English-Speaking Youth Earn as Little as 81 Cents for Every Dollar Earned by Their French-Speaking Peers, Report Identifies Barriers and Solutions

New study highlights the labour market challenges facing Québec’s English-speaking youth and the actions needed to improve employment outcomes.

MONTRÉAL, August 13, 2026 — Québec’s English-speaking youth are ready to put their skills to work and help build a more prosperous province, but persistent employment barriers continue to prevent many from fully realizing their potential. A new report released by the Provincial Employment Roundtable (PERT) and Youth 4 Youth Québec (Y4Y) outlines practical, collaborative solutions to address these barriers while strengthening Québec’s labour force.

Drawing on Census data, province-wide surveys, and regional consultations, Labour Market Experiences of Québec’s English-speaking Youth: Insights from Data and Youth Voices examines the experiences of the province’s 352,470 English-speaking youth aged 15–34. While the findings point to ongoing disparities, they also reveal a generation that is highly motivated, increasingly bilingual, and committed to building its future in Québec.

The report finds that many English-speaking youth continue to face barriers to full participation in Québec’s labour market, leading to major disparities in their economic vitality compared to their Francophone counterparts. English-speaking youth experience an unemployment rate nearly twice that of their French-speaking peers (13.1% compared with  7.8%). Young English-speaking workers earn as little as 81 cents for every dollar earned by their French-speaking peers.

Although nearly seven in ten English-speaking youth are bilingual, almost half report that uncertainty about  French-language expectations has limited their employment opportunities.

Despite these barriers, the report highlights a generation that continues to invest in learning French, developing new skills, and pursuing long-term careers in Québec.

“Québec’s English-speaking youth are taking their future into their own hands every day; building skills, perfecting their French, and striving to build meaningful careers in their communities. What they need now is a system that supports their ambition. This report gives voice to their real experiences and provides a practical roadmap for solutions that foster true belonging, confidence, and long-term success right here at home.” — Sta Kuzviwanza, Executive Director, Provincial Employment Roundtable (PERT)

In addition to outlining the challenges facing English-speaking youth, the report also focuses on practical actions that governments, employers, and community organizations can take together. Its recommendations include expanding workplace French-language mentorship and training, improving transparency around language requirements in job postings, strengthening pathways from education to employment, supporting youth retention across Québec’s regions, and improving access to employment and community services.

“Québec’s youth are not asking for special treatment—they are seeking transparent job markets, practical language training, and clear career bridges so they can fully contribute to Québec’s vibrant economy.” — added Kuzviwanza

By addressing these barriers through practical, collaborative solutions, PERT and Y4Y believe this highlights an opportunity for Québec to better retain young talent, strengthen its workforce, and enable English-speaking youth to fully participate in the province’s economy.

About PERT

The Provincial Employment Roundtable (PERT) is a non-profit multi-stakeholder initiative focused on addressing the employment and employability challenges facing Québec’s English-speaking community.

About Youth 4 Youth Québec

Y4Y Québec is a non-profit organization committed to addressing the issues facing English-speaking youth (ages 16-30) across Québec. All Y4Y projects and initiatives prioritize the for-youth, by-youth approach to community development and cultural vitality.

Media Contact

Chad Walcott

Director of Public Affairs
Provincial Employment Roundtable (PERT)
Email: chad@pertquebec.ca