Operating revenue for Canada’s employment services industry group rose 6.8% year over year to C$14.5 billion (US$11.55 billion) in 2017, according to the latest data released today by Statistics Canada. The group includes employment placement agencies and executive search services; temporary help services; and professional employer organizations.

Ontario generated the lion’s share of employment services revenue, 58%; it was followed by Alberta at 16.1% and Quebec at 14.5%.

Temporary staffing services generated 51.0% of the revenue from sales of goods and services in 2017, followed by permanent placements and contract staffing services at 39.6%.

Operating expenses rose 6.1% to C$13.9 billion (US$11.1 billion) in 2017. Salaries, wages, commissions and benefits at 59.0% and subcontracts at 28.6% were the main expense categories.

The operating profit margin was 4.3% in 2017, up from 3.7% the previous year.