The economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have had a swift and severe impact on young people. So much so, that the International Labour Organization began to raise alarms in May 2020 of the potential emergence of a “lockdown generation” if immediate action was not taken to respond to the needs of young people.

Young people in Canada experienced multiple shocks since the onset of the pandemic, including employment and income loss, lack of access to safe and stable housing, social isolation, and rising mental health challenges.

While all young people have been affected, Black, Indigenous, and racialized youth, young women and gender diverse youth, youth living with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIAA+ youth, and other marginalized young people who experience significant barriers to services and opportunities prior to the pandemic have been disproportionately impacted during the crisis. For many, the effects of the pandemic are compounded by recent violence against racialized communities stemming from systemic racism, xenophobia, and discrimination.

YWCA Canada and YMCA Canada have embarked on this project with a strong sense of urgency to respond to these impacts of the pandemic on youth. This publication outlines challenges faced by youth, ages 18 to 30 years old, in light of the pandemic, and proposes policy responses to ensure youth recover and are resilient in the face of future crises. The publication examines and provides recommendations in six areas of focus vital to supporting young people.