In Gigs, Hustles, & Temps, Jason Foster, the director of Alberta’s Parkland Institute, sheds light on the significant increase in precarious or “informal” work among Canadian workers. The book reveals that as much as 36 percent of Canadian workers now find themselves entangled in precarious or perilous employment, marking a stark rise in the last few decades.

This shift has been occurring steadily over the decades, with precarious work gradually replacing traditional employment — not only in specific industries but also across agriculture and the public sector. The prevalence of this insecurity is, in turn, jeopardizing the sustainability and effectiveness of social assistance programs.

The Parkland Institute, known for its dedication to studying economic, social, cultural, and political issues affecting both Alberta and Canada as a whole, approaches its research through the lens of political economy. Foster’s book, which attacks its subject from the same vantage point, underscores how in the face of the increasing prevalence of informal work arrangements, policymakers and stakeholders must confront the changing nature of the labor market and its impact on workers’ lives. The creeping pervasiveness of precarious employment requires a comprehensive examination of existing labor laws, social safety nets, and worker protections. Foster highlights the urgency of addressing these issues to ensure a more equitable and sustainable future for Canadian workers.