ABOUT ACSESS: Code Of Ethics & Standards

As the only association representing the staffing industry in Canada, the Association of Canadian Search, Employment & Staffing Services (ACSESS) provides services to member firms from St. John's to Victoria.

ACSESS was formed in 1998 following the merger of two long established Canadian associations, and today represents over 1000 staffing service offices across Canada. ACSESS members provide placement and executive search services, and temporary and contract staffing to the public sector and virtually every type of business.

ACSESS' mission is to promote the advancement and growth of the employment, recruitment and staffing services industry in Canada.

ACSESS is Canada's only national advocate for ensuring professional ethics, standards and best practices in the recruitment, employment and staffing services industry. With the repeal of Ontario's Employment Agencies Act in March 2001, the staffing industry moved to a self-management model in Ontario, as well as in other parts of Canada. As a result, ACSESS plays a pivotal role as Canada's advocate for promoting and ensuring professional ethics and standards in the employment, recruitment and staffing industry.

ACSESS member companies pledge to uphold the Association's Code of Ethics and Standards. They are committed to an industry which gives clients the ability to respond to business realities and changing technologies; and to give workers - at all levels - an ever-increasing range of employment opportunities.

Code Of Ethics & Standards
As members of the Association of Canadian Search Employment & Staffing services we commit to uphold this Code of Ethics & Standards and to display it prominently in our place of business. We support the principles set forth below and acknowledge that compliance with these principles is in the best interests of ACSESS member companies, their candidates, employees, client organizations, and the reputation of the search, employment and staffing services profession in Canada.

  • We will observe the highest principles of integrity, professionalism and fair practice in dealing with clients, candidates, employees and all regulatory authorities; and will respect the confidentiality of records in accordance with law and good business practices.
  • We will provide leadership in the adherence to both the spirit and letter of all applicable human rights, employment laws and regulations. We will treat all candidates and employees without prejudice and will not accept an order from any client that is discriminatory in any way.
  • We will take all reasonable steps to provide clients with accurate information on each candidatešs employment qualifications and experience; and will only present those candidates who have given us authorization to represent their application for employment.
  • We will supply candidates and employees with complete and accurate information as provided by the client, regarding terms of employment, job descriptions and workplace conditions.
  • We will not recruit, encourage or entice a candidate whom we have previously placed to leave the employ of our client, nor will we encourage or coerce an individual to leave any temporary assignment before the stated completion date.
  • We will not restrict the right of a candidate or employee to accept employment of their choice.
  • We will not misuse membership privileges for the purpose of recruiting a memberšs staff, or in any way that may otherwise injure our candidates, employees or competitors.
  • We will derive income only from clients and make no direct or indirect charges to candidates or employees unless specified by a license.
  • We will maintain the highest standards of integrity in all forms of advertising, communications and solicitations; and will conduct our business in a manner designed to enhance the operation, image and reputation of the employment, recruitment and staffing services industry.
  • We will recognize and respect the rights and privileges of competitors in the true fashion of individual initiative and free enterprise, and will refrain from engaging in acts of unfair competition.
  • We will ensure that our clients, candidates and employees are aware of our duty to abide by this Code of Ethics & Standards and such supporting policies and guidelines as may from time to time be adopted by the Association; and will undertake to bring any potential infringements before the appropriate Association body.

For further information, contact Amanda Curtis, Executive Director, ACSESS, by phone 905-826-6869, toll-free 888-232-4962, or by e-mail at acsess@acsess.org.