Off the Wire: March 2025

We're revitalizing our series, Off the Wire. Here, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, communications, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus. Who needs a water cooler?

New regulations and industry shifts in Canada are shaping how independent workers operate. From tax reporting changes affecting gig workers to emerging trends in freelance work, staying informed is essential to business success. This month, we’ve rounded up key articles that highlight the latest developments, including new tax rules for digital platform workers, insights into how Canadian gig workers are responding to these changes, and what the future holds for freelancers in 2025.

Freelancing stories from around the web

• How Canada’s Gig Worker Law Is Reshaping Business Compliance [People2.0]
• Canada: Job Gains Fizzle Ahead of Tariff Troubles [Desjardins]
• Around a third (30%) of Canadian gig workers didn't plan to report all gig income this tax season; 71% had change-of-heart upon learning about new rules mandating gig platforms to share users' earnings with CRA, reveals new H&R Block Canada survey [Cision]
• Latest Freelance Statistics 2025 – Industry Size & Trends [DemandSage]

Recently published on Story Board

• 16 ways to say no as a freelance writer (and why you would need to) by Julie Barlow: All successful self-employed creators know: sometimes you have push back. It’s a big ask for beginners trying to build a client list. But if the price is wrong, conditions are less than ideal, or timing is off, saying “no” to an assignment or contract can make a sale—on your terms

Spot a story you think we should include in next week's Off the Wire? Email the link to robyn@robynroste.com.