Off the Wire: September 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?
With layoffs continuing to ripple through Canadian media and other sectors this autumn, the freelance landscape is shifting in real time. Statistics Canada’s latest Labour Force Survey (August 2025) reported a drop of 43,000 self-employed workers. For freelancers, this mix of contraction and instability underscores just how important independent work has become. Freelancing is more than a side hustle or a backup plan, it’s a resilient path forward in a job market where traditional roles are shrinking.
Freelancing stories from around the web
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- WildBrain Exits Canadian Broadcast, Shutting Down Major Kids’ Channels
WildBrain has announced that it’s exiting the Canadian broadcast space, shuttering its networks including Family Channel, WildBrainTV, Télémagino and more. - Global News Lays Off 45 Workers, Hits Journalists in BC & Alberta
In a hit to regional news operations, Global News confirmed layoffs affecting 45 staffers, including 26 journalists, across B.C. and Alberta. - How Skilled Immigrants Are Leveraging the Gig Economy in Canada
This article explores how newcomers to Canada are using gig work to build local experience and income while navigating immigration status, credential recognition and networking challenges.
- WildBrain Exits Canadian Broadcast, Shutting Down Major Kids’ Channels
More from Canadian Freelance Guild
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- The Thrill of the Pivot: When to Dive In and When to Quit. Suzanne Bowness asks the all-important question, when do you know it’s time to call it quits on an experiment that isn’t working?
Spot a story you think we should include in next week’s Off the Wire? Email the link to robyn@robynroste.com.
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