Latifullah Kowsari, a business owner in Whitby, mentions that many newcomers find it tough to secure jobs that align with their education and work experience. Aug 26, 2026 Wesal TV (Whitby, Ont.): After almost two years of submitting job applications, resumes, and online forms, Saifatullah, who prefers not to share his last name, is starting to wonder when his quest for stable employment will come to an end. The Whitby local states he has applied to numerous companies and organizations but hasn’t landed a permanent position yet. “Every day, when you send applications and get no response, you gradually lose hope,” Saifatullah told Wesal TV. “I want to work, build my life and have a future, but the lack of a suitable job has affected all my plans.” His situation highlights a larger issue affecting young individuals and newcomers in Whitby and throughout Durham Region. Despite some recent improvements in Ontario’s job market, competition for positions remains intense. Statistics Canada revealed that Ontario gained 52,000 jobs in July, bringing total employment up to about 8.3 million. The unemployment rate dropped to 6.8 per cent from seven per cent in June and was lower than the recent high of 7.9 per cent recorded in December 2025. However, young people continue facing bigger hurdles. The youth unemployment rate in Canada stood at 12.6 per cent in July-much higher than the overall unemployment rate of 6.4 per cent. In the Oshawa Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), which covers Whitby, Oshawa and Clarington, the latest regional data also indicated unemployment rates above the provincial average. Durham Region uses this Oshawa CMA as a reference for much of its local labour-market reporting. For Saifatullah though, these figures represent a more personal struggle. He mentioned that being unemployed for so long has impacted not just his finances but also his mental health and future aspirations. Saifatullah isn’t alone in this; Mohammad Amin from Oshawa shares that he’s been searching for full-time work over the past four years without securing any permanent roles during that time-only managing some temporary positions. Mohammad Amin claims he has submitted many online applications with little success. He notes that even among young people with bachelor’s or master’s degrees, finding employment can be quite difficult. He adds that networking is crucial when hunting for jobs in Durham Region since merely applying online often doesn’t yield results. Local entrepreneur Latifullah Kowsari remarked that many newcomers arrive in Canada holding university degrees along with professional backgrounds yet still encounter challenges matching their skills with available jobs. He highlighted several obstacles such as needing Canadian work experience, language barriers, economic conditions as well as limited opportunities within certain industries.
Sayed Wali Sharifi from the Pickering Afghan Association said long-term unemployment can adversely affect both young individuals and communities alike. (Photo: Mahmood Haqdost/Wesal TV)
Sayed Wali Sharifi emphasized that prolonged unemployment can lead to wider social issues within communities.
He believes governments should offer more support aimed at boosting youth employment by motivating private employers to hire younger workers while improving connections between job seekers and businesses overall.
Surrya Jabarkhail from Oshawa noted she has witnessed numerous young people along with newcomers across Whitby Ajax , Oshawa , and other areas within Durham spending months or even years looking for suitable employment opportunities.
She commented on how some applicants send out countless resumes but never receive invitations for interviews.
Surrya Jabarkhail believes many young individuals struggle significantly while searching for jobs. (Submitted by Surrya Jabarkhail)
Javad Kakar , owner o f Kakar Construction , pointed out t hat one major issue impacting young job seekers is t he lack o f part-time an d entry-level roles available.
He stated most open positions require prior experience or tend t o be full-time roles unsuitable fo r those new entering th e workforce.
He added entry-level positions are vital since they provide necessary experience an d skills needed fo r building longer-term careers.Employers Still Hiring But Competition Remains Fierce Samantha Teney , general manager o f Employment an d Community Services at YMCA Greater Toronto remarked t hat both Wh itby an d Durham Region currently face extremely competitive labour markets. “There is an imbalance between t he number o f people actively seeking work an d available opportunities,” Teney informed Wesal TV. She noted how many residents commute outside th e region fo r jobs; hence job seekers compete locally as well as across Greater Toronto Area altogether. The YMCA continues witnessing demand across sectors including customer service retail hospitality manufacturing although competition stays strong overall according t o Teney’s comments made during her interview wi th Wesal TV regarding these ongoing trends observed locally recently!
T ENEY ALSO MENTIONED NEWCOMERS FACE ADDITIONAL BARRIERS SU C H AS FOREIGN CREDENTIALS AN D WORK EXPERIENCES THAT ARE NOT FULLY RECOGNIZED ALONG WITH LANGUAGE DIFFICULTIES A ND LIMITED PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS WHILE STRUGGLING TO GAIN CANADIAN WORK EXPERIENCE NEEDED FOR SECURING POSITIONS IN THEIR CHOSEN FIELDS !
Many end up taking survival jobs which don’t match their educational backgrounds whilst trying hard establishing themselves eventually!
The YMCA provides free services related towards employments such including one-on-one counselling resume interview assistance training programs skill development retraining initiatives too !
WHITBY IS COLLABORATING WITH EMPLOYERS
Town officials acknowledge there are residents struggling due changes happening within today’s labour market realities.
Erin Mikaluk who manages communications creative services confirmed town works alongside various organizations Chamber Commerce Employment Services others promoting fairs connections providing resources available helping bridge gaps between employers potential hires.
They hire seasonal part-time staff assist recreation programs municipal tasks offering valuable experiences students youths pursuing careers further down road!
According Mikaluk statement shared earlier this week : “We’re partnering Invest Durham Workforce Authority develop strategies addressing needs workforce require over next few years ahead!”
Local businesses continue requesting skilled workers particularly advanced manufacturing trades food service professional areas despite rising demands already seen growing steadily each year now too!
TARIFFS CREATE UNCERTAINTY
Broader economic uncertainties stemming tariffs global trade issues continue impacting current state labor markets around here lately on top everything else going forward together moving ahead into future direction beyond current circumstances faced continuously daily living struggles endured persistently…
Federal Provincial governments introduced several initiatives aimed helping workers industries feeling effects resulting fluctuations shifting dynamics globally affecting trades directly! There’s commitment supporting vulnerable labor sectors worth $570 million through Workforce Tariff Response targeting approximately sixty-six thousand personnel directly influenced negatively by tariffs! This includes steel softwood lumber affected mainly too!
Over $228 million allocated via Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response program assisting protecting key industry projects simultaneously enhancing trainings tailored accordingly suited better focused priorities set forth long term goals achieved successfully transitioning economies successfully adapting sustainably moving forward pace steady growth patterns established foundation resilience leading ultimately every step right way onward journey without looking back ever again no matter what happens next afterwards…!
Government continuing use Skills Development Fund strategically allocated bolster existing training efforts enabling gainful meaningful skill-building worthwhile pursuits contributing towards meeting employer demands equitably spread around different fields proportionately distributed evenly across board ensuring everyone benefits together equally sharing prosperity arising naturally aligns purpose intentions clearly define missions undertaken properly executed promptly always remembering maintain balance fair practices transparently openly visible …!!”
For younger generations Ottawa expanded Canada Summer Jobs program guaranteeing ninety thousand slots accessible ages fifteen thirty participants funded amounting considerable investments estimated reaching upward upwards billion dollars provided supports anticipate roughly hundred seventy-five thousands hiring engagements training placements realized throughout entire fiscal cycle commencing year twenty-two twenty-seven ending thereafter closing chapter ongoing history unfolding ahead awaiting bright promising horizons shaped tomorrow onwards evolving further !”
Their strategies encompass Youth Employment Skills Strategy geared creating lasting viable experiences paired relevant training options beneficially aiding facilitating transitions smoother environments promote inclusivity diversity ensuring fairness equity represented all walks life involved greatly regardless barriers encountered previously isolated preventing growth movements prevented beforehand now lifted removed absolutely freeing minds hearts encourage pursuit true passions finally thrive beautifully flourish radiantly shinning brightly lighting paths ahead shining guidance future unfolding hopeful dreamscapes created deliberately driven genuine aspirations unfold graciously coming true gently blossoming effortlessly brightening futures brilliantly illuminating moments lived profoundly enriching endlessly empowering invigorating community spirit uplifting humanity everywhere resonates deeply connecting inspiringly motivate positively change world uplift lives improve society flourishing whole !”
Nonetheless citizens argue government schemes aren’t sole solution tackling pressing matters existing today faced collectively together requiring more entry-level roles improved links fostering partnerships bringing employers candidates closer cultivate vibrant ecosystem working harmoniously balanced benefiting thriving society indeed !! ” *>P *CLASS=’WP_BLOCK_PARAG RAP H’>>After countless attempts unanswered queries Saifatullah remains committed pursuing goal simple seeking opportunity demonstrate abilities gain necessary experiences build strong secure foundation lifestyle ensure brighter promising pathway lies waiting patiently ahead patiently endeavoring tirelessly onwards determined spirit never yielding against adversity strive forge destinies laid forth guiding dreams hearts alive thrumming heartbeat echo resounding clarity unwavering vision ignite spark hope ignited rekindled embers glowing fierce light illuminating darkest corners existence filled sorrow transcending obstacles overcoming fears fears liberated utterly transforming reality dreams fueled determination burning brighter bold journeys forward awaiting fulfillment nearing fruition realization fulfilling desires manifested ardently manifest destiny beckons eternally shining star bright lights guiding path unwavering steadfast devotion emerging victorious triumphantly conquering challenges embraced holistically leading blossom beautiful bountiful blossoming gardens flourish infinitely filled abundance love joy surrounding kindness embracing warmth nurturing souls blooming blissfully forever enlightening moments blessed sharing adventures lived courageously bravely forging paths paved gold glimmer promise shine down confidently brave steps taken onward together united force propel progress achieve greatness skies limit boundless soaring heights awaited rise above inspire lift spirits soar unfathomable joys awaited explore limitless realms possibilities chasing aspirations where imaginations run wild free reign unbounded unrestricted limitless potential unleashed unleashed flying high skies dreamed waking visions grounded solidly foot firmly rooted earth grounding stability sustaining momentum propelling achieving excellence extraordinary new frontiers opened wide wide embrace endless horizons await exploring navigating pathways ever-changing landscapes shaping redefine limits reimagining futures painted strokes creativity daring brush canvas alive vivid colors narrate unique tales woven intricately connected ties woven threads bonding shared experiences stretching horizons expanding rapidly meeting halfway welcoming discoveries illuminating newfound potentials unimaginable creativity born resilient roots nurtured fostering growth enduring wisdom seeking nurture strength cultivate beauty expressing artistry breathe life into stories yearning reach audiences far wide indeed.. ” **/NEW* >>
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