Major Canadian staffing associations unite in historic merger

MISSISSAUGA, CANADA — In a landmark move for the Canadian staffing industry, the Association of Canadian Search, Employment, and Staffing Services (ACSESS) and the National Association of Canadian Consulting Businesses (NACCB) have announced their merger.
The integration, effective January 1, 2025, aims to create a unified voice that will better represent staffing firms and consulting businesses across Canada.
This move reflects the evolving nature of the staffing industry, where both organizations have increasingly aligned their mandates and strategic objectives. The merger is expected to enhance advocacy efforts and provide members with better access to resources such as compliance education and operational tools.
Strategic merger to reflect Canada’s evolving staffing sector
The NACCB has traditionally represented professional staffing firms in sectors like IT, engineering, finance, and legal consulting. Meanwhile, ACSESS has been a key player in advocating for legislative and regulatory changes that impact the broader staffing industry.
Michael Leacy, president of NACCB, noted in an official letter that the merger addresses the growing overlap between the two organizations’ business profiles.
“Our members will benefit from the leadership role ACSESS takes in informing members of national legislative and regulatory changes that can affect their businesses,” Leacy said.
He also emphasized that NACCB’s focus on independent contractors will remain a priority within the unified association.
Member benefits: Enhanced services and industry support
The merger is expected to benefit members of both organizations significantly. By combining forces, ACSESS and NACCB will provide stronger national representation for staffing firms while offering enhanced support through compliance education and operational tools.
Darlene Minatel, president of ACSESS, played a key role in the structured negotiations leading up to the merger. Both organizations unanimously approved the decision earlier this year.
According to a joint statement, “Each organization’s leaders recognize the advocacy value an expanded association with cross-Canada representation will play in keeping the interests of professional staffing firms and consulting businesses at the forefront of policy decisions.”
Future impact: Strengthening industry standards and advocacy
This merger marks a pivotal moment for Canada’s staffing industry as it seeks to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment. By uniting under one banner, ACSESS and NACCB aim to strengthen their influence on policy decisions while continuing to provide essential resources and representation for their members.