• Alberta’s unemployment rate for youth ages 14-30 rose from 13.8% in August 2024 to 17% in August 2025
    
• Kent’s plan creates 2,500 positions with the City of Calgary and partner organizations
  
  
• Similar programs in Chicago, Atlanta, and New York reduced youth arrests and violent crime by up to 43% 
  
  
•  Surveys indicate that of participants in similar programs, 90% acquired new skills, 90% wished to continue the programmes, and 88% felt more hopeful about their futures

Young Calgarians are facing a challenging labour market. To help youth overcome barriers to employment, I intend to introduce a youth summer jobs programme that will create 2,500 subsidized summer positions with the City of Calgary and partner organizations serving the community for individuals aged 14 to 30. This program will serve the dual purpose of reducing youth unemployment and providing opportunities to income, mentorship, workplace training, skills development, and pathways to future employment while improving quality of life for all Calgarians through improved public services. 

Studies have demonstrated that this is a pragmatic solution to help young people. Impacts of similar programs include significantly reducing youth crime rates and helping participants acquire new skills and gain intent for their futures. Let’s take initiative to foster hope, skill development, and social inclusion among Calgary’s youth.

Elect Kent Hehr for Ward 8 to reduce youth unemployment and build a stronger future for Calgary.