Nearly one-quarter of Canadians work in the gig economy: poll

Many Canadians are turning to gig work to supplement their income and meet the rising cost of living, according to a new report assessing their insurance needs from insurance provider Securian Canada.

The poll conducted in collaboration with the Angus Reid Institute found that nearly a quarter of respondents participate in gig work, defined as short-term jobs or tasks that do not guarantee steady work. 

Many say they're taking on the extra work on top of a regular job to meet the rising cost of living. Researchers say it's a sign that some traditional jobs aren't keeping up with financial pressures while the job market shifts to favour more short-term gigs and contract work. 

Cheryl Loh, a freelance graphic designer based in Vancouver, said she kept up with the cost of living by leaving the traditional workforce to offer graphic design services on a project basis.

"I get to determine how I spend my day, and there's no limit to the income I want to make," Loh said. "It's all up to me."

Loh said she first joined the gig economy to launch a passion project — she designed a line of greeting cards, which she sold in her spare time. 

"In the beginning, it was very much just for fun," she said. "There was no pressure on it being a full-time income."

During the pandemic, Loh said she shifted gears. Her greeting cards took a backseat to freelance graphic design work, which she says is not her primary source of income. Now, instead of a regular salary, she works with clients who pay her for each project.

While she might not have the same stability as a full-time job, Loh sets her own rates and hours and gets to choose what projects she takes on. She estimates she makes more than she would at a regular full-time job. 

"It's very difficult for me to imagine going back to a traditional job because I feel like I have so much more ownership of my time," she said. 

Loh is one of millions of Canadians Securian estimates is participating in the gig economy. 

Statistics Canada defines "gig workers" as those who enter more casual work arrangements with employers, like short-term contracts or agreements to complete specific one-off tasks. 

Often, it happens through apps, including ride-hailing and food delivery services. 

Securian surveyed 1,515 Canadians in the Angus Reid Forum and asked how many earn income "outside of standard, employer-employee relationships," which may be a broader definition of gig work.