CNE job fair in Toronto, thousands in attendance

More than 4,000 people lined up in the hallways of the Enercare Centre for the Canadian National Exhibition job fair on Wednesday morning.

“I came to the CNE because I wanted a job,” 15-year-old Diyah Primo told CTV News Toronto.

The group, mainly consisting of young people, was early to come and work at the Ex in August.

“I dressed up. I try to make myself look presentable, make myself look like I’m capable of doing this job. You know?” explained 16-year-old Muhommed Ojomu.

More than 80 percent of applicants to the CNE are between 14 and 29 years old. Some are looking for part-time work experience during their school years, while others, like Marco Tostevin, are looking for work in a tight labor market.

“Well, you know, I’m just trying to find some work. It’s been a while since I’ve been in that job,” he said. The 24-year-old arrived early and was among the first to walk in.

When the doors opened at 11am, applicants poured in for interviews for positions in the hospitality industry, sports and at the fair.

Mo Nigm of San Francesco Foods said they are hiring 20 positions that pay more than minimum wage. He even hired one applicant on the spot.

“(The applicant) mentioned the magic word, and that is what we are looking for in our product, which is quality,” he said.

Applications are expected at the CNE job fair on July 31, 2024. (CP24/Ken Enlow)

Darrell Brown, CEO of CNE, said the number of applications has increased exponentially.

“Well, we had over 37,000 applications and we really had to cut it this year… Last year we had just over 18,000. So it’s doubled,” he said.

In total, there are about 3,500 to 4,000 jobs available. Brown says applicants had to commit to the job fair to have a chance.

Many jobs start a few days before the Ex opens on August 16 and run until the closing date on September 2.

Tostevin was one of the lucky applicants who was hired on the spot for a job in the games industry, which he says is a huge boost after being out of work for two years.

“You know, I’ve been working really hard to get back on my feet,” he says, adding, “I’m finally in a position where I can make some money for a while. And yeah, you know, it feels great.”