Fjosnisse

Hi Ian, thanks for the IAMA. A few questions for you:

1. Although Canadian youth are in a 'less than ideal' situation, some have argued that we're measuring 'success' using an outdated point of reference. Since people are generally living longer lives, it's not as imperative for a young person to settle into a job with career prospects until their mid to late twenties. In essence "thirty is the new twenty". Do you agree with this?

2. When the current boomers retire (for health reasons or otherwise) its expected that there is going to be a labour shortage and that currently unemployed youth will eventually be able to find employment with greater ease. Do you think this is true?

3. Many youth are unemployed, but there is a skilled-labour shortage that presents a significant threat to Canada's economic well-being. Positions for skilled-trades are going unfilled. Do you think part of the problem can be remedied if we abandon the attitude that 'University is the most important thing for getting a job' and instead work to really promote skilled-trades? Skilled-trades, unfortunately, don't attract the same level of respect as 'University' graduates do. If we were to really work to re-frame skilled-trades as a respectable and well-paying alternative to University, is it possible that we can help remedy our current unemployment problems?

In addition, we can do a much better job of identifying the other ways that we are going to build the other types of human capital that our businesses, communities, gov'ts and non-profit organizations need. So the key thing is not to think of these as opposites - skilled-trades vs. university graduates - but to think of them as complements worthy of ongoing investment by all of us.

Thanks for your response, Ian. I'm a little confused though by one part of your answer and I hope you wouldn't mind clarifying. For the most part, markets have already identified where there is a labour shortage and have expressed a need for skilled tradesmen. A CIBC World Markets report identified that 30 per cent of the country's businesses are experience a severe labour shortage. If here is an excess of University graduates and a shortage of skilled workers, doesn't that indicate that more University graduates isn't necessarily a good thing for our economy, both short-term and long-term?

Could you also elaborate on what you mean by viewing them as complementary? I've seen a few reports indicating that many youths and parents don't view the trades as an option and they are still encouraging their kids to pursue a university education, regardless of the prospects.

Thanks!