Gig workers in Ontario have legal rights, including minimum wage protections, payment of tips and safeguards against being removed from digital platforms. These rights apply to covered Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and other app-based drivers and delivery workers.

Ontario’s Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act came into effect on July 1, 2025. It protects eligible workers whether they’re classified as employees or independent contractors.

💡 Ontario Gig Worker Rights: As of October 1, 2026, covered platform workers must receive at least $17.95 per hour for time spent on work assignments. Tips don’t count toward minimum wage. Time spent waiting for an assignment generally doesn’t count either.

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What Are Ontario’s Gig Worker Laws?

Ontario’s Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act, 2022 gives workers who provide ride-sharing, delivery and courier services through covered apps specific employment protections.

These rules can apply to drivers and couriers working through:

  • Uber and Uber Eats
  • Lyft
  • DoorDash
  • Instacart and other covered delivery platforms

The law establishes minimum standards for pay, tips, working information and account deactivation. It doesn’t automatically make gig workers employees.

What Is the Minimum Wage for Gig Workers in Ontario?

As of October 1, 2026, covered digital platform workers must earn at least $17.95 per hour for time spent performing work assignments.

An assignment generally begins when you accept a ride or delivery and ends when it’s completed or cancelled.

  • Paid time: Time spent on accepted work assignments.
  • Waiting time: Time spent logged into an app waiting for an assignment generally doesn’t count.
  • Tips: Tips are paid on top of minimum wage and can’t be used to make up a shortfall.

Platforms can calculate minimum wage compliance by individual assignment or across a pay period, as permitted by the law.

See our Ontario Minimum Wage guide for current rates.

What Other Rights Do Ontario Gig Workers Have?

Under the Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act, covered workers also have the right to:

  • Regular payment: Platforms must establish pay periods and paydays.
  • Keep their tips: Platforms generally can’t withhold or deduct tips or other earnings, except where legally authorized.
  • Clear information: Workers must receive required details about how pay and assignments are determined.
  • Protection from reprisals: Platforms can’t punish workers for exercising their rights under the Act.
  • Ontario dispute resolution: Disputes covered by the Act must be resolved in Ontario.

These protections apply regardless of whether a covered worker is considered an employee or independent contractor.

Can Uber, DoorDash or Lyft Deactivate Your Account?

Yes, but Ontario law gives covered gig workers specific protections when a platform removes their access.

Platforms must provide a written explanation for removing a worker’s access. If the removal lasts 24 hours or longer, they must generally provide two weeks’ written notice.

Exceptions apply, including wilful misconduct, public safety concerns and certain legal restrictions.

If your account has been deactivated, save any notifications, emails, pay records and messages explaining the decision.

Are Gig Workers Employees or Independent Contractors?

Being called an independent contractor doesn’t necessarily mean you are one. Your legal status depends on how the working relationship actually operates.

Important questions include:

  • Who controls how your work is performed?
  • Can you reject assignments or work for competing platforms?
  • Who determines your pay?
  • Do you operate a genuinely independent business?

If you’re legally an employee, you may qualify for additional protections, including vacation pay, overtime, public holiday pay and termination compensation.

Learn more about Independent Contractor Rights in Ontario and the Gig Economy in Canada.

Uber Class Action Lawsuit in Ontario

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP is co-counsel in a $400-million class action lawsuit challenging Uber’s classification of Ontario drivers and delivery workers as independent contractors.

The lawsuit seeks compensation for employment entitlements allegedly denied to eligible workers, including minimum wage, vacation pay and termination pay.

The case has been certified but remains ongoing. Uber denies the allegations, which have not been proven in court.

The certified class includes eligible Ontario Uber drivers and delivery workers who used the apps between January 1, 2012 and August 12, 2021.

➡️ Uber Class Action Lawsuit: Eligibility and Latest Updates

Ontario Gig Worker Rights: Frequently Asked Questions

Do Uber and DoorDash Workers Get Minimum Wage in Ontario?

Yes. Covered workers must receive at least $17.95 per hour for time spent performing work assignments as of October 1, 2026. Waiting time between assignments generally isn’t included.

Can a Gig Worker Be Deactivated Without Notice?

Ontario generally requires two weeks’ written notice when a covered worker loses platform access for 24 hours or longer. Certain exceptions apply. Platforms must also provide a written explanation.

Do Gig Workers Get Vacation Pay or Severance?

Not automatically under the Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act. However, gig workers who are legally employees may qualify for vacation pay, Ontario severance pay (as much as 24 months’ pay) and other employment rights.

Do Ontario’s Gig Worker Laws Apply to Freelancers?

Not all freelancers are covered. The Act focuses on certain ride-sharing, delivery and courier services provided through digital platforms. Freelancers may have other rights depending on their employment status.

Are You Owed Compensation as a Gig Worker?

If a digital platform treats you as an independent contractor but controls your work like an employee, you may be entitled to additional compensation.

The Ontario employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP help non-unionized workers determine their employment status and pursue compensation they’re legally owed.

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