Québec, August 4, 2026. – Young people aged 15 to 29 are overrepresented among the unemployed in Québec—they account for 45% of unemployed people aged 15 to 54. The unemployment rate for these young people is estimated at 8.2%, nearly double the rate observed among people aged 30 to 54 (4.5%).
Nevertheless, unemployment data from 2015 to 2025 show that unemployment rates for the different age groups were not unusually high in 2025, as they remained close to the averages for that 10-year period. These findings come from the publication Portrait du chômage chez les jeunes de 15 à 29 ans au Québec en 2025 released today by the Institut de la statistique du Québec.
Immigrants and young people without a diploma are the most affected
Among people aged 15 to 29, 15- to 19-year-olds had the highest unemployment rate in 2025 (slightly under 13%). In this age group, unemployment rates were especially high among:
- People without a high school diploma (about 17%)
- People who were not in school (14%)
- Men (14%)
- Immigrants (28%)
The unemployment rate for young people aged 15 to 19 lower in Québec than elsewhere in Canada
The higher unemployment rate among those aged 15 to 19 is not unique to Québec. However, this rate is lower in Québec than in the other major Canadian provinces (23% in Ontario, 24% in Alberta and 20% in British Columbia).
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.