'They're losing a generation': youth face uncertain future in the public service amid austerity

For the next generation of public servants, the federal government could promise a life of meaningful work alongside good pay, benefits and a pension, all of which are seemingly more rare in a gig-oriented economy.

But young Canadians hoping to embark on a career in the public service seem less optimistic such opportunities will be available going forward.

Take James Adair, a University of Ottawa student in the political science and public administration co-op program. During the first three years of his program, he had no issue finding jobs within the federal public service, serving stints at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Employment and Social Development Canada.

Each summer, he applied to around 15 positions befo

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