A Comparative Analysis of Self-employment Work Disability Policy in Ontario (Canada) and Australia

Currently, self-employment is one of the non-standard and precarious work relationships internationally. Unlike regular employees in Canada, self-employed workers can expect little from the state in terms of social securities. While some self-employers may feel financially secure without supports from the state, this reality does not reflect the experiences of all self-employed workers. Despite the internationally growing gig/self-employment economy, little is known about how the existing legislation and policies support self-employed workers, including when they are ill or injured and unable to work. Under these circumstances, this comparative policy analysis will shed light on how Ontario and Australian work disability policies support self-employed workers. This policy study will contribute knowledge to identify the gaps in existing work disability policies in Ontario and Australia. Overall, using this base-line study, researchers may conduct empirical studies focused on understanding how self-employed workers experience their lives navigating their ill health, injury, and disability.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ellen MacEachen

Student:

Partner:

University of New England

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Public Service, Policy, and Governance; Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Other

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: