HALIFAX — A recent report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives reveals that over 30 percent of paid employees in Nova Scotia are engaged in precarious employment. This type of work is characterized by job insecurity, low wages, and a stark absence of essential benefits such as pensions and sick leave. The study underscores the vulnerability of a significant segment of the workforce, particularly young people aged 20 to 24, who are often employed on a part-time basis in the gig economy or in temporary positions.

Co-author Daniel Cerdas-Sandí has emphasized that many workers in Nova Scotia are exerting considerable effort but struggle to achieve financial stability. This concern is particularly salient for younger employees who are more likely to face instability in their job situations. In contrast, the report highlights that unionized workers are considerably less prone to precarious employment, enjoying improved access to permanent positions and job benefits.

The findings of the report are derived from Statistics Canada’s 2024 labour force survey and an online survey of 551 workers conducted from June 30 to July 4, 2025. The analysis indicates that precarious work is predominantly found in sectors such as food services and retail trade. It also reveals a significant disparity between jobs in the public sector and those in the private sector, a division that reflects differences in union coverage and job protections available to workers.

Co-author Rebecca Casey, a sociology professor at Acadia University, highlighted the role of inadequate labour standards and insufficient enforcement, which leave too many workers without crucial protections. Her statement underscores a critical issue in the working landscape: when employees are deterred from voicing their concerns due to fear of losing hours or employment, the entire system becomes dysfunctional.

This report serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by workers in Nova Scotia. It reflects broader trends within the labour market where job insecurity, minimal benefits, and unstable work conditions are increasingly prevalent. The landscape of work in the province calls for a reevaluation of the current labour policies and protections to ensure that employees can engage in work that provides them not only a paycheck but also a sense of security and stability.

Overall, the report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives paints a concerning picture of the state of employment in Nova Scotia, necessitating urgent attention and action to safeguard the rights and well-being of the workforce.