The report concentrates on those who held employment during this period. It does not consider the larger question of men's and women's total incomes, or questions related to rates of unemployment. A look at family poverty and earnings by Grant Schellenberg and David Ross For a growing number of Canadians, the marketplace no longer provides an adequate standard of living, as their income from earnings, investments, private pensions, and other private sources fail to raise them above the poverty line. It used to be that if you did your job well, got along with your boss and co-workers, and worked for a profitable firm, you could expect to keep your job indefinitely. This is not the case today.
Critics worry that temporary employment undermines job security and stability.
They forsee a growing number of nomadic workers continually moving from job to job, regularly facing the prospect of unemployment, and lacking secure salaries, benefits and pensions. Supporters view temporary employment as a pathway to labour market flexibility, allowing firms to tailor their workforces to meet fluctuations in labour requirements and to screen new recruits before offering them permanent positions. They also see temporary employment as a way for individuals to balance their paid work with other activities, and to become entrepreneurs selling specialized skills and expertise. Placing temporary employment within the context of current policy debates, the report examines the implications for the Canadian labour code and unemployment insurance, policy considerations for employer-sponsored benefits, and the future of training and development. This is a valuable resource for professionals, academics and those interested in the changing nature of employment relationships in Canada.