Mr. Speaker, as graduation ceremonies take take place in Nanaimo—Ladysmith and across Canada, new grads are facing one of the toughest job markets in years. Unemployment in the Nanaimo census metropolitan area hit 8.7% in April, which is a whopping increase of 2.3% over this time last year. Youth unemployment is up half a percentage point to 14.3% nationwide. Statistics Canada revealed this morning that Canada is the only G7 country in a recession.
Our young people have the talent, determination and ambition it takes to succeed. They have done everything we have asked: studied hard, developed their skills and overcame obstacles. What they need are opportunities to gain experience, build careers and make enough money to put down roots in the communities we call home.
To the graduating class of 2026, I congratulate them on their achievements. Their future matters and their contributions matter. Canada needs their talent more than ever. We keep fighting for the opportunities they deserve.