December 17, 2024
To: Her Worship Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, and Toronto City Council,
I am writing to you on behalf of the ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø (³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø) to express our strong support for the upcoming motion to create a Toronto Youth Employment Program, as outlined in item .
The ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø is committed to the achievement and well-being of every student, and we believe providing meaningful employment opportunities is a crucial step in building hands-on skills to benefit career and life planning. In our January letter, we highlighted the importance of a youth-friendly budget that prioritizes the needs of young people in our city. We are delighted to see that this motion aligns with our call for increased support and resources for youth employment.
A Toronto Youth Employment Program will not only provide valuable work experience for young people, but also contribute to their personal and professional development. It will help address the challenges of youth unemployment and underemployment, which have been exacerbated by ongoing economic uncertainties. By investing in our youth, we are investing in the future of Toronto.
This proposed initiative aligns with the ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø's Multi-Year Strategic Plan, which emphasizes equity, achievement, and well-being for every student. The Plan commits to ensuring that all students graduate with the confidence, skills, and knowledge to thrive in life. We believe that a robust Toronto Youth Employment Program will support these goals by providing students with the opportunities they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
We want to extend our appreciation to members of the Toronto Youth Cabinet, as they have been instrumental in these advocacy efforts. Recently, over 30,000 youth filled out postcards to express support for a Toronto Youth Employment Program. This campaign included voices from every ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø ward, and Trustees are grateful for the students who made their voices heard.
We urge City Council to approve this motion and work collaboratively with the ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø and other community partners to ensure the successful implementation of this program. Together, we can create a brighter future for the young people of Toronto.
Thank you,
Neethan Shan
Chair, ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø