Montréal, June 3, 2026. – Nearly 10% of young people aged 15 to 29 in Québec—about 147,000 people—were not in employment, education or training (NEET) in 2023-2024 (about 60% of NEET youth were not in the labour force and 40% were unemployed). This proportion is part of a downward trend observed over the past 25 years. In 1997-1998, the proportion of NEET youth was 17%.
These findings come from an analysis by the Institut de la statistique du Québec (PDF) that was released today.
A sharper decline among women than men
Among women, the proportion of NEET youth aged 15 to 29 dropped from 18% to 9% between 1997-1998 and 2023-2024, while it decreased from 16% to 11% among men.
Differences between age groups
Young people aged 15 to 19 were less likely to be NEET than their older counterparts. In 2023-2024, the NEET rate stood at 4.8% for youth aged 15 to 19 compared to 12% for those aged 20 to 24 and 25 to 29.
Several regions saw declines
The proportion of NEET youth has decreased significantly since 1997-1998 in certain remote regions, including in:
- Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine (35% vs. 19%)
- The combined regions of Côte-Nord and Nord-du-Québec (28% vs. 10%)
- Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean (22 % vs. 7 %)
Youth characteristics linked to higher NEET rates
In 2023-2024, the proportion of NEET youth aged 15 to 29 varied depending on certain socio-demographic, socio-economic, and family characteristics.
NEET rates were higher among:
- Young people with no certificate, diploma or degree (12%)
- Non-permanent residents (16%) and immigrants (15%)
- Members of visible minorities (14%)
- Young people living alone (21%) or as a couple with a child (19%)
- Young people whose father or mother has no certificate, diploma or degree (respectively 16% and 22%)
The analysis looks at youth aged 15 to 29 who are not in employment, education or training in Québec. In addition to examining changes in school attendance among young people and their situation on the labour market since the late 1990s, it describes the characteristics of NEET youth in 2023-2024. The analysis is based on data from Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey.
The Institut de la statistique du Québec is the public body responsible for providing reliable, objective statistical information about Québec society. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and an essential source of information for all those wishing to learn more about Québec.