Gig Work Persists as Significant Segment of Canadian Economy
A new comprehensive study conducted by Angus Reid for Securian Canada reveals that gig work has become a permanent fixture in the Canadian labor landscape. The research indicates that approximately one-fifth of Canadians, or 21%, participate in gig work each year. This figure has shown remarkable consistency, remaining virtually unchanged from the 22% reported in the organization's 2024 study.
Demographic Patterns and Financial Motivations
The survey provides detailed insights into who participates in the gig economy and why. Equal proportions of Canadians aged 18-34 and 35-54 engage in gig work, with both groups showing a participation rate of 28%. This demographic parity suggests that gig work appeals across multiple generations of working Canadians.
Financial necessity emerges as the primary driver behind gig work participation. More than half of gig workers (57%) rely on this type of work to supplement their primary income. The most commonly cited reason for engaging in gig work is the increased cost of living, mentioned by nearly one-third (31%) of respondents.
"In today's job market, the gig worker community is remarkably diverse, as is the type of gig work available," stated Nigel Branker, CEO of Securian Canada. "Our data shows that gig workers are often financially vulnerable, raising concerns about the long-term financial security of this emerging segment of the workforce."
Types of Gig Work and Income Contributions
The study identifies several categories of gig work that Canadians are pursuing:
- 30% of gig workers participate in specialized services like photography and consulting
- 25% engage in online commerce activities
- 21% provide freelance digital services such as tutoring and graphic design
Despite this participation, gig work typically represents a modest portion of overall income. On average, gig workers report that this income stream accounts for just 15% of their total earnings. The data also reveals that nearly three-quarters (73%) of all gig workers maintain either full-time or part-time employment outside of their gig activities.
Financial Security Concerns and Insurance Coverage
The research highlights significant concerns regarding the financial security of gig workers. While nearly one-quarter (24%) of gig workers say they use this work to strengthen their financial future, the percentage doing it primarily for personal enjoyment or as a hobby has declined to 20%, down from 26% in 2024.
Insurance coverage emerges as a critical concern for this segment of the workforce. The survey found that four-in-five gig workers (81%) consider life insurance critical to their financial security. Gig workers demonstrate stronger interest in various forms of insurance coverage compared to non-gig workers.
However, nearly one-fifth (18%) of gig workers reported having no insurance coverage at all. Among those who do have insurance, almost six in ten (57%) rely on coverage provided by someone else, potentially placing their financial security outside their direct control.
Research Methodology and Statistical Significance
These findings are based on two separate surveys conducted by Angus Reid for Securian Canada. The first study was conducted from June 11 to June 18, 2024, with 1,515 Canadians and carries a margin of error of +/-2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
The second study, focusing specifically on gig workers, was conducted from October 30 to November 2, 2025, with a sample of 505 Canadian gig workers. This survey has a margin of error of +/-4.4 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
The consistency of findings between the two studies suggests that gig work has stabilized as a significant component of the Canadian economy, with implications for workforce development, financial planning, and social policy moving forward.
