The Canadian staffing index, a measure of staffing activity in Canada, rose to a reading of 115 in May, an increase of  7 percent year over year from a reading of 107 in May 2012 and its fourth-highest reading on record. On a sequential basis, the May index value is unchanged from the April index value.

"The May value of 115 is up 7 percent from a year ago,” said Timothy Landhuis, research analyst at Staffing Industry Analysts. “Looking at the growth trend, it appears that year-over-year growth in demand has stabilized after significant deceleration earlier in the year."

The Association of Canadian Search, Employment and Staffing Services and Staffing Industry Analysts produce the index. It is based upon reported billed hours for temporary staffing from a survey of leading staffing firms.