Youth in Ottawa face significant wage disparities compared to the core working-age population, with their median hourly wages remaining close to the minimum wage. This wage gap not only affects their economic independence but also their capacity to invest in long-term personal and professional development. Factors contributing to this disparity include lower levels of experience, the types of industries that typically employ younger workers, and the nature of the positions they occupy. Bridging this wage gap requires a concerted effort to enhance the earning potential of young workers through education, training, and policies that promote equal pay for equal work. Encouraging industries to invest in young talent and providing incentives for businesses to offer more substantial wages to youth can also play a crucial role. For further information on how the youth wage gap impacts economic independence and what measures can be taken to address it, explore the full report here and help advocate for fair wages for our young workers.