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Tag: part-time work

  • What new rules in B.C. mean for gig worker rights in Canada – MoneySense

    What new rules in B.C. mean for gig worker rights in Canada – MoneySense

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    Regulations that came into effect on Sept. 3 introduced protections for gig workers in the province, including: a minimum wage, mileage compensation, upfront fare transparency, and rules for account deactivation and dispute resolution. The regulations also give workers access to workers’ compensation through WorkSafeBC, a provincial agency that supports injured workers. 

    If you’re a gig worker or considering working through an app, here’s what you need to know about the rights you have across the country. 

    What led to new gig worker protections in B.C.? 

    The regulations come after years of efforts by unions and gig workers themselves to have gig work covered by provincial employment standards. In provincial labour law, app-based workers are considered independent contractors rather than employees, which means they haven’t been eligible for traditional employment protections, such as a minimum wage and rules around termination and severance pay. Gig work platforms also don’t have to make employment insurance (EI) or Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions on behalf of gig workers.

    The workforce for ride-hailing and delivery platforms, including Uber, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes and Lyft, grew 46% in 2023, according to Statistics Canada’s December 2023 labour force survey. That brought the total number of workers aged 16 to 69 to 365,000, up from 250,000 in 2022. Landed immigrants accounted for almost six in 10 of those workers.

    B.C.’s rules are a “step in the right direction,” says Jim Stanford, an economist and the director of the Centre for Future Work, a progressive research institute. But gig work is still largely the “wild west of employment,” he says, and there are few avenues for workers to assert their rights.

    Wages for gig workers

    B.C. is the first province or territory to implement a minimum wage for gig workers. At $20.88 per hour, the rate is 120% of the regular provincial minimum wage of $17.40 per hour. It only applies to “engaged time,” meaning the time drivers and couriers actually spend on assignments—hence the wage premium. Workers whose engaged time over a select pay period falls below the gig worker minimum wage are topped up by the platform at the time they’re paid. (Tips are not included in the minimum wage calculation.) 

    “The equation is difficult and it’s not perfect, but it aims to start to address idle time, when someone is waiting to pick up a person or package,” says Pablo Godoy, director of emerging sectors for the United Food and Commercial Workers Canada (UFCW), a private sector union. The UFCW Canada signed an agreement with Uber Canada in 2022 that made the union the official representative for Uber drivers and delivery workers across the country.

    Tips and vehicle allowances

    As part of the new legislation, B.C. has mandated that platforms pay workers 100% of their tips. It has also introduced a vehicle allowance to compensate workers for the cost of maintaining their vehicles. Drivers receive 45 cents per kilometre for personal vehicles and 35 cents per kilometre for other forms of transportation, including motorized e-bikes and bicycles. (Those who travel by foot aren’t eligible for the allowance.) 

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    Kelsey Rolfe

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  • Do I need a GST or HST number? – MoneySense

    Do I need a GST or HST number? – MoneySense

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    Why registering for GST/HST pays off

    The other excellent reason to charge GST and HST is that it pays off in dollars and cents.

    One of the great advantages of being self-employed is that when you charge these taxes, you only give the government what you charged minus the GST or HST you pay on your deductible business expenses. 

    For freelance writers like us, this is the sales tax we pay on printer paper, internet service, professional development workshops and more. The government lets us in essence deduct the sales taxes we pay on deductible expenses from the sales taxes we charge our clients. We then pocket the difference. The amount we save each year is roughly enough to pay for a trip to Europe.

    HST quick method or detailed method?

    The good news is that we don’t have to add up every bit of GST and sales tax we pay on our expenses to take advantage of this. That’s because we use the “quick method” for our calculations. 

    The government gives you two choices for paying GST and PST/HST instalments: the “detailed method” and the “quick method.” With the quick method, you simply pay 3.6% of the 5% GST you collect. In the case of provinces with HST, it’s a percentage of the HST: so, in Ontario, you only pay 8.8% to the government from the 13% you collect. 

    Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik

    The advantage of the quick method is that it’s much less work. You must only add up how much sales tax you charge your clients or customers. My spouse and I use the quick method and find it easy to do our calculations with an Excel spreadsheet. There is no need to keep a detailed account of the sales tax you pay on all the pens, paper, printer cartridges and more you claim as deductible expenses. 

    There’s another bonus to using the quick method. Governments offer a credit of an additional 1% on the first $30,000 of gross revenue. So, for example, in Ontario you pay 7.8% (instead of 8.8%) of the 13% HST you collect for that amount and pocket the other 5.2%. However, if you use the quick method, you must add the credit to your total revenue when you file your income tax return.

    The detailed method involves more work, since you must add up the GST and PST/HST you paid on each of your expenses and subtract it from the taxes you collect to determine the amount you have to pay. But this calculation method is useful if your taxable expenses are proportionately high, amounting to roughly more than 50% of your income. The advantage of the detailed method is that you don’t have to add the amount you retain to your revenue when you file your income tax return. 

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    Julie Barlow

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  • How to negotiate working less – MoneySense

    How to negotiate working less – MoneySense

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    “Think about what constitutes performance in [your] job,” he says. In some fields and industries, like marketing or financial consulting, performance is typically tied to a specific project rather than the number of hours an employee spends on the clock. Many freelancers do this by charging flat fees: The amount of time they spend on a project doesn’t matter, so long as they get it done.

    In those cases, Friedman says, you might be able to arrange for a four-day workweek or flexible hours. “If the job is amenable, it has nothing to do with time, it’s not client-facing, you don’t have meetings—then absolutely, you should go and ask for it,” he says. “But you’ve got to have a plan.”

    4. Start with a discussion—not a negotiation

    After all your reflection and research, it may be tempting to rush into your boss’s office and lay out your terms. Kaila-Gambhir advises against that—at least initially. Instead, she says, talk to your boss about the possibility of working less. That way, “you’re not committing to anything. You’re not giving them what your optimal, ideal scenario is just yet,” she says. “You just want to have a discussion—to explore options and see what may be possible.” 

    This phase isn’t just about gathering more information for your proposal. It also lets your boss see that you understand their position as an employer, one who needs to consider their own business needs alongside your request. Then you can book a follow-up conversation to ensure you keep the conversation going, Kaila-Gambhir says.

    If your boss isn’t open to the idea of a hard-and-fast change to your work schedule, this is also a good time to suggest a trial run of your proposal. A conversation, rather than an ultimatum-driven negotiation, can feel less intimidating for an employer. 

    5. Be prepared to walk away

    While it’s tempting to imagine that absolutely everything about a job is negotiable, that isn’t always true. For instance, it would be very difficult for an intensive care unit nurse to convince an employer to allow remote work. Same goes for the manager of a community centre or a barista. 

    In fact, most Canadian jobs have never been worked remotely. In April 2020, at the height of the first wave of COVID-19, it felt like everyone was at home. But the Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey reported that 40% of Canadian workers were mostly clocking in from home. As of last November, it dropped to 20%.

    To Friedman, asking for flexibility when your job cannot easily be done through alternate arrangements is a bad strategy. It won’t convince employers, he says, and might come off as entitled. If all else fails, finding a new job that will accommodate your desire to work less might be the best option. Some job postings include information on working from home, flexible hours, part-time status, etc.

    “Do you want a flexible job? Then maybe you ought to apply for another position that has more flexibility,” he says. “I’m not telling you that’s right or wrong—I’m just saying that’s what an employer will say.” 

    Understand what you’re up against

    You may have to accept the reality: a request to work remotely or outside of office hours may not be a possibility in your current job, or your boss may not see your working less as good for their bottom line. 

    But in his experience in coaching executives, Friedman says many are open to changing the ways their employees work. Negotiating a four-day week, a flexible work arrangement, or the ability to disconnect from email at the end of the day is totally possible, so long as you do your homework and know how to ask.

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    Brennan Doherty

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  • “Can I use a personal credit card for business expenses?”—and other small business questions, answered – MoneySense

    “Can I use a personal credit card for business expenses?”—and other small business questions, answered – MoneySense

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    In this article, we’ll tackle the basics around managing small-business finances, including opening a dedicated bank account and applying for a business credit card.

    6 reasons to separate your personal and business finances

    1. Having a business bank account and business credit card makes it easier to track your cash flow and expenses for your work.
    2. It keeps accounting costs down at tax time, since your accountant won’t have to spend time separating your personal and business income and expenses.
    3. Business credit cards often come with helpful tools and services, such as higher credit limits, expense-tracking software and additional cards for employees.
    4. Business credit cards often come with valuable rewards and perks.
    5. Using a business credit card and paying it off each month can help you establish a credit history for your company. A good credit rating will help if you ever need to apply for a business loan or line of credit.
    6. A dedicated business bank account communicates professionalism and credibility to your clients and vendors. And if you plan to incorporate your business, it must have a separate account.

    5 FAQs about business accounts and credit cards

    Below are five common questions from small-business owners.

    Can I use a personal credit card for business expenses?

    While you can use a personal credit card for business expenses, it’s not ideal. Just like with business bank accounts, business credit cards can help you run your business more efficiently. In addition to keeping your accounts separate, a good business credit card can offer all sorts of benefits like the ability to earn rewards, various types of insurance and access to valuable services. And as your business grows, separating your finances is good for your personal privacy, too.

    What are the benefits of a business bank account?

    Business bank accounts may offer features that you can’t get in a personal bank account. Some examples include merchant services that allow you to accept payments, access to specialized credit cards, business overdraft protection, or the ability to process funds in Canadian and U.S. dollars. Plus, having a separate account lets you build a credit history for your business, which will come in handy should you ever need a business loan to grow.

    What do you need to open a business bank account and credit card?

    Opening a business bank account and credit card in Canada is similar to what you’ve done with your personal accounts and cards. Different documents may be required, though, depending on the structure of your business and the product you’re applying for, but here’s a list of the documents to gather:

    • Identification with your name, address and date of birth
    • Social insurance number (SIN)
    • Articles of incorporation/association, if applicable
    • Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business registration number
    • Trade name registration, if applicable

    Check what you’ll need with your financial institution before starting your application.

    What should I look for in a business credit card?

    The best business credit cards in Canada offer access to rewards, travel benefits and business-related perks (which you can use for business or pleasure!).

    As an example, let’s look at the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Business† Card, a credit card that offers rewards and travel benefits that you can use for your business.

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    Keph Senett

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  • Jobs in healthcare that don’t require an MD—and their salaries in Canada – MoneySense

    Jobs in healthcare that don’t require an MD—and their salaries in Canada – MoneySense

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    Healthcare job Average salary in Canada Annual tuition
    Midwife $111,000 $8,000 to $23,000
    Dental hygienist $98,000 $9,000 to $55,000
    Acupuncturist  $98,000 $5,000 to $45,000
    Physical therapist $94,000 $10,000 to $42,000
    Massage therapist $87,000 $8,000 to $35,000
    X-ray technician $82,000 $7,000 to $30,000
    Paramedic $66,000 $5,000 to $20,000
    Personal support worker $65,000 $2,000 to $4,000
    Ultrasound technician $59,000 $5,000 to $37,000
    Pharmacy technician $50,000 $5,000 to $30,000
    Note: Tuition shown in ranges, as the costs vary from program to program as well as student status.

    10 in-demand healthcare jobs that don’t require a degree

    The following list of healthcare jobs is by no means exhaustive, but it gives you a starting point in your medical career research. The base salaries come directly from those submitted by Canadian healthcare professionals to job posting website Indeed. Think about your return on investment of pursuing relevant training and education in each discipline. 

    Photo by 东旭 王 on Unsplash

    1. Midwife

    Average salary: $111,000
    From the first weeks of conception to well after delivery, midwives provide assistance to those experiencing pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. This includes monitoring fetal health via ultrasounds, screening bloodwork and coaching. Becoming a midwife involves either getting a four-year university degree or a related postsecondary program in the field. It’s a regulated field. Tuition costs can range from $8,000 to $23,000. Like a doctor, this role also requires a period of hands-on training, and licensing rules and costs vary by province.

    2. Dental hygienist

    Average salary: $98,000
    Cleaning teeth is just one aspect of this job, but it also involves monitoring for health risks like gum disease and diabetes, taking X-rays and, of course, assisting dentists in a range of procedures and surgeries. You can become a hygienist typically in two years, depending on which college, university or post-secondary dental hygiene program you chose. Like midwives, this role also involves getting a provincial license after you pass a certification exam. Tuition costs range from approximately $9,000 to $55,000 with licensing and examination fees ranging from $400 to $1,500.

    3. Acupuncturist 

    Average salary: $98,000
    Acupuncture stimulates and balances the body’s energy by inserting tiny needles into the skin. There’s growing support in traditional medicine that it can be a great way to relieve stress, promote better sleep and other health benefits, adding to the demand for acupuncturists and their unique skills. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in science, you can take courses to get more specialized training. Otherwise, you can enroll in a three to four-year diploma program and register with your local provincial or territorial body. Tuition costs range from approximately $5,000 to $45,000. 

    Image by freepik

    4. Physical therapist

    Average salary: $94,000
    Mobility issues can come up through a sports injury, a car accident, habitual movements and restrictions, and/or through the natural aging process. Physical therapists (a.k.a. physiotherapists) work closely with patients on highly personalized treatment plans. This not only involves making detailed assessments of any challenges or limitations in a patient’s movement but setting achievable goals based on a series of exercises and in-office manipulations. Physiotherapy also requires careful ongoing monitoring for signs of progress or the need to change the treatment plan. Physical therapists need a master’s degree to practice in Canada. Courses usually take about two to two-and-a-half years to complete, and tuition costs can range from approximately $10,000 to $42,000. 

    5. Massage therapist

    Average salary: $94,000
    Massage therapists help relieve physical tension and bodily stress, but they also help educate patients on how to continue therapies with stretching and exercises they can perform independently. HWC’s Cohen sees a particular demand for healthcare jobs that support seniors and long-term care providers, and this is a good example. Becoming a massage therapist begins with taking a three-year accredited training program. If you live in B.C., Ontario, or Newfoundland and Labrador, you’ll also have to apply for a regulated license that can cost nearly $1,000 a year. There are a wide variety of accredited massage therapy schools in Canada offering diplomas as well as massage therapy courses you can take across Canada. They can take between 18 and 24 months to complete, with tuition costs ranging from approximately $8,000 to $35,000. 

    6. X-ray technician

    Average salary: $82,000
    It takes two to three years to become an X-ray technician, depending on whether you specialize in diagnostic radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine technology or radiation therapy. You’ll also need to be certified by the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists, unless you’re working in B.C. or Quebec, where Certification by the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists is not required. From there, you’ll be able to assist with diagnosing and treating conditions while performing everything from mammography to CT scans. Tuition costs can range from approximately $7,000 to $30,000.

    7. Paramedic

    Average salary: $66,000
    When medical emergencies happen, paramedics are the first responders who assess illnesses, injuries and save lives. Depending on the situation, a paramedic might be applying oxygen, working with defibrillators or helping ensure patients are safely taken to a hospital. Expect to complete a one to three-year paramedical or emergency medical technology program through a college or hospital. Then you’ll be seeking both a provincial license as well as an additional license if you’ll be operating an emergency vehicle. Tuition ranges from approximately $5,000 to $20,000, while annual licensing fees range from $100 to $600, depending on the province in which you work. 

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    Robert Furtado

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  • How much should I charge for freelance services? – MoneySense

    How much should I charge for freelance services? – MoneySense

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    Pricing your services can be tricky, even for experienced freelancers. Let’s go over the factors to consider when deciding your rates. There are three parts to this: understanding the market you’re in, determining your income needs and your business’s break-even point and, lastly, setting your price using cost-based or value-based pricing.

    1. Understanding the market

    The first step in finding out how much you should charge for freelance services is to do market research. You’ll want to determine the following: 

    • Competitors: Who are the other players (businesses or freelancers) that offer the same or similar services in your industry or region? 
    • Customers: Who are your competitors targeting? Who are their customers, where are they, and what specific products or services are they buying?
    • Pricing: How are your competitors pricing their services? Check their websites to see whether they use hourly or project-based pricing. What factors might play a role in their pricing—for example, do they provide unique value or services, do they have lots of experience, or do they charge below-market prices to attract customers? 

    Then, map out where you fall into this mix, and use your research as a benchmark when making your own decisions. When doing this analysis, you can figure out your place in the market using the popular S.W.O.T. method: find out the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in your business environment (your geographical region or your competition online, for example). This will also help you compare your offerings to those of other vendors. 

    If you’re a freelance event photographer, for example, and you offer photos but not videos, your service packages should be priced lower than those of freelancers who offer both. This could help you attract customers who are looking for more affordable rates. And, you could also expand your services to include video in the future.

    By the end of your research, you should be able to answer some questions about how much you will invoice as a freelancer, such as: 

    • What are the going rates for services in your industry?
    • Will you charge hourly for your services, or will your pricing be project-based, or both?
    • If you are charging for projects and/or packages, what services will they include?
    • Will you have different bundles or packages at different price points, based on your costs and the value you provide to the customer? 

    How much to invoice as a freelancer 

    Now, you need to determine the dollar amount you should charge for your freelance services. There are two parts to this: a personal needs assessment and calculating your business expenses.

    1. Personal needs assessment

    How much will you need to pay yourself? Understanding your personal needs (rent payments, utilities and other necessities) versus wants (discretionary spending on food, entertainment or hobbies) will help you determine what you are able to pay yourself and what you are willing to sacrifice until your business grows. 

    Let’s say your needs require that you earn at least $1,000 a month from freelancing in addition to your other sources of income. When determining your personal payout, you need to consider your income tax bracket as well—new freelancers often forget about this. If your needs cost you $1,000 per month, and you’re roughly in a 30% tax bracket, you’ll need to pay yourself at least $1,300 from the business. (Read more about tax brackets, how they work in Canada and find out how much taxes you may have to pay.)

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    Shalini Dharna Kibsey, CPA

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