BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTRY'S RELATIONSHIP WITH SDG 8

Canada is strongly committed to achieving the targets set by SDG 8. Canada aims to improve access to quality jobs for all and foster sustainable economic growth. Yet, stagnant GDP growth in recent years and structurally higher unemployment levels among underrepresented groups in the Canadian labour market prevent Canada from realizing these ambitions (Canada’s Sustainable Development Goals Unit [CSDGU], 2023, pp. 58-60; World Bank, n.d.). Although significant challenges still lie ahead on Canada’s path towards the implementation of SDG 8, the country has not remained idle. Several initiatives supporting people in developing skills in high demand and getting valuable work experience are already in place to address the pressing issues in the Canadian economy and bring the country closer to achieving decent work for all. However, more effort is needed to accelerate this transition if Canada hopes to meet SDG 8’s targets by 2030. 

CURRENT CHALLENGES AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Canada was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with pandemic-related restrictions causing the unemployment rate to rise from 5.8% in 2018 to 9.7% in 2020 (CSDGU, 2023, p. 58). This dramatic increase was experienced most acutely by the youngest population cohort (individuals aged between 15 and 24), whose unemployment rate skyrocketed from 10.7% in 2019 to 20.1% in 2020. Since then, limited progress has been made in bringing unemployment rates back to pre-pandemic levels, and they still remain relatively high when compared with other OECD countries (Statistics Canada, n.d.). 

Systemic differences persist between younger and older generations, as well as between Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals. While the Canadian youth struggle to find employment opportunities, with up to 12% of individuals aged 15 to 24 not in education, employment or training in 2025, older generations seem to fare better overall. Moreover, Indigenous Canadians consistently experience higher unemployment rates than immigrants (Statistics Canada, n.d.). Therefore, the Canadian labour market seems to be characterised by persistently heterogenous employment opportunities across different demographic groups. Such significant differences underscore the need for Canada to make its labour market more inclusive and to promote decent work for all more effectively.

Although the structural problems permeating the Canadian labour market present a grim picture, several programs launched by the Canadian government are already underway to address these challenges. The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program specifically helps younger people get the work experience needed to transition successfully into the labour market, whereas the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program helps Indigenous people improve their skills and work towards their long-term career goals. Progress in the area of SDG 8 has been somewhat limited in recent years, but Canada remains strongly committed to providing everyone with access to quality jobs, which ultimately contribute to sustainable economic growth (CSDGU, 2023, pp. 58, 60).

LIST OF REFERENCES AND USEFUL LINKS

Canada’s Sustainable Development Goals Unit. (2023). Canada’s 2023 Voluntary National Review: A Continued Journey for Implementing the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/agenda-2030/voluntary-national-review/2023-report.html

Statistics Canada. (n.d.). Decent work and economic growth: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. Retrieved September 7, 2026, from https://sdgcif-data-canada-oddcic-donnee.github.io/8/

United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (n.d.). SDG Country Profile: Canada. Retrieved September 7, 2026, from https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/dataportal/countryprofiles/can

World Bank. (n.d.). GDP per capita growth (annual %) - Canada [Data file]. World Development Indicators. Retrieved September 7, 2026, from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.PCAP.KD.ZG?locations=CA