Canadian teens look toward the best of times and worst of times
Federal budget should consider future generation, survey shows

YorkRegion.com
March 22, 2017
Kim Zarzour

Young Canadians are feeling both optimistic and pessimistic when it comes to the future, according to a survey released this week.
The CIVIX Canada Student Budget Consultation asked more than 7,000 students — about 300 from York Region — about their key concerns and what they hoped to see in this week's federal budget.

While most students said they are worried about debt, youth job prospects and social mobility, they believe that on a personal level, they will do just fine.

“We’re worried about job opportunities and the general cost of university, but the Trudeau government is so focused on youth, I feel like things could get better,” said Kamrin Ward, a Grade 12 student at Toronto District Christian High School in Woodbridge, one of the region’s schools that took part in the initiative.

The CIVIX program is a civic education and financial literacy program that lets students offer their insights on the federal budget. Their opinions are shared with the Ministry of Finance.

Most students surveyed said they expect raising a family will be more difficult for them than it was for their parents and, while they’re confident in their individual ability to find and maintain a job they are interested in, 68 per cent believe there is a youth unemployment problem in Canada.

Two thirds of Canadian high school students believe debt reduction should be a key priority.

Students also want to see more investments in environmental protection and post-secondary education.

“The majority of my students are optimistic about the government's direction and the nature of the questions they were asked about — especially with environmental concerns and with the government's priorities on social programs and programs for students after high school,” said Ben Freeman, civics teacher at Toronto District Christian High School.

Students' drive to eliminate the deficit has been a consistent response since the CIVIX initiative began in 2013, said CIVIX spokesperson Dan Allan. "It's the fear of having that put on their backs, an apprehension about how it will impact them ... and what is the long-term effect on their lives."

To view full results, visit: budgetconsultation.ca/the-results/

SIDEBAR

WHAT STUDENTS SAID:

• Students wary of debt and deficits — 66 per cent of Canadian high school students believe debt reduction should be a key priority; 48 per cent believe the budget should be balanced at any cost.

• Youth unemployment a concern — 68 per cent believe there is a youth unemployment problem; making student debt more manageable (31 per cent) and improving access to quality jobs (27 per cent) are seen as the top remedies.

• Students confident in their own prospects — 87 per cent of students are confident in their individual ability to find and maintain a job they are interested in

• Make post-secondary education more affordable — Increases to the affordability and accessibility of post-secondary education is the government’s most important way to help (44 per cent).

• Environmental protection is key priority —  61 per cent believe protecting the environment is a critical national priority and funding should be increased.

• Increase spending for education, health and innovation — Other top spending priorities include education (58 per cent), health care (47 per cent) and innovation (45 per cent); arts and culture was the lowest-ranked priority (32 per cent of students favoured a decrease).

• Investments in affordable housing — 36 per cent of students noted affordable housing as the most important investment priority for their local area.

• Income inequality a growing concern — 61 per cent of students believe that income inequality is a problem in Canada today and a majority support raising taxes on wealthy Canadians (63 per cent) and corporations (53 per cent).