The Impact of Hiring Unlicensed Staffing Agencies in Ontario
To support informed hiring decisions and encourage responsible practices across the province, ACSESS is sharing this message with media outlets and across social media:
The Association of Canadian Search, Employment & Staffing Services (ACSESS), the national voice for Canada’s staffing industry, is urging Ontario employers and job seekers to only work with staffing agencies and recruiters that are officially licensed.
Ontario’s licensing requirements for temporary help agencies and recruiters – introduced in 2024 – mark an important move toward better labour protections and higher workplace standards. For employers, understanding and following these new rules is key to operating successfully. By working exclusively with licensed providers, businesses can protect themselves from legal risks, avoid costly penalties, and safeguard their reputation.
ACSESS member firms commit to a high standard of professionalism and ethics, renewing their pledge each year to follow a strict Code of Ethics & Standards. This includes treating employees and clients fairly and upholding employment and human rights legislation.
Why Working with Unlicensed Firms is Risky
If you’re an employer in Ontario, it is your legal obligation to only use licensed temporary help agencies or recruiters.
Engaging knowingly with an unlicensed firm or recruiter could result in steep fines – up to $50,000 – the highest penalty of its kind in Canada.
How to Check a Firm or Recruiter’s License
Before entering any agreement, verify that the agency or recruiter you’re considering is licensed. The Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development offers a searchable database – just visit the Licensing page and click the “Check licensing status” button. This quick step helps ensure the company is fully compliant with provincial regulations.
Working with an unlicensed staffing firm not only puts you at legal risk, but also reflects poorly on your organization’s due diligence. It may impact your standing with employees, clients, and other partners. In contrast, partnering with licensed agencies signals that your business values ethics, accountability, and compliance.
When you choose a licensed staffing firm – such as one of the 400+ ACSESS member organizations across Canada – you benefit from professionalism, quality service, specialized insights, a commitment to workplace safety, and the confidence of working with a firm that meets industry and ethical standards.
