The Metro Vancouver region is the top urban centre for youth to work in the country, according to the 2021 Youthful Cities Urban Work Index.
The 2021 Urban Work Index, funded by RBC Future Launch, uses an expansive, youth-driven definition for work that includes 76 urban work indicators in 11 thematic areas: city economy, climate change, cost of living, digital access, education and training, entrepreneurial spirit, equity and inclusion, good youth jobs, income generation, public health, and public transportation.
Of the 27 Canadian cities considered, Metro Vancouver is the top performing region, ranking No. 1 overall in three categories: equity and inclusion, public transportation, and public health. Metro Vancouver also finished in the top five in the areas of good youth jobs (fifth), climate change (third) and digital access (third). One area where the region could improve is cost of living — Metro Vancouver ranked 24th.
Metro Vancouver Board Chair Sav Dhaliwal and Commissioner Jerry Dobrovolny received the award on behalf of the regional district during a special virtual event in early May, noting, “The fact that youth are taking notice and celebrating the region as an excellent place to live and grow a career, shows that we are on the right track.”
