Bridging the Safety Gap (2008). In partnership with the Institute for Work and Health, this project studied work-related injury and illness among youth. Over 2,000 young workers across the province completed an on-line survey aimed at those most vulnerable to injuries – youth between the ages of 16 to 27 with little work experience. The safety hazards that young people reported were mostly preventable. Many young people are hesitant to report injuries in the workplace. Although the survey showed that over 96% would report an injury to their employer, only 80% believed their employer would do something to correct the safety problem. Although the right to refuse work that is unsafe is enshrined in law, many vulnerable, young people are intimidated by their bosses, fear losing their job, or lack the confidence to confront safety problems.

Eliminate Your Risk on the Job (2007) was conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Labour. The project gathered information about youth’s experience with safety in the workplace. The goal was to develop an on-line program, Passport to Safety, which provides youth with tools, information and support to prevent danger and hazards from occurring at work. In total, 641 responses were collected in three weeks. Some of the injuries experienced by respondents were: cuts, burns, blisters, fractures, back and ankle sprains, and strained muscles. Preliminary survey findings were presented to the Minister’s Action Group: Vulnerable Workers Under the Age of 25 on April 5, 2007.

The National Youth Entrepreneur Social Attitude and Innovation Study (2007). Funded by the Counselling Foundation of Canada, this project examined attitudes toward entrepreneurship among unemployed youth, employment service providers and young entrepreneurs in both Ontario and British Columbia. The goal was to inform service providers and policy makers about the current attitudes toward entrepreneurship of youth aged 18 to 34, and make recommendations to encourage entrepreneurship on individual, programmatic and societal levels. The study used interviews, surveys and consultations with groups of young entrepreneurs and unemployed youth who have considered entrepreneurship. The study found that many youth have positive attitudes towards entrepreneurship, but that relatively few have a preference to start their own business rather than work for an established organization. These results suggest that youth are much more likely to pursue traditional forms of employment over entrepreneurial careers.