The concepts of "gig work" and the "gig economy" have become common terms to refer to paid activities involving short-term tasks or jobs offering no guarantee of steady work. Some of these activities are conducted through digital platforms or apps, while others are done offline using traditional methods that help workers connect with clients or businesses. Defining and measuring the gig economy is important to better understand how many Canadians engage in new forms of employment and the working conditions they experience.
Today, Statistics Canada is releasing a reference report titled, "Defining and measuring the gig economy using survey data." The report provides a statistical framework and a measurement strategy for three overlapping components at the core of the gig economy: gig work, digital platform employment and dependent self-employment.
The report includes results based on information collected as part of the Labour Force Survey (LFS) supplements program in 2022 and 2023.
Contact information
For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact us (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; infostats@statcan.gc.ca) or Media Relations (statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@statcan.gc.ca).