1. YOUTH DEMOGRAPHICS IN THE CITY OF TORONTO Toronto Community and Neighbourhood Services: Social Development and Administration Division

2. The Future- born 1997-2001 (aged 0-4): 5.8% Baby Boom Echo- born 1981-1996 (aged 5-20):18.7% Baby Bust- born 1968-1980 (aged 21-33):20.3% Baby Boom - born 1948-1967 (aged 34-53):31.4% Pre-Seniors - born 1937-1947 (aged 54-64):10.2% Seniors - born before 1936 (aged 65+):13.6% Toronto’s Population - 2001

4. Youth population will remain stable over next 30 years (averaging about 21% of the population) Conversely, seniors will experience significant growth Working age population (b/ 15-65) is projected to decline, mostly due to out-migration and aging-out of the labour force Projected growth shows that youth (15-29) will increase to nearly 600,000 by 2031 Suggests skills shortage and need for replacement workers with appropriate skills Population Projections

6. Toronto: Diverse and Multicultural Almost 1/2 of Toronto residents are foreign born Annually, Toronto receives almost 1/4 of all new arrivals to Canada (60,000 - 80,000 new arrivals each year) Toronto has 1/12 of Canada’s population, but has 1/4 of Canada’s immigrants International immigration is a major driver of population change in Toronto (these trends are expected to continue)

7. 202,065 are immigrant youths (39.8% of all youth aged 15-29) Contrasts with Canada where the proportion of youth that reported immigrant origin, is much lower 1 in 5 youth in Toronto speak a language other than English & French at home Youth: Diverse and Multicultural

9. 213,630 youth belong to a visible minority (42% of all youth aged 15-29) Proportion contrasts with Canada where 14% of youth belong to a visible minority group

11. Replacement of retiring workers: Young workers need to have the skills necessary to replace older workers as many baby- boomers enter retirement years Technology Change: Both hard and soft skills needed to keep pace with ever changing economy by continuous learning and on-the-job training Youth: Learning & Education

13. Youth unemployment rates remain at double-digit levels Rates are higher for younger youth Rates for youth from minority groups are even higher Youth: Employment Issues

15. “Under-employment” continues to be an issue, particularly for younger people (only part-time jobs available, holding multiple part-time jobs...) Particularly an issue with immigrant youth

19. Youth on Social Assistance In Toronto there are approximately 11,000 youth on social assistance (representing 26% of all youth cases in Ontario) There are an additional 9,000 youth in families that receive social assistance (representing 36% of all youth dependents in Ontario) 12% of youth cases are employed - likely part-time

20. Homelessness among Youth Despite economic growth, homelessness is getting worse The fastest growing group of emergency shelter users is now two parent families The number of children using shelters rose by 130% from 2,700 children in 1988 to almost 6,200 in 2000 An estimated 6,000 youth stay in Toronto’s emergency shelters

22. As of 2001 Census, there will be nearly 338,000 people entering retirement years. Another 252,000 will enter retirement over the next 10 years Youth currently represent 20% of the population, or 504,885 persons Need to replace these workers. Demographics suggest future skills gap Youth are not a homogenous group. Many come from different ethnic backgrounds, households, and income situations Summary

23. Diversity in Toronto is reflected in the youth population as well. By proving youth with Canadian work experience, there are many opportunities for youth to participate in this diverse market Recognition of non-Canadian credentials and work experience Need for more effective school to work transition (I.e., Job preparation, work experience, training on the job, and job maintenance) Awareness of job opportunities and trends is needed Recognition of General Equivalency Diploma (GED)