Youthful Cities announced the results of their annual Urban Work Index, naming the best cities in Canada for young people to work in.
The index was developed through Youthful Cities’ DEVlab criteria in collaboration with young people across Canada. They then analyzed these key components that young people use when considering their ideal living and working environments.
The criteria includes climate action, equity, diversity and inclusion, good youth jobs, education and training, digital access, city economy, entrepreneurial spirit, affordability, transportation and health.
“This index helps cities and employers understand what youth need to thrive in today’s workforce, ensuring a diverse, engaged, and vibrant future.” said Robert Barnard, Founder and CEO, Youthful Cities
Out of the 30 cities considered, Victoria ranked seventh place with a score of 511.6 out of 821.
Two factors that increased the score include Victoria and Saanich having a high number of people with a high school degree or GED equivalent relative to total population, and having a high number of international students enrolled.
One of the factors that decreased the score had to do with the average age of the city’s residents, with an average population age of 44.5-years-old.
Toronto scored the number one spot for the second year in a row with 670.9 out of 821, with Vancouver and Montreal not far behind.
The lowest scoring cities were St. John’s in 28th, Moncton in 29th and Yellowknife in last place with 133.7 out of 821.
View the full Urban Work Index for the detailed breakdown of top cities and map for the scores on all 30 cities.