Career Coaching for Teens: Ontario's Secret Weapon in a Less Friendly World

As America sharpens its elbows on the world stage—imposing tariffs, flexing economic muscle, and upending long-standing trade relationships—Canada faces an uncomfortable reality: our economic sovereignty is under increasing pressure. From auto manufacturing to agriculture, decisions made in Washington can ripple through Canadian industries, communities, and families. However, while policymakers grapple with these challenges at the federal level, we can make a powerful, long-term response closer to home: invest in career coaching for all Grade 9 and 10 students in Ontario.

Yes, career coaching.

It may not sound like the typical answer to trade wars or foreign interference, but helping young people make informed, future-ready career choices is one of our most strategic and nation-building investments. That’s precisely why the Ontario Ministry of Education has taken a bold step. The Halton Industry Education Council (HIEC) was awarded a contract to organize two 30-minute career coaching sessions for all Grade 9 and 10 students in the province. These sessions connect students with individuals working in in-demand occupations in their region—giving them an inside look at real careers in their communities. This massive, collaborative effort involves all school districts, local chambers of commerce, regional economic development groups, unions, industry associations, and employers working to provide students with relevant, local career insights.

Why does this matter? The global economy is changing faster than ever. Automation, climate change, and artificial intelligence are redefined jobs. Supply chains are vulnerable. Foreign policy decisions—like Buy American provisions or retaliatory tariffs—can devastate local industries overnight. In this landscape, Canada needs more than a trade strategy. We need a talent strategy.

Career coaching equips students with the tools to navigate this complexity. It connects them with the real labour market in their area. It helps them see pathways in vital domestic sectors—from clean tech to cybersecurity to skilled trades—to build skills that support personal success and national resilience. When young people see how their interests align with Canada’s future needs, they’re more likely to stay engaged in school, pursue high-opportunity training or education, and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

More than that, universal access to career coaching helps level the playing field. Without real-world guidance, students from affluent or well-connected families often have a head start—access to mentors, internships, or insider knowledge about career paths. Students from marginalized or rural communities usually don’t. By making career coaching a right, not a privilege, we ensure that all students—regardless of background—can imagine a future where they belong and thrive.

This isn’t just sound social policy. It’s smart economics. Research shows that career development pays dividends: higher earnings, lower dropout rates, better mental health, and reduced reliance on social programs. Some Canadian studies suggest $2 to $5 returns for every dollar invested in youth career development.

Most importantly, it strengthens our economic sovereignty. A country that nurtures its own talent is less vulnerable to the whims of foreign powers, and a country with a clear vision for how its youth can contribute is harder to push around.

Career coaching may not grab headlines like trade disputes do, but it might just be Canada's ace in the long game of global competitiveness.