A quarter of Canadians are gig workers: survey report

By: 600011 On: Oct 9, 2024, 4:55 PM

 

According to a report from insurance provider Securiant Canada, the majority of Canadians are turning to gig work to find better income and meet the rising cost of living. A quarter of respondents to the poll, conducted in partnership with the Angus Reid Institute, said they were doing gig work, which falls under the category of short-term work or work that is not permanently guaranteed. Most of those surveyed said they are being forced to take on extra work outside of their regular jobs to meet the rising cost of living.

Researchers say this is a sign that some traditional jobs are not adapting to economic pressures as the labor market shifts in favor of more short-term programs and contract work. Statistics Canada describes gig workers as those who engage in more casual work arrangements with an employer. Gig work includes app-based jobs including ride hailing and food delivery services. The survey found that 30 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds are doing gig work. Gig works are mostly done by the youth.

23 percent of respondents between the ages of 35 and 54 said they were gig workers. Only 16 percent of participants over the age of 55 were gig workers. The survey also found that other ethnic groups are more likely to be gig workers than whites. 32 percent are gig workers. Meanwhile, 20 percent of white respondents were employed.