Here are the staffing/HR firms that won the most federal contracts in the past 4 months

While the broader Canadian labor market has shown signs of softening, the federal government’s appetite for external talent remains remarkably resilient. An analysis of contract awards from October 2025 through February 2026 reveals a procurement landscape defined by two distinct forces: a surge in operational spending at National Defence and a strategic pivot toward Indigenous and specialized technical vendors.

The Defence Dominance

National Defence (DND) continues to operate as the primary engine for federal temporary help services. Recent data confirms that DND remains the most frequent buyer in the "Company List," with established players like Altis Recruitment, NewFound Recruiting, and Procom securing critical roles. This volume is driven by the department’s urgent mandate to meet NATO’s 2% GDP spending target by 2026.

Notably, the second half of 2025 saw a 48% increase in DND procurement opportunities, peaking in November. Much of this activity involves recurring maintenance, base support, and infrastructure projects managed through Defence Construction Canada (DCC). For staffing firms, this underscores a "defensive" market strategy—where military and security-related staffing provides a reliable buffer against private-sector volatility.

The Rise of Specialized Boutiques

The latest award data highlights a shift away from "big-box" generalist staffing toward niche technical and Indigenous-led firms. While global giants like Randstad maintain a presence in large-scale IT transformations, the "past three months" data is increasingly populated by specialized entities:

• Indigenous Procurement Growth: The federal government’s mandatory 5% Indigenous procurement target is now in full effect for the 2025–26 fiscal year. Firms such as Turtle Island Staffing and Spirit Employment and Training are capturing a growing share of the administrative and professional services market.
• Technical Niche Players: Donna Cona Inc. and Calian Ltd. have carved out significant territory in IT security and specialized health services. The demand is no longer just for "clerical support" but for SAP Architects, IT Security Design Specialists, and High-Level Functional Analysts.

New Guardrails: The Impact of Procurement Measures 1-3

The industry is currently navigating the "phasing-in" of new procurement measures introduced in late 2025. These guidelines, which include a $20M cap on time-based contracts and stricter oversight on amendments, are designed to prevent "vendor lock-in."