An Econometric Analysis Of The Self Employed In Canada Some Preliminary Findings From The Survey Of Self Employment

This report presents the main results from the Survey of Self-Employment, 2000. Human Resources Development Canada sponsored the survey, which was conducted by Statistics Canada in April 2000. Among other topics, the report provides information on the training behaviour, previous work experience, and present work arrangements of the self-employed.

Important questions exist about differences & similarities in the training patterns of the self-employed. At one level are basic questions about participation in work-related training. At another level are questions about the types of training undertaken by the self-employed. This paper examines these questions by drawing on the Survey of Self-Employment conducted in April 2000. The Survey provides current & much-needed data on the self-employed population in Canada. The introduction reviews existing research on training & skill development in Canada & other countries to provide general context for the analysis that follows. The paper then uses cross-tabulations to examine four key issues: general training patterns, participation in formal training, type & duration of informal training, and the perceived usefulness & advantages of formal & informal training.

Is being self employed really economically attractive? Or is it chosen due to circumstances? This report focuses on two types of self-employed workers in Canada: those with and without paid help. These groups are analyzed in terms of their demographic make-up, labour characteristics, industries, and occupations. It casts new light on the common perception of the self employed as an advantaged group.