Canada’s staffing industry will mark its annual recognition week from June 1-7, highlighting an industry that places two million job seekers annually and generates $22 billion in revenue.
The Association of Canadian Search, Employment & Staffing Services (ACSESS) and its 1,500 member offices will celebrate Staffing for Canada Week, recognizing employees across the recruitment and staffing sector who connect employers with workers nationwide.
“ACSESS members are ideally positioned to help advance Canada’s economic transformation,” said Randy Upright, National President of ACSESS. “They bring the talent and solutions to diversify and strengthen our domestic, future-focused workforce.”
The celebration comes as Canada’s staffing market gains international recognition for its business-friendly environment. Staffing Industry Analysts recently named Canada the least complex staffing market in America, citing strong governance, excellent technology infrastructure and favourable pricing.
Industry dominance and scope
ACSESS members generated approximately 80 per cent of Canada’s total staffing industry revenue last year. The association represents recruiting firms, executive search companies, staffing services and professional staffing organizations across multiple sectors.
“ACSESS members place candidates of all career levels in temporary to full-time positions, which are a strategic fit for the client’s business and the job seeker’s needs,” said Mary McIninch, Executive Director of ACSESS. “We also represent professional staffing firms on Canadian public policy issues that impact the consulting industry – including IT, engineering, finance, accounting and legal services.”
The industry analysis also found Canada has the least regulations and legislative restrictions globally for staffing operations, creating an attractive environment for businesses seeking flexible workforce solutions.
Regulatory environment and advocacy
ACSESS attributes part of Canada’s favourable regulatory climate to its ongoing work promoting best practices and ethical standards within the industry.
“Our staffing market’s strong governance and favourable regulatory environment may in part be due to ACSESS’ ongoing work and programs to reinforce best practices, ethical standards and workplace safety,” McIninch said.
The association advocates for balanced legislation while keeping members informed of regulatory changes that affect their organizations, clients and job candidates.
Political endorsement
The week-long celebration has received endorsements from political leaders across Canada, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, who recognized the industry’s economic contribution.
“Employment and staffing agencies play an important role supporting Canada’s economic prosperity by connecting employers with job seekers,” said the Right Honourable Mark Carney in his message supporting the week.
Provincial premiers and local officials have also endorsed the celebration, acknowledging the staffing sector’s role in Canada’s economy.
Historical context
The recognition week began in Edmonton in 1980 as “National Temporaries Week” before expanding across Canada and the United States. The event was later renamed “Staffing for Canada Week” to reflect the industry’s broader scope beyond temporary placements.
During the week, staffing firms honour their associates and the job candidates they work with throughout the year, recognizing their contributions to Canada’s workforce development.
