Candidate FAQs

Wednesday, December 25:  CLOSED (Christmas Day)

Thursday, December 26:  CLOSED (Boxing Day)

Friday, December 27 to Friday, December 31:  We’re open 8:30am to 4:00pm

Wednesday, January 1:  CLOSED (New Year’s Day)

Thursday, January 2: 8:00am to 5:30pm

Upcoming statutory holidays include:

**If you are being asked to work any of these days, please contact timesheet@altis.com

Payment Schedule: Since our head office is located in Ontario, we follow the Ontario Statutory holiday dates. This impacts our pay schedule as follows:

IMPORTANT > To avoid delays in pay due to the holidays, our team is processing an EARLY PAYROLL on Friday, December 22. To qualify, we need your hours entered and approved by Friday, December 22 at 3pm. If your work week is not done, or you’re unable to submit your time by then, please see our payment schedule below.

No! Our services are free from the day you start working with us until you land a new role. When you work with us you get support from our expert recruiters and immediate access to hundreds of jobs in a wide range of sectors at no cost to you.

You will be paid by direct deposit. Please make sure your banking information has been entered into the portal (this step is part of the onboarding process).

To resolve this, click “+Add Task” and click the box next to the project activity, then click OK.

You have two options:

1. Click the embedded link in every timesheet reminder email. This will take you straight to your timesheet.
2. If you log in through our website a timesheet button will be available next to your name. Click this button to be taken directly to your timesheet.

If you are an independent consultant, you already know how important it is to maintain a separate and self-governing business model. In other words, you don’t want your employment classification to become employee-based due to your “dependent relationship” with your client. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to ensure you’re maintaining your self-governing business model.

Use your own equipment:
Do you bring your laptop and print using your own printer on your own paper?

Market your company:
Do you send marketing emails to your network to sell your services? Have you set up a simple website to present your services? If not, check out Squarespace or Wix. 

Have more than one client:
Can you demonstrate billings to any other company or person through your business?

Be your own HR:
Do you hire help and pay them from your business? Even an occasional part-time employee would suffice. Have you signed up for professional training that your business pays for? Is your job title the same as other employees of the client? Do you charge the client for overtime or public holiday pay?

Reduce restrictions:
Do you create your own hours of work? Do you attend staff events for employees that are hosted by your client? Do you work onsite with full-time hours that are the same as other full-time staff? Do you review the advancement of your project and accept input from your client? Are you actively supervised by the client?

Define the project in advance:
Do you outline what you will achieve with key dates and milestones?

Manage your business finances:
Do you invoice your client for expenses? Do you invoice for work performed? Do you charge HST and file HST returns? Do you have general liability insurance and office insurance for your business? Have you set up an official business office at home or in a corporate space?

Communicate as a business:
‍Do you have your own email address, not that of the client? Do you have your own business cell phone, not a phone provided by the client?

You can learn about our Accessible Customer Service Plan here.

A security clearance is a background check done by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and the RCMP that enables you to work in certain positions within the federal government that may entail accessing secure information. The most common clearance levels required are Reliability and Secret.

To obtain a security clearance, you need a sponsor, such as a staffing firm like Altis Recruitment or a federal government department. If you are registered with Altis Recruitment, have met with us either virtually or in-person, and we determine that you have the skill set most often required for security-cleared positions within the federal government, then we will ask you to apply for a clearance. Please note that the application process takes time, and the approval is outside of our control.

If you become injured on an assignment (whether you are working remotely or onsite), you must report the injury to your workplace supervisor at the time it happens and then to your Altis Recruitment Account Manager. Subsequently, the Health and Safety Team will be informed and will actively advise you on the next steps. It is our firm’s responsibility to report to the appropriate Workers’ Compensation organizations. Additionally, our team is committed to your wellbeing and will actively participate in creating a safe return-to-work plan for you if necessary. Our Health and Safety Team is available 7 days a week at 1-888-220-0911 ext. 6000, or you can contact us through email at healthandsafety@altis.com.

Every brand has a story. And we’re excited to say that ours has just become a bit easier to tell.  

With this rebrand, we’re streamlining our offering, reducing brand confusion and taking the next big step toward achieving our North Star goal: becoming Canada’s largest independent recruitment firm.  

Over the past almost 35 years, as we expanded nationwide, we built separate businesses to serve clients in niche markets and distinct regions across Canada, each reflecting our different areas of specialization.  

This model made sense when our two co-founders, Kathryn Tremblay and Toni Guimaraes, were each responsible for different areas of our business. It also made sense pre-pandemic, when our team members worked onsite at different offices across Canada, each focused on growing the business locally (e.g., in Ottawa, GTA, Vancouver, etc.).  

However, with the passing of Toni Guimaraes from cancer in 2016, and our sudden switch to remote-by-choice work when the pandemic hit, we realized our business model was no longer in sync with the way we worked.  

Today, with one co-founder (our CEO Kathryn Tremblay) and one team that services clients and candidates right across Canada, we’re streamlining our offering by amalgamating our separate businesses under one brand umbrella—Altis. 

Going forward, we will operate under two distinct, specialized brand names:  

• Altis Technology: all IT staffing in the public and private sectors across Canada 
• Altis Recruitment:  all other staffing (except IT), spanning sectors and industries nationwide 

Under these two brands, we’ll continue to work together to provide the same great service to all our clients. Looking ahead, we’re unified in our vision of always combining business with humanity. 

Thanks for growing with us into the future! 

Working with us is simple. Get started by creating an account on our website, uploading your resume, browsing open positions (new roles posted daily!) and submitting applications to roles that interest you. With each job you apply for, your resume lands directly in front of our recruiters working on those roles.

Note: If you are a good match for a role, we will meet with you virtually to review your resume, qualifications, experience and career goals, ensuring we present you with the right opportunities as they become available.

Start by logging into the portal. Once there, click your initials in the right corner next to Timesheet and Job Search.

In the drop-down menu select “Placement Info” and this will generate a verification code for added security.

Enter the verification code to access the “Direct Deposit” tab which will appear on the left side.

Please email timesheet@altis.com and we will contact you to resolve this.

Please note that you can save your timesheet as you go, but once you have hit submit you can no longer edit.

You can recover your login information using the “Forgot Password” option on our portal page.

Once you follow the steps provided by the portal, you should receive an email to reset your password. Ensure you check your spam/junk folder to see if our email landed there. If it did, make sure you add the “Not Junk” label to our email.

If you still haven’t received it, please contact us. This can also be done via text message if you have given your consent to receive texts.

Many advantages and risks stem from being self-employed. Altis Recruitment is committed to mitigating these unexpected risks and losses by offering a comprehensive insurance program for independent contractors through our partnership with the National Association of Canadian Consulting Businesses (NACCB) and Prolink. Prolink is an insurance broker that specializes in providing programs including the NACCB Independent Contractor Insurance Program. For more information on this program, including the direct contact for Prolink, click here. 

We understand that self-employed independent contractors can be held liable for professional negligence, errors, third-party injuries, property damages and more and that these can cause significant disruptions. Once selected for a contract role with Altis Recruitment, independent contractors can learn about, opt-in, and apply for this program during our onboarding process prior to the start of their assignment.

We encourage all independent contractors to consider the NACCB program. It’s a painless and hassle-free process, completed online within 5-10 minutes—from application to payment to confirmation. This program is highly customizable and flexible according to each independent contractor’s unique business needs. It offers various coverage levels ($1M, $2M or $5M), lengths of time (2 weeks to 18 months) and can be cancelled if necessary. With preferred premiums for independent contractors working on contract through Altis Recruitment, the total cost is 55-75% less than any other insurance program in Canada.

In addition, independent contractors save money as the program is tax deductible and reaffirms the independent contractor status with respect to the CRA. Participation in this program provides many advantages to both independent contractors and clients. It can lead to an increase in the contractor’s satisfaction and overall work performance by providing them with peace of mind to focus on what really matters day-to-day, delivering results.

You can learn about our Privacy Policy here.

The difference between these clearances is the type and security level of information you are permitted to work with. Please see below for a brief summary.

• Reliability: Required by an employee working on a sensitive government contract who has access to PROTECTED information and assets.
• Secret/Top Secret: Required by an employee working on a sensitive government contract who has access to CLASSIFIED information and assets. Employees with this level of security clearance may also access protected information.

To determine whether you should apply for a security clearance, please contact your Altis Recruitment consultant.

If you feel unsafe in the workplace, it is important that you report it immediately to both your supervisor/manager and Altis Recruitment Account Manager. You have the right to work in a safe environment and it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that you feel secure and protected while on the job.

Here are some steps you can take to report your concerns:

1. Document what has been happening and when it occurred. Be specific and include as much detail as possible. 
2. Speak with your supervisor. Inform them about your concerns and provide them with the documentation you prepared. If you do not feel comfortable speaking with your supervisor or manager, you can speak with your Altis Recruitment health and safety and/or HR contact.  
3. Follow up with the person you spoke with to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to address your concerns.

Remember, it is your right to work in a safe environment, and reporting your concerns is the first step to ensuring that your workplace is safe and free from any potential harm.

While we’re retiring our Excel brand names, we’ll continue to offer the same great service to all Excel clients and candidates under our two, streamlined brand names—Altis Recruitment (encompasses and replaces excelHR) and Altis Technology (encompasses and replaces excelITR).

Please note: 

• All Excel contracts and placements remain valid and intact for all clients and candidates.  
• Clients and candidates will receive the same exceptional service from our team.  
• We have worked with our clients’ Procurement teams to ensure uninterrupted service, and contract and payment processing.  
• Excel candidates will have the same timesheet and payment process, with the same candidate login (accessed through our new websites: www.altisrecruitment.com or www.altistechnology.com). 
• Candidates with security clearances will need to duplicate their clearance to reflect our new brand (check your email for instructions). Please see below. 

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Whether you’re looking for a temporary contract (short or long-term) or a permanent position, we’re here to help. We staff for all kinds of remote, hybrid, and onsite roles covering a wide range of specialties and industries including (but not limited to) the following:

Staffing specialties:

• Professional Services
• Administrative & Support Services
• Finance & Accounting
• Information Technology
• Construction & Property Management

Industries we are hiring for:

• Government: Federal, Provincial, Municipal
• Financial Services & Insurance
• Health Care & Science
• Education & Nonprofit
• Retail & Manufacturing
• Energy & Utility
• Information Technology
• Construction & Property Management

Our experienced team is here to help you find the perfect fit for your skills and experience.

• If your timesheet is submitted AND approved by 3:00 p.m. on Monday, your payment will be processed on Monday, and you should receive your deposit within 12-48 hours.
• If you missed the first scheduled payment, and your timesheet is submitted AND approved by 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, your payment will be processed on Tuesday, and you should receive your deposit within 12-48 hours.
• If the timesheet is submitted and approved AFTER 3 p.m. on Tuesday, your payment will be processed the following Monday.

You must select the submit button once you have entered all days from the week. 

In our portal, an invoice is generated when you submit your hours. However, it’s only available for download once the payment is processed.

You can access invoices under “Placement Info” in the “Payment History” section of the portal.

If an invoice number appears blank, you can create one by clicking on the Actions > Invoice button.

Not unless asked. When your clearance is processed you will receive an email with instructions for signing your briefing certificate. To complete the process and validate the clearance, you must sign the briefing form electronically as per the instructions provided in the email. Once this is completed, please send an email to security@altis.com if you would like to request a copy.

Creating a safe and healthy workplace is a shared responsibility that involves the employer and the worker. Outlined below are the roles and responsibilities of each.

The employer is responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. They must identify and assess potential hazards in the workplace and take steps to eliminate or control them. Employers should also provide training and education to their employees on safety measures, provide PPE when necessary and develop policies and procedures to ensure a safe work environment. 

The worker has a responsibility to follow safety procedures and use any provided PPE correctly. They should also report any unsafe conditions or incidents to their employer and cooperate with the employer to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. 

By working together, employers and workers can ensure that the workplace is free of risks and that everyone is protected.

Other than our fresh, new look – complete with new logos, modern colours and two sleek, new websites – not much changes for you.

Here’s what you need to know:  

• You will still receive the same exceptional service from our team.   
• Your candidate profile remains intact (no need to register again). 
• Your timesheet and job search portal login are the same (accessed through either of our new websites: altisrecruitment.com or altistechnology.com).  

• For those on assignment, your employment agreement and contract remain valid and intact, and your pay will be uninterrupted (your bank deposit will now come from ALTIS).  
• For those with an active security clearance through our firm, you’ll need to duplicate it (see below for details). Questions? Contact security@altis.com. 

To stay up to date with all news, including invites to exclusive webinars, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/altisrecruitment/ and www.linkedin.com/company/altistechnology/. Note: We’re deactivating our excelHR and excelITR LinkedIn pages.  

This will vary depending on where you are located provincially.

• ON & QC: Assigned workers must work their scheduled day before and after the holiday.
• BC: Assigned workers must have been employed for at least 30 calendar days AND have worked at least 15 of the 30 days before the holiday.
• AB: Assigned workers must have worked for the same employer for at least 30 workdays in the 12 months prior to the holiday AND worked their scheduled day before and after.

If your payroll frequency is weekly: When a public holiday falls on any day of the week, except Friday, your public holiday pay will be released with your payroll on the upcoming Monday. If the public holiday falls on Friday, your public holiday pay will be released with your payroll on the second Monday after the public holiday.

If your payroll frequency is biweekly: When a public holiday falls on any day of the week, except the second Friday of the biweekly period, your public holiday pay will be released with your payroll on the upcoming Monday. If the public holiday falls on the second Friday of a biweekly period, your public holiday pay will be released with your payroll in the next biweekly cycle, the third Monday after the public holiday.

Please note: ‍‍‍To qualify for public holiday pay in Ontario, Quebec and Alberta, you need to work your scheduled day before and after the holiday. Payment will be issued the following pay cycle, once these dates have been verified.

There are certain circumstances that allow an individual to qualify for an increase in his or her basic claim amount for federal and provincial taxation. Likewise, an individual may require additional taxes to be deducted from his or her payroll. If you feel that you qualify for either of these changes in taxation, please email our payroll department, payroll@altis.com, and request the TD1 forms. Once completed, please forward the forms to our office with your first timesheet.

A manager or supervisor should be appointed to sign your timesheet. It is a good idea to identify a second authorized person as well, in case the primary signatory is unavailable. Please call our office (1-877-579-5808) if you are unsure about a secondary approver. It is your responsibility to ensure your timesheet is approved.

It is likely that your HST number is already entered as this is a mandatory step in the onboarding process. If you need to make edits, go to the “Placement Info” tab of our portal.

Yes. However, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) may place limitations on the type of information the applicant is authorized to access.

Since we’ll be operating under a new legal name, you need to duplicate your clearance to avoid interruptions with future placements. It will take approximately 15 minutes of your time. Here’s what to expect:  

1. In early May, you’ll receive two emails:  

• A message from our team containing instructions. 
• A message from Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) with the link to your duplication forms.  

2. Complete the steps outlined in both emails. 

If you haven’t received these instructions, or have questions, please contact us: security@altis.com. (Please note that your current clearance will remain valid until the duplication is complete.)

Yes, to obtain a confirmation of earnings letter please call our office at 1-877-579-5808.

When you login to our timesheet portal and select the Timesheet option, a pop up will appear, which will display the hours remaining on contract based on your last payment period. From there, you can click continue to enter new hours worked. If you do not have hours remaining, you will not be able to continue to the timesheet portal to enter additional hours (please connect with your Account Manager if that occurs).

This link will provide you with information as to whether you need to obtain a GST number. It will also provide you with steps to register for a GST number.

To start an inquiry, speak with your Altis Recruitment consultant. Our company security officers will then forward your request to PSPC using the information you provide to us to verify your clearance. Every step of the way we ensure your sensitive information is protected. Responses generally take 2-5 business days.

Nothing right now. We need to let the current application be completed. If/when the clearance is granted, you will need to duplicate it and we will support you in that process. This will not cause any further delays with placements.  

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Payments can be delayed if we do not receive your approved timesheet on time. To ensure that you are paid promptly and regularly for the hours you have worked, please make sure you submit your timesheet at the end of every work week. Provided we receive your manager’s or supervisor’s approval by midday on the following Monday, your pay will be deposited into your account within 1–2 business days. Please note, the timing may vary according to which financial institution you use.

On a submitted timesheet, the time block will be highlighted in yellow.

Security clearances can be delayed when a request is considered complex. Requests can be identified as complex for several reasons including (but not limited to):

• Living outside of Canada in the past five years (for Reliability) or 10 years (for Classified). In this case, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) will need to verify your past addresses and any criminal records. This can take over two years, depending on the facilities in the country where the check is being completed. 
• Gaps or obscurities in the information provided on the personnel security screening forms, which must be clarified.
• A criminal record held by the applicant that must be reviewed.
• Results from the criminal record check require further review.
• Results from the applicant’s credit check require further review.

Note: For out of country verifications, PSPC is not able to verify information for every country. In some cases, the country where you previously lived may not have the facilities required to conduct a background check or may not provide information to other countries.

If PSPC requires further details to complete your security clearance application, we will contact you. Please remember to monitor your email for any correspondence regarding your clearance.

We are taking the approach of duplicating your highest clearance; if you have Secret and Top Secret – both will be duplicated.

Start by logging into the portal. Once there, click your initials in the right corner next to Timesheet and Job Search. 

In the drop-down menu select “Placement Info” and this will generate a verification code for added security. 

Enter the verification code to access the “Payment History” tab which will appear on the left side.

Yes. The following scheduled reminders will be sent and will include a link to the timesheet portal. 

• Thursday 4 p.m. ET
• Monday 8:30 a.m. ET

Alternatively, you can log on through our website and submit your hours at any time.

Altis Recruitment is the sponsor of your clearance. However, once the completed forms have been sent to Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), Altis Recruitment cannot influence the speed at which your clearance is processed. Keep in mind additional documentation may be required. Please regularly monitor your email for correspondence regarding your application.

Altis Recruitment takes an active role in initiating the clearance process. However, we do not require clearances for all applicants. An interview with one of our consultants will help us determine if a clearance is required.

There is no direct impact or change to your CG Clearance. We will be applying for a CG clearance for the new entity and update your existing Notice of Assessment form with our new CG #.

Once you log in to the portal, click your initials in the right corner next to Timesheet and Job Search then select “Placement Info” from the drop-down menu.

This will generate a verification code for added security. Enter the verification code to access the “T4” tab which will appear on the left side.

Your supervisor will not receive an automated email at the time of your submission. We will send scheduled timesheet approval reminder emails at the times listed below. 

• Friday at 3:30 p.m. ET
• Monday at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 2:00 p.m. ET
• Tuesday 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. ET

Alternatively, they can log on through our website to approve your hours.

The length of time it takes to process your request will depend on the type of clearance. See below for an approximate timeline for each. Please keep in mind that processing a complex clearance can take over two years—and in some cases much longer.

• Reliability: 1 to 4 weeks for a simple, non-complex file
• Secret: 3 to 9 months for a simple, non-complex file
• Top Secret: 6 months to 1 year for a simple, non-complex file

The timeframes listed above are approximate and are subject to change at any time. Please note that a clearance can be denied.

There is no direct impact or change to your VCR. We are working directly with the VCR office on updating their records. You do not need to take any action.

If you are not receiving timesheet reminder emails, ensure you check your spam/junk folder to see if our email landed there. If you find it in this folder, make sure to label our email as “Not Junk”. 

If you follow this step and still haven’t received it, please email timesheet@altis.com for support. Alternatively, you can log on through our website and access your timesheets through your account.

Reliability and Secret clearances are valid for 10 years and are subject to cancellation by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) if they are not in use, or if an issue arises that compromises the clearance.

No, your job search and timesheet portal login are the same. To access these, you will need to visit either: altisrecruitment.com or altistechnology.com.

Any applicable overtime will be automatically calculated by our system based on the employment standard requirements for the province where you report to work. Overtime must be pre-approved by both Altis Recruitment and the client.

No. To work in the federal government, candidates require a valid security clearance. We also fill roles within the private sector where security clearance is rarely necessary.

Please visit altisrecruitment.com or altistechnology.com (for IT roles) and use the job search bar on our homepage to access our current opportunities.

Your timesheet defaults to a weekly view. Please use the dropdown menu on the right side of the timesheet to select a biweekly or monthly view.

Please note: You can choose to enter all four weeks at the end of the month or fill them in as you go. If you do want to enter and save your hours weekly, that’s okay as well.

Please visit the PSPC website for more information on the various levels of security clearance.

Yes, the Federal Government remains one of our largest clients.

You will receive an email confirmation as soon as your timesheet is approved.

You can also login to the portal and follow the legend below. On an approved timesheet the time block will be highlighted in green.

When Altis Recruitment receives your clearance briefing form from Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), we will send you a copy by email. Once you receive the form, you will need to sign it electronically to complete the process. Please monitor your email regularly.

To request an additional copy of your clearance briefing form, please contact our clearance team by emailing security@altis.com or by calling us at 1-877-579-5808. Note: Altis Recruitment can only request copies of clearances for which we are the sponsor.

No, you do not. All applications are still valid and being reviewed.

You will be notified by email and advised to resubmit your timesheet.

Yes, you can apply. Based on the nature of your record, the clearance may take longer than normal to process.

No, it’s the same job portal.

In order to get paid your supervisor must approve your timesheet. We will send them email reminders. We also suggest that you contact your supervisor to remind them.

Please escalate this issue to your Account Manager if you are unable to contact them.

You may have an opportunity to work with different recruiters depending on the role(s) you’re applying to on our website.

Yes, it’s still valid. You don’t need to sign a new employment agreement. Your timesheet portal login won’t change (to access visit either: altisrecruitment.com or altistechnology.com). The only difference you’ll notice is on your next bank deposit, you’ll see a payment from ALTIS.

Your current contract is not changing. If an extension becomes available, we’ll notify you right away. If your contract is nearing its end, and you’d like to discuss extension possibilities or next steps for another role, please reach out to your primary point of contact on our team.  

No, nothing about your current contract changes.

No, it will not. There are no changes to pay frequency and/or the timesheet portal (for timesheet submission and approval).

To access your timesheet, visit either: altisrecruitment.com or altistechnology.com. Your login information remains the same.

No, your primary point of contact and their phone number remain the same. However, the email address will change to: firstname.lastname@altis.com.

Nothing changes. You don’t need to sign a new employment agreement. Your timesheet portal login won’t change (to access visit either: altisrecruitment.com or altistechnology.com). We’ve also notified our client, so you can be assured they are aware of this update as well.

No, you don’t need to update your banking information. If you’re currently working on contract with us, your pay will be uninterrupted. The only difference you’ll notice is on your next bank deposit, the payment will be from ALTIS.

​​​​​​If you live in Ontario: ​​​​​​​ No, your CPP contribution and EI Premium will be calculated based on your total 2023 earnings.

‍If you live in BC:  No, your CPP contribution and EI Premium will be calculated based on your total 2023 earnings. $ 3,754.45 CPP max $ 1,002.45 EI Max.

There is no impact to your vacation balance.

If you live in Ontario: ​​​​​​​No, you will only receive one T4 for your entire 2023 earnings. If you live in BC:  Yes, you will receive two: one for T4 earnings until May 28th and another for earnings after May 28th. Both will be issued by February 2024.

Your taxes will not change. If your personal tax situation has changed, you can request a TD1 from our payroll department: payroll@altis.com

​​​​​​​All pay stubs will remain accessible on the candidate Portal. They will be branded as Altis Recruitment or Altis Technology since the amalgamated company inherits past payrolls.

Most contract workers list the client organization where they’re working (or previously worked) on contract when citing their experience on their resume. If you wish to mention that you were placed through our firm, you could say “Altis Recruitment, formerly excelHR” or leave it as is.

On LinkedIn, most contract workers list the client organization where they’re working (or previously worked). If you do have Excel listed as your current employer, please note that we will be deactivating those pages.

Yes, please start following www.linkedin.com/company/altisrecruitment/ OR www.linkedin.com/company/altistechnology/. We will be deactivating our excelHR and excelITR pages.