The Globe and Mail · 17 Sep, 11:18 · Business briefing

Risky Business: Nearly one in four Canadian small businesses operate without insurance despite growing risks and financial pressures

Recent reporting indicates that approximately twenty-five per cent of Canadian small enterprises operate without any form of insurance coverage.

What it means for you ↓ Courses for this story

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Recent reporting indicates that approximately twenty-five per cent of Canadian small enterprises operate without any form of insurance coverage. This trend persists despite escalating operational risks and significant financial constraints facing the sector. The absence of protective measures exposes these businesses to severe potential liabilities, threatening their long-term viability. For professionals, this statistic highlights a critical gap in risk mitigation strategies within the Canadian economy, suggesting a growing need for expert guidance in navigating complex regulatory and financial landscapes.

Employer demand for Risk Management Strategies skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

This trend signals a surge in demand for specialists who can translate complex risk data into actionable business strategy. You should focus on developing expertise in risk assessment and financial planning, as clients will urgently seek guidance to avoid catastrophic losses. Professionals in insurance, legal compliance, and financial advisory roles are now uniquely positioned to offer high-value consulting services. A smart move is to upskill in regulatory frameworks and liability management. By positioning yourself as a trusted advisor who can protect assets, you differentiate your career. Prioritise continuous learning in compliance standards to build credibility. This shift transforms risk management from a back-office function into a strategic career asset, allowing you to command higher fees and secure long-term client relationships through demonstrable value.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Risk Management Strategies, Finance and Accounting, Compliance And Governance and Business And Management — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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