Telling young people to move to more affordable cities is practical in that there are much cheaper places to live. But there are costs to everyone when young adults migrate out of big cities
When youth lend their voices and expertise to the decision-making spaces that disproportionately impact their future, they increasingly search for policies and programs that amplify their needs.
Elise Pundyk is a community convenor and youth advocate based in Mohkinstsis (Calgary, Alta.). As the assistant manager of operations at Youthful Cities, she supports the collection of youth insights and activating research across Canada to build a more sustainable future. She is also a program manager with the Migration Youth and Children Platform, facilitating youth
Cities need a youthful infrastructure that includes affordability, good jobs, safety, mobility, a net-zero focus, physical and mental health, and fun with entertainment, music and green space based on metrics young people devise.
Young people s salaries in Canada aren’t keeping up with the cost of living, even when employed full-time; and the ability to afford city rents and home ownership is becoming a pipe dream for many, according to a CTVNews.ca analysis.