As the FIFA World Cup approaches, Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver are bracing for the influx of soccer enthusiasts and the economic opportunities that accompany this global event. With the tournament scheduled from mid-June to mid-July, many locals are seizing the chance to earn extra income through temporary employment, reflecting the broader trends in a rapidly changing job market.
A Flourishing Job Market
The anticipation surrounding the World Cup is palpable, not just among fans, but also for those seeking work. The vast scale of the tournament necessitates a considerable workforce, leading to a surge in job openings across various sectors. Positions range from security personnel to venue coordinators, as well as roles in food and beverage services. This demand is particularly beneficial for small businesses, which are ramping up staffing to cater to the expected influx of visitors.
Danny Murrell, the founder and CEO of Harrison Staffing, highlighted the significance of this event for individuals who may not afford a ticket but still wish to engage with the festivities. “If someone is not able to afford a ticket to attend, at least they can go work and still be a part of it,” he stated. Harrison Staffing is set to manage the Canada Soccer House fan destination at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre during the tournament, focusing primarily on recruiting bartenders and bussers.
Since opening applications in April, Murrell reported a robust interest, with an estimated 100 to 150 roles to be filled. The demographic of applicants skews younger, with many eager to embrace the opportunity. “It’s definitely helping that we have this opportunity, this event here in Toronto to motivate people to try to pick up some more dollars over this busy time of the year,” he added.
Economic Impact and Projections
The World Cup’s economic implications have been highlighted by organisers, with FIFA estimating a potential economic output of approximately $940 million for the Greater Toronto Area alone. Furthermore, the British Columbia government has projected that the event could generate over a billion dollars in tourism revenue in the five years following the games.
Interestingly, many applicants are seeking these roles as supplementary income. Murrell noted that around 30 to 40 per cent of applicants are looking for secondary jobs, with the remaining 50 per cent aiming for full-time positions, particularly students eager to seize the moment.
In a survey conducted by Employment Hero in April, involving 1,500 respondents, 14 per cent expressed interest in pursuing temporary or gig work tied to major events like the World Cup. The findings also revealed that two-thirds of those willing to take on FIFA-related work would consider stepping away from their primary jobs. Notably, 28 per cent were open to taking unpaid leave, while 39 per cent would use paid vacation time to participate.
Navigating the Gig Economy
The growing interest in gig work is attributed not only to rising living costs but also to the increasing accessibility of digital platforms. Karyn Xiong, a people business partner at Employment Hero Canada, pointed out that the convenience of platforms like Upwork, DoorDash, and Uber has made it easier for individuals to supplement their income.
As summer approaches, the gig economy will continue to thrive, with many large events and festivals, such as the Calgary Stampede and the Osheaga music festival in Montreal, on the horizon. Stacy Yanchuk Oleksy, CEO of Money Mentors, noted a rising trend of individuals seeking side gigs to manage their finances better. “You can only cut so far into your budget before you have to make some other changes. So adding income can certainly help the household,” she explained.
The implications for employers are significant. As gig work becomes more prevalent, companies may need to reconsider rigid employment contracts that prohibit outside work. Xiong asserted that a flexible approach is essential, allowing employees to balance their primary jobs with additional gigs.
Tax Considerations and Future Implications
As individuals engage in gig work, it is crucial to consider the associated tax implications. Yanchuk Oleksy emphasised the importance of accounting for increased income, which may not be taxed appropriately, potentially leading to surprises during tax season in 2027. “We want to make sure that maybe we’re asking for enough tax to be taken off so we don’t owe and we don’t have a surprise next year,” she advised.
The World Cup is not only a celebration of sport but also a catalyst for economic growth and employment opportunities. As Canadians prepare to embrace the event, the shift towards a gig economy highlights the changing landscape of work and the necessity for adaptive strategies in both personal finance and corporate policies.
Why it Matters
The FIFA World Cup is more than just a sporting event; it stands as a beacon of economic opportunity in a time of rising living costs. As cities gear up to welcome thousands of visitors, the accompanying surge in gig work offers a vital lifeline for many individuals looking to supplement their income. This phenomenon underscores the evolving nature of employment in Canada, where traditional job structures are increasingly complemented by flexible, side-gig opportunities. The tournament is not only set to invigorate local economies but also to reshape the way Canadians think about work and financial sustainability in the years to come.
