A recent report released by Canada’s Minister of Labour, Seamus O’Regan Jr., revealed that the share of Canadians working in the gig economy has risen to 10% in 2020 from 5.5% in 2005. According to Statistics Canada data, approximately 250,000 workers had gig work engagements in 2022 through digital platforms, mainly in rideshare and delivery services.
In the report, O’Regan calls for government action to protect these workers, noting “The nature of work is changing, so Canada’s Labour Code has to change too. Gig workers are workers. They deserve protection.” The report explored an array of challenges and benefits of gig work, such as independent contractor misclassification, low pay, risk of nonpayment and unpredictable schedules, as well as flexibility and freedom.
Separately, business groups in British Columbia warned that regulation over the gig economy could destroy it. Nevertheless, O’Regan’s report proposes allocating C$26.3 million over five years to support the fight against independent contractor misclassification in the road transport industry.
Overall, the report provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of the current state of gig work in Canada and
