Public service could set up young Canadians for success

Opinion

Every generation faces the question of how best to prepare young people for the responsibilities of adulthood.

Now in Canada, youth step out of high school or post-secondary institutions into a world that is both fast- moving and fractured. They are under pressure to build careers, manage student debt and find their place in a society where even some professions feel under threat of elimination.

Against this backdrop, the idea of one year of mandatory public service — whether through community organizations, environmental projects, health initiatives, education support or military — deserves serious consideration.

While the concept may raise eyebrows, the potential benefits for young Canadians are enormous. Far beyond being a civic duty, a year of structured service could equip youth with transferable skills, clarity about their future and an appreciation for the diverse communities that make up the country. At a time when divisions often feel sharper than shared values, service could be the bridge that sets the stage for both personal success and social cohesion.

One of the most significant advantages of a service year is the chance for applied learning. So much of the education system is theoretical and while this foundation is valuable, many people leave school uncertain about how their knowledge connects to real-world challenges. Serving for a year in a hospital, non-profit organization or environmental program allows them to test their abilities in a tangible way.

It is one thing to read about equity, sustainability or leadership in a textbook. It is another thing entirely to deliver food to vulnerable families, support a community recycling initiative or mentor a child who is struggling in school. These lived experiences not only build confidence but also reinforce the sense what they are learning matters.

Public service also provides a “third space” beyond home and school where identity and purpose can take shape. Many youth leave high school unsure of what career path to pursue, and jumping straight into post-secondary programs or jobs can sometimes feel like guesswork. A year spent serving offers time for reflection and exploration without the pressure of grades or a paycheque dictating every move.

For some, it may spark a passion that shapes their career trajectory — whether in health care, education, technology or public policy. For others, it may clarify what they do not want, an equally valuable realization. Either way, the pause for purposeful service can lead to more intentional decisions about work and life.

Another powerful outcome of mandatory service is the exposure to people and communities outside one’s usual circles. Canada is a vast and diverse country, yet many of us live within fairly homogeneous bubbles, shaped by geography, culture or economic background. A service year could place a young adult from downtown Toronto on a conservation team in northern Manitoba or a youth from rural Saskatchewan in a community centre in Montreal.

Working shoulder-to-shoulder with people of different languages, faiths and world views teaches lessons in empathy and collaboration no classroom can replicate. At a moment when polarization feels heightened, these shared experiences are invaluable for fostering unity.

The personal growth that comes from public service cannot be underestimated. Learning to navigate difficult conversations, whether with colleagues, supervisors or community members, is an essential life skill. Service year placements would naturally challenge participants to manage conflict constructively, adapt to unfamiliar environments and persevere in the face of setbacks. These are precisely the kinds of “soft skills” employers say they value most, yet they are often the hardest to teach. A year of service would give young Canadians a head start in developing resilience, adaptability and interpersonal effectiveness.

Critics of the idea often point to financial concerns — and rightly so.

Many young people already feel burdened by the cost of education and the challenge of entering an expensive housing market. For mandatory service to work, it would need to be supported by pay, accommodations or education credits that make participation accessible to all, not just the privileged few who can afford to give their time. Countries with successful models of public service have recognized fairness and inclusivity are essential, and Canada would need to do the same. Rather than framing service as a sacrifice, it should be positioned as an investment in both the individual and the nation.

The long-term payoffs are undeniable. A young person who has completed a year of service enters the workforce with a maturity and perspective that sets them apart. They have practical experience, stories of impact and references who can attest to their reliability and character. They also carry with them a stronger sense of civic responsibility, recognizing their success is intertwined with the well-being of their communities.

These qualities not only make them more employable but also more engaged citizens who are likely to continue contributing through volunteering, advocacy or leadership.

Importantly, service does not need to be narrowly defined as military duty, though that path could remain an option. Expanding the definition to include civilian opportunities acknowledges national strength is built in many ways — through health care, education, environmental stewardship, disaster relief and social services.

A young Canadian tutoring children in an under-resourced school or supporting seniors in long-term care is just as vital to the nation’s future as one serving in uniform. By offering a wide range of placements, the program could appeal to diverse interests while still uniting participants under a shared sense of contribution.

The timing for such a proposal is especially compelling.

Volunteerism in Canada has been declining, with fewer young adults engaging in community service than in past decades. At the same time, social trust feels strained and many youth report feeling disconnected from broader society.

A national public service program could counter both trends, reigniting the spirit of collective effort while giving young people a renewed sense of belonging. It is not about forcing reluctant volunteers, but about normalizing the idea that giving a year to the country is part of growing up.

Ultimately, one year of mandatory public service would not only benefit the individuals who participate, but also the nation as a whole. It would strengthen the social fabric, address pressing community needs and cultivate a generation of young adults better prepared for both career and citizenship. In an era when society feels increasingly divided, creating shared experiences of service may be one of the most powerful tools to bridge the gaps.

We often tell people the choices they make early in life will shape their future. What if, as a society, we gave them a structured opportunity to choose service? Not as punishment or obligation, but as a rite of passage that offers clarity, skills and purpose.

A year may feel like a long time when you are 18, but in the span of a life and a career, it is a small investment with lifelong returns.

Canada has the chance to think boldly about how to prepare its next generation for the challenges ahead. A year of public service would not only set youth on a path to personal success, but would also help weave together a stronger, more united country.

That is a future worth building.

Tory McNally, CPHR, BSc., vice-president, professional services, is a human resource consultant, radio personality and problem solver. She can be reached at tmcnally@tipipartners.com