Edmonton is Canada’s Best City for Youth to Work in 2019

Yesterday I had the pleasure of accepting, on behalf of the City of Edmonton, the YouthfulCities Urban Work Index award for “Best Canadian City for Youth to Work”. This award solidifies Edmonton’s status as not only one of Canada’s youngest cities (almost 20% of our population is under the age of 20) but as a city with an enormous well of potential for youth.

We have a lot going for us here in Edmonton: access to affordable, high-quality education, transportation and housing options, an entrepreneurial business climate, and an economy that has emerging strengths across more sectors, from food to life sciences to technology. All attributes that make us a desirable place for Edmonton’s, and Canada’s, young leaders and changemakers. Those are certainly reasons I chose to stay in Edmonton and raise my family here.

Our ranking in the Index is well-deserved recognition after many years of city building that included working with government and community partners, to build an Edmonton with a bright economic future, one that supports the growth of our emerging sectors, inspires innovation and encourages entrepreneurship. Our recent moves on LRT expansion, bike lanes and affordable infill will continue helping to attract and retain a younger workforce. This award validates those investments and encourages us to keep pushing for a more vibrant and inviting Edmonton, one where this younger workforce chooses to stay in Edmonton and raise their families. I want to be part of an Edmonton where my kids decide to stay because they have everything they need to thrive.

The YouthfulCities Canadian Urban Work Index used primary and secondary data collected by urban researchers to inform the rankings in addition to a survey of 170 young people across Canada who were asked what factors were important to them about work in cities. Youth pointed out that affordable housing, less student debt, good jobs and cities that really support entrepreneurs were at the top of their list. I’m proud to say that we scored high in all these areas – but no city on the YouthfulCities Urban Work Index scored a perfect score. So while I’m excited we’ve been recognized for our good results, I know there are still improvements that can be made. That is why I’m committed to pushing for the further opportunity and resiliency in our economy and continued improvement in our quality of life.

Let’s keep up the good work and continue to be intentional about planning and building for this generation – and the next.