The rules, in plain language

Compliance guides for Canadian staffing agencies

The licences, clearances, cards, and pay rules your agency lives under, explained with the real figures and the government sources they come from. Written and reviewed inside a working Ontario staffing agency, refreshed quarterly.

Ontario rules

The THA licence in Ontario: requirements, costs, and renewal (2026 guide)

What an Ontario temporary help agency licence costs in 2026: the $1,500 application fee, the $25,000 letter of credit, penalties up to $50,000, and how renewal works.

Updated July 11, 2026

How to check the Ontario THA public registry (and what clients see about you)

Check the Ontario THA public registry to see whether an agency is licensed. Clients use it to verify you before contracting; your status appears publicly as licensed, pending, refused, or revoked.

Updated July 11, 2026

WSIB clearance certificates: the 90-day rule staffing agencies keep missing

A WSIB clearance certificate is valid for up to 90 days and expires on February 20, May 20, August 20, or November 20. Learn the quarterly cycle, why clients require them, and how to stay current.

Updated July 11, 2026

Healthcare rules

Bill 11 explained: what Ontario's Health Care Staffing Agency Reporting Act means for your agency

Bill 11 received Royal Assent June 28, 2025 but is NOT YET IN FORCE as of July 2026. When proclaimed, health care staffing agencies must report administrative and billing data every six months and keep contracts for three years after expiry.

Updated July 11, 2026

Bill 11 record-keeping checklist: the records to keep for three years

When Bill 11 is proclaimed, health care staffing agencies must keep contracts for three years after expiry and maintain invoices and per-assignment records. Checklist and setup guide.

Updated July 11, 2026

Hospitality rules

Smart Serve, Serving It Right, ProServe: tracking server cards across provinces

Which responsible liquor service certification do hospitality workers need in Ontario, BC, and Alberta? Requirements, costs, validity periods, and renewal reminders.

Updated July 11, 2026

Safety rules

Forklift certification in Canada: the 7 lift-truck classes and renewal windows

Does forklift certification expire in Canada? Ontario does not mandate expiry. BC requires 3-year refresher training. Alberta publishes no interval. Learn the CSA B335 classes and provincial rules.

Updated July 11, 2026

WHMIS for temp workers: is the agency or the client responsible?

Under Ontario law, both the temp agency and the host employer are responsible for WHMIS training. Learn the shared-duty split, why gaps happen, and how to document who trained what.

Updated July 11, 2026

Pay rules

Stat holiday pay for temp workers: Ontario vs BC vs Alberta (with the math)

How statutory holiday pay is calculated for temp workers in Ontario, BC, and Alberta: eligibility rules, formulas, premiums, and worked examples.

Updated July 11, 2026

Alberta overtime rules: the 8/44 rule explained for staffing agencies

How Alberta's 8/44 overtime rule works: overtime kicks in at 8 hours per day OR 44 hours per week, whichever results in more overtime hours. The rate is 1.5x minimum.

Updated July 11, 2026