I think it's important to note that in 2012 Canada's employment rate for students aged 20 to 24 years was 63.2%. This was down from 67.4% in June 2011, and it is the same value recorded in June 2009, which is the worst point of the most recent recession. So definitely, for those young people in that 20- to 24-year age group who are still trying to pay for whatever the cost may be for university and college, it has become quite difficult.
The other point to note that I think is key to this is summer earnings. If you look at the years between 1977 and 2008, summer student employment averaged about 70%. In 2012, as I mentioned, the employment rate dipped again to 47.9% for that summer employment.
When students have the opportunity to work and not be in class, the jobs just aren't there. Then when they're studying, they're working more than ever before. I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks that's a little bit backwards.