Financial Pressure Drove Couriers Into Dangerous Weather
A study found that economic hardship motivates Canadian delivery workers to continue operating during severe weather.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Employment
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University of Victoria researchers found that financial pressure forces gig couriers to work through dangerous weather conditions. Many workers in the sector are immigrants who face barriers to traditional employment.
Why it matters
Rising living costs and unrecognized foreign qualifications trap many newcomers in gig work, compelling them to accept risky shifts for higher weather-incentive pay. This economic dependency often overrides safety considerations for those on bikes and e-bikes.
A British Columbia mandate established a $21.89 minimum hourly wage for delivery workers. Meanwhile, 34 percent of surveyed refugees reported that work commitments hindered their ability to access essential language services.
The players
University of Victoria
This is a public research university located in British Columbia that conducts studies on social and economic issues.
The details
Couriers utilize bicycles and e-bikes that provide negligible protection against harsh elements. While platforms pay higher rates during inclement weather to compensate for lower rider activity, the financial strain forces many to prioritise immediate income over physical safety.
Timeline
Researchers conducted interviews with couriers between 2022 and 2023.
Immigrants represented 57.5 percent of all app-based delivery workers in 2023.
The federal government completed a review of financial support for refugees in 2024.
A supercharged El Niño intensified local weather conditions in 2026.
Macro View
This situation follows a pattern set by the British Columbia $21.89 minimum hourly wage for delivery workers, which sought to regulate the gig sector. Despite these interventions, the economic environment remains strained as inflation and stagnant support systems mirror historical cycles of labor precarity.
For many Canadians relying on food delivery apps, the study highlights the human cost behind their orders during storms. Gig workers face significant financial hurdles that may influence their choices regarding service availability and road safety in your local community.
The takeaway
The study highlights how systemic barriers and rising costs trap vulnerable populations in precarious gig work. Policymakers and residents should consider the economic realities that necessitate these high-risk work behaviours during extreme weather events.
Further reading
For more on the current state of the Canadian workforce, visit our Employment section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by National Observer.
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