Working Through a Temp Agency in Ontario: Your Rights

If you are hired by a temporary help agency and assigned to work for its clients, you are usually the agency's employee, and Ontario's Employment Standards Act (ESA) has a part just for you.

Agencies can't charge you

An agency can't charge you a fee for becoming its employee, for being assigned to a client, for help with your résumé or interview preparation, or for being hired by the client.

Information you must get

• The agency's legal name and contact information.
• For each assignment: the client's name, your wage, hours, pay period and a general description of the work.
• A copy of the Ministry of Labour's information sheet on agency workers' rights.

Being hired by the client

An agency can't stop a client from hiring you directly. After you have been assigned to a client for six months, the agency can't charge the client a fee to hire you.

Pay and protections

• At least minimum wage, overtime, public holiday pay and vacation pay.
• The agency and the client can both be responsible for unpaid regular wages and overtime.
• In many cases, notice or pay if a long assignment is ended early.

Licensing

Since July 1, 2024, temporary help agencies and recruiters operating in Ontario must hold a licence. You can check whether an agency is licensed.

If something goes wrong

Keep your pay stubs and assignment details, and contact the Ministry of Labour to file a claim.

Sources

• Employment Standards Act, 2000
• Ontario: your guide to the Employment Standards Act
• Ontario: temporary help agencies

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General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 15 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

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This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.