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