The share of Canadian workers who take part in gig work rose to 10% in 2020 from 5.5% in 2005, according to statistics in a report released last week by Canada’s Minister of Labour Seamus O’Reagan Jr. The report also cited Statistics Canada data that approximately 250,000 Canadians performed gig work in 2022 through digital platforms; rideshare and delivery services were the most common type of work.
O’Regan’s report includes comments from employers, unions, worker groups, indigenous groups and others. The government aims to take the report into account when pursuing efforts to protect gig workers.
“The nature of work is changing, so Canada’s Labour Code has to change too,” O’Reagan said. “Gig workers are workers. They deserve protection.”
According to the report, the term “gig workers” describes workers who “enter more casual work arrangements such as short-term contracts with firms or individuals to complete specific and often one-off tasks.”
Commentators in the report noted gig work’s challenges include independent contractor misclassification, low pay, risk of nonpayment, unpredictable schedules and earnings, risk of unsafe working conditions and limited access to dispute resolution.
On the other hand, benefits include flexibility and freedom.
Titled “What we heard: Report on developing greater labour protections for gig workers,” the report is available online.
O’Reagan also noted that the 2022 Fall Economic Statement proposed C$26.3 million over five years to support the fight against independent contractor misclassification in the road transport industry.
Separately, business groups in British Columbia warned that regulation over the gig economy could destroy it, The Tyee reported.