions but with those who have disengaged from the workforce for over a year—often due to frustration, mental health struggles, or lack of opportunity. The discussion also touches on how shifting labor market dynamics, such as the rise of the gig economy and the devaluation of long-term job loyalty, have reshaped youth employment expectations. Despite the risks of over-reliance on content creation or influencer culture, Nazareth argues that soft skills like adaptability, communication, and resilience are increasingly vital. The episode concludes with a call to action: addressing NEET trends requires a collective effort from government, educators, employers, and individuals to create inclusive pathways, invest in training, and foster a stronger, more resilient economy.