In an opinion piece for the Globe and Mail, University of British Columbia Professor Guy Stecklov calls for a national, publicly-supported gap year to address a growing developmental crisis among Canadian youth. Stecklov argues that while lifespans and life stages have evolved significantly, young people are still expected to transition directly from high school to postsecondary education or the workforce without adequate time to mature emotionally and socially. According to the author, a structured year of civic service, delivered locally and supported with stipends and educational credits, could address mental health challenges, bolster civic identity, and support sectors in need. “This isn’t a break from life,” writes Stecklov, “but a national commitment to developing youth […] as engaged citizens capable of meeting the challenges of an increasingly complex world.”
