During the COVID-19 pandemic, Millennials and Gen Z are experiencing a once-in-a-generation economic crisis at a formative time period in their lives. From frustrating school disruptions to heartbreaking job layoffs to the concerning mental health crisis, this is not how young people envisioned starting out their adult lives. If we don’t do something about it, young people in Canada may be dealing with the economic and social fallout from this pandemic for the next 10 years.

Given the unprecedented threat to young people’s prospects and potential, we need a unique approach that meets the moment with urgency and ambition.

That's why YWCA Canada and YMCA Canada have launched an action plan to prevent a 'lockdown generation' in Canada.

The report features a 6-pronged roadmap that offers a range of actions the Federal government and others can take to support young people in post-pandemic recovery and prevent what the International Labour Organization has called a ‘lockdown generation’. This includes prioritizing meaningful employment for young people, supporting their mental health, building an inclusive society, investing in youth leadership, ensuring safe and secure housing for all through measures that combat homelessness and the housing affordability crisis, and supporting youth-serving organizations.