The Conversation: Young Black men in Canada face racism, ageism and classism when looking for work
January 23, 2024 —
Youth employment in Canada continues to be a concern. Young people between the ages of 15 and 30 are less likely to find and sustain employment compared to an older population of Canadians.
According to Statistics Canada, around 11 per cent of youth aged 15-24 are unemployed. Among young Black Canadians that number is around 17.5 per cent.
Black people in Canada continue experiencing oppression and dehumanization because of how their skin colour is viewed and represented.
Impoverished Black male youth in particular encounter racism, ageism, classism and gender biases when looking for work. These are stereotypes which encourage many Canadian employers to view them as not good for business and unemployable.