The pervasive narrative that Generation Z lacks a strong work ethic is not just inaccurate, it's harmful, argues a frontline worker who witnesses the determination of young people daily. Steve Doherty, Executive Director of Youth Without Shelter (YWS) in Etobicoke, uses the powerful story of a 32-year-old carpentry student to illustrate the systemic challenges facing youth, not a deficit of will.
The Human Cost of Systemic Gaps
Joshua, a pseudonym for a former shelter resident, embodies the struggle. Despite being enrolled full-time in a carpentry program and possessing a strong work ethic, he found himself sleeping in his car for several months in 2025. His journey into instability began when he aged out of Children's Aid care at 18, a cliff-edge transition where supports historically vanished.
Instead of entering the adult shelter system, Joshua maintained his focus. He used part of his income to pay for a gym membership, primarily to access a shower before school and work. "He is doing everything right," Doherty emphasizes, pointing out the disconnect between public perception and the reality of motivated young people battling a lack of opportunity and housing.
The Data Contradicts the Stereotype
The anecdotal evidence is backed by hard statistics. Unemployment among Ontarians aged 15 to 24 sits at approximately 15%, according to Statistics Canada. This figure represents young people actively seeking employment but unable to secure it. Doherty stresses that the fundamental issue is a mismatch: there are more young people who want to work than there are available jobs.
For youth who have experienced homelessness or aged out of care, the barriers are even higher. Joshua applied to the Toronto Community Housing waitlist seven years ago and is still waiting. His temporary salvation came through YWS's Helix House, a rooming house purchased by the charity to provide affordable units for youth pursuing post-secondary education.
A Call for Sustained Investment and Attitudinal Shift
Doherty calls for a coordinated, systemic response tailored to young adults. Toronto requires sustained investment in youth-specific housing, transitional supports, income programs, and accessible education funding for those overcoming adversity. He advocates for expanding education grants for youth leaving care and creating more job training opportunities.
Beyond policy, he challenges the cynical rhetoric from older generations. "We need grown folks like me to stop telling kids that 'no one wants to work anymore,'" he writes. "It's not true. It's derogatory. And that kind of negativity has a way of becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy."
His decades of experience lead him to a clear conclusion: Gen Z is eager to work hard and earn their place. They are not asking for a handout, but for a fair opportunity, stable housing, and a chance to prove their resilience in the face of significant systemic hurdles.
