Categories: Industry News

HALF of Canadian Workforce to be Freelance by 2020

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While a lot of attention is given to the rapidly growing freelancer workforce in the US, self-employment is also on the rise in Canada. In fact, according to new research released by Intuit Canada, 45% of the Canadian workforce will be classified as freelance, contract, or on-demand by the year 2020. That is, in fact, MORE than the projected American freelance workforce (40% by 2020).

This represents a huge shift in the Canadian economy, mostly because of an increase in the on-demand economy, like ride-sharing, peer-to-peer rental, project-based job platforms and online retail platforms.

So, what is making almost half of the Canadian workforce turn to a freelance lifestyle?

47% pursued that work because of a desire for greater work-life flexibility
41% of self-employed workers are doing so to supplement income.
19% pursued this work because they still needed or wanted to work during retirement.