Short answer: Full-time and part-time describe how many hours you work. Permanent, temporary and casual describe how long the job lasts. Employee and independent contractor describe your legal relationship, and that last distinction has the biggest effect on your rights and taxes.
How do the common arrangements compare?
| Arrangement | Hours | How long | Typical benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time permanent | About 35 to 40 a week | Ongoing | Usually included |
| Part-time permanent | Fewer, often variable | Ongoing | Sometimes, often reduced |
| Fixed-term or temporary | Full or part-time | Until a set date | Varies |
| Casual or on-call | As needed | No guarantee | Rare |
| Independent contractor | Set by the contract | Per project | None; you arrange your own |
What is the difference between an employee and a contractor?
An employee works under the employer’s direction, and the employer deducts income tax, pension contributions and Employment Insurance premiums from each pay. Employees are covered by employment standards on minimum wage, overtime, vacation and termination.
An independent contractor runs their own business. They invoice for their work, set aside their own tax, and generally do not receive vacation pay, overtime or Employment Insurance coverage.
How can you tell which one you really are?
The label in the contract does not decide it; the facts do. Consider who controls how and when you work, who provides the tools, whether you can take other clients, and whether you carry financial risk. If you work set hours for one business using its equipment, you are probably an employee, whatever the contract says.
Do part-time workers have fewer rights?
No. Minimum wage, vacation pay, public holiday rules and protection from discrimination apply to part-time employees too. What differs is access to employer benefit plans, which are optional extras.
Which arrangement suits you?
- Stability and benefits: full-time jobs
- Flexibility around school or family: part-time jobs
- Experience quickly or between roles: temporary jobs
- Project work at a higher rate, with more risk: contract jobs
Before accepting any of them, read what to check in a job offer.
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