What a year it has been! The economy has been the focal point of many concerns as Canada’s economic environment remains as complex as it has been for the past couple of years. However, we're now dealing with a different inflation and interest rate environment. Given that we've seen a substantial decline in inflation in the past year and interest rates are coming down, the broad economic picture suggests a rebound for the Canadian economy and the Canadian staffing industry after two years of sluggish performance.
In this context, the staffing industry played a pivotal role in guiding Canadian employers through a challenging labour market.
As the sole association representing the staffing services and recruitment industries in Canada, ACSESS presently accounts for 85% of industry operating revenues. The association's significance amplifies amid the current economic climate. As we approach the New Year, let’s acknowledge some of ACSESS’ notable achievements in 2024:
2024 Highlights
Government Relations Highlights
The staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry significantly contribute to the Canadian economy, generating numerous job opportunities annually. As the industry's national voice, ACSESS tirelessly champions the cause, elevating the status of staffing and recruitment. Following the announcement of a merger effective January 2025, ACSESS is prepared to launch our Professional Services Forum – representing the voice of Representing Professional Staffing firms on Canadian public policy issues that impact the consulting industry, including IT, engineering, finance, accounting and legal services.
Given the unique nature of Canada's staffing and recruitment landscape, our advocacy primarily focuses on preventing labor and employment laws from hindering our members' operations or needlessly escalating costs, thus preserving labor market flexibility.
Key highlights include:
• 20% year-over-year membership growth, reflecting the recognized benefits of ACSESS membership by clients and government agencies across provinces.
• Canada's recognition as the market with the fewest regulations and legislative restrictions globally.
• Legal and Compliance Resources- Members in all provinces have gained valuable information and expertise to ensure your staffing company stays compliant with provincial and federal laws and regulations.
• Provision of the Legal and Policy Resource Centre, streamlining access to Federal and Provincial government programs, ensuring compliance, and saving valuable time.
• Collaborative efforts with provincial ministries to enhance industry licensing, serving as essential employer stakeholders advocating for improvements.
• Vigorous representation of member interests in Quebec regarding licensing, employment, and labor relations, regularly consulting with key government agencies.
• Collaborative initiatives to cease illegal staffing operations, working closely with provincial Ministries for enforcement measures.
• Continued efforts to see improvements to Procurement processes at the Federal level - Maintaining regular contact with key federal government decision makers at PSPC to provide more information about how the contracting process is managed from the perspective of professional staffing firms and propose the creation of an advisory committee, to be established in early 2025.
Active involvement and representation in health and safety matters, including successful advocacy for members' interests in workers' compensation reform across several provinces.
ACSESS and NACCB Merger
ACSESS was pleased to announce in November that the National Association of Canadian Consulting Businesses (NACCB), which represents more than 20,000 knowledge workers in Canada, will be joining forces with ACSESS. A structured negotiation process was undertaken earlier this year. It concluded with unanimous approval from both associations to merge the organizations under the ACSESS brand, effective January 1, 2025. Together, we will effectively and efficiently serve the staffing industry in Canada with one strong, united voice.
Industry Ethics & Standards
ACSESS’ Code of Ethics & Standards ensures ethical conduct among members, safeguarding the interests of candidates, employees, and client organizations. This Code remains a cornerstone benefit of ACSESS membership, upholding the industry's reputation.
Education & Certification Achievements
ACSESS certified 38 CPCs (Certified Personnel Consultants) who fulfilled experience requirements and successfully completed criteria based on 5 core modules and a national challenge examination. ACSESS also introduced a new CPC module in 2024 – ACSESS CPC - Sales Professional. The content covers key principles of sales and business development with a focus on the unique aspects of the staffing industry.
The success of ACSESS Conference 2024 in Toronto, with over 300 attendees, was made possible by the generous support of sponsoring business partners who contribute daily to the success of the staffing industry in Canada and worldwide.
SAVE THE DATE! ACSESS 2025 Conference will be held at Le Westin Montréal from May 5-7.
ACSESS to host 2026 International Staffing Conference – Toronto, ON
ACSESS is very excited to announce that ACSESS has won the bid to host the World Employment Confederation International Staffing Conference May 11-14, 2026 in Toronto. The G20 will be held in the US same year (2026) which will provide a unique opportunity to align global economic and employment strategies.
Your membership speaks to your commitment to promote the advancement of your business, and your industry, through the application of best practices. We are excited to provide you with the right support to thrive in 2025.
I wish you a very happy holiday season with your loved ones, and I hope you take the time to rejuvenate so we can all return energized and ready to tackle 2025 with enthusiasm and confidence!
Mary McIninch
Executive Director, Government Relations
