Thousands line up for CNE job fair as youth unemployment rate remains high

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) returns to Toronto for 18 days of carnival fun on August 21, but for thousands of young job seekers, the summer tradition starts with a long wait in line first.

Hundreds of hopeful applicants lined up at the Enercare Centre on July 29 for the CNE's annual job fair, hoping to land a seasonal position at Canada's largest fair.

Prior to the in-person job fair, the CNE says it received nearly 50,000 online applications from people looking for a summer gig. That's roughly 10 times more applicants than the 5,000 jobs it's presently hiring for.

blogTO was on the scene as the long line stretched throughout the centre, with job seekers waiting for their chance to apply for roles during the CNE's run from August 21 to September 7.

@blogto The lineup for the CNE Job Fair is wild!!😳 #CNE #toronto #torontolife ♬ Trap Mafia - Lastra

The lengthy lineup is a painful reminder of the competition many young workers are facing in today's tough job market.

The CNE says youth unemployment in the GTA reached a peak of nearly 17 per cent in April. Young workers continue to face the highest unemployment rate, with those aged 15 to 24 recording a 15.7 per cent unemployment rate in 2026, according to the Ontario government. 

As one of the GTA's largest seasonal youth employers, the CNE and its vendors hire more than 5,000 workers each year for jobs directly and indirectly connected to the fair. Available positions include kitchen roles such as short-order cooks, dishwashers and food preparation staff, as well as retail associates, sales associates, cashiers, game attendants and customer service representatives.

Beyond its 18-day run, the CNE is partnering with Metrolinx, the Royal Ontario Museum, the YMCA and Toronto Port Authority to hire other jobs including museum tour guides and promotions ambassadors, to bus drivers and skilled trades positions like welders, mechanics and marine engineers.