The new Canadian staffing index released by the Association of Canadian Search, Employment and Staffing Services in conjunction with Staffing Industry Analysts registered a reading of 74 in December -- 31% below its October high of 78 and 26% below the benchmark July 2008 reading.

Still, the December number indicates a recovery is under way, but it is a slow and steady recovery. Although December's reading is lower than October's, that could reflect the impact of holidays during December. In addition, the lower readings in November and December could have been influenced by Ontario Bill 139 and its impact on staffing. The bill went into effect on Nov. 6.

The index is released by ACSESS in conjunction with Staffing Industry Analysts.

Data for the index is collected monthly from a representative number of Canadian staffing firms. The initial data capture goes back to July 2008.