Temporary help agency licence
In Ontario, no person may operate as a temporary help agency unless they hold a licence under Part XVIII.1 of the Employment Standards Act, 2000, and the Act says a licence is not transferable. This entry covers Ontario only.
A buyer of a staffing firm meets this when the business places workers with clients on a temporary basis. Under the Act, no client shall knowingly engage or use the services of a temporary help agency unless its operator holds a licence. This entry covers Ontario only; check the rules where the agency operates.
How the Ontario licence works
The Ministry says every legal entity that operates as a temporary help agency, or acts as a recruiter, must apply for a licence. An entity that both operates an agency and acts as a recruiter must submit two separate applications. The Act sets out grounds on which the Director must or may refuse to issue or renew a licence, and may revoke or suspend one on those grounds.
What to ask
- Which legal entity holds the licence, and are any terms or conditions attached?
- Because a licence is not transferable, must the buying entity apply for its own before it operates?
- Does the business also act as a recruiter, and does it hold that licence?
See what licences transfer when I buy a business and the entry on collection agency licence.
Sources
This definition is checked against primary sources. Links were last confirmed on the dates shown.
- 01Government of OntarioGovernmentEmployment Standards Act, 2000, S.O. 2000, c. 41
- 02Government of OntarioGovernmentLicensing for temporary help agencies and recruiters
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