In some of our research, we specifically examine job loss, using administrative data from Statistics Canada. We have found that in recent years, more and more people have turned to what is known as on-demand work or entrepreneurship after losing their jobs, resulting in income losses that can persist for several years. This is well documented in the literature on job loss.
The fact that we see, in our research, that people are turning to entrepreneurship suggests that there may be a gap to fill. We were talking about the 108,000 net job losses. Some of these individuals may turn to self-employment, gig work, or entrepreneurship to make ends meet.