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Navigating the complexities of HR management can be overwhelming. You're tasked with handling payroll, compliance, and employee benefits, all while keeping your team engaged and productive. That's where a Canadian PEO partner can help by offering valuable support to lighten your load.

In my experience, choosing the right PEO can transform your HR operations, freeing up your time to focus on what truly matters—growing your business. I've independently reviewed the top PEO providers in Canada to help you find the best fit for your needs.

In this article, I'll share my insights into each PEO provider's strengths and specialties, making it easier for you to make an informed decision. Let's dive into how these expert services can benefit your team.

Why Trust Our Reviews

We’ve been testing and reviewing HR software and services since 2019. As HR experts ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting a provider. We invest in deep research to help our audience make better purchasing decisions.

We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools and hundreds of service providers for different HR use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & check out our review methodology.

Best PEO Providers in Canada: Pricing Comparison Chart

This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top Canadian PEO companies to help you find the best option for your budget and business needs.

Tools Price
Deel Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people
Omnipresent From $100/employee/month
Syndesus Pricing upon request
The Payroll Edge Pricing upon request
Global PEO Services Pricing upon request
Globalization Partners Pricing upon request
PEO Canada Pricing upon request
Horizons Pricing upon request
Mercans Pricing upon request
CXC Global Pricing upon request
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Compare Software Specs Side by Side

Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.

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How to Choose a PEO Canada Provider

It’s easy to get bogged down in long lists of services and complex pricing structures. To help you prioritize the things that matter most for your business, keep the following factors in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
Business ObjectivesEnsure the PEO aligns with your goals, whether it's scaling operations or improving compliance.
Service Scope and SLAsCheck the services offered and their quality commitments to match your team's needs and expectations.
Support AvailabilityLook for 24/7 support if your team works across different time zones or requires immediate assistance.
Costs and Pricing StructureEvaluate the pricing model to avoid hidden fees and ensure it fits within your budget constraints.
Communication and ReportingAssess how frequently they’ll update you on important changes, and provide clear and actionable insights.
Industry ExpertiseChoose a PEO with experience in your sector for tailored solutions and better understanding of industry nuances.
Reputation and ReviewsResearch customer reviews and case studies to gauge reliability and client satisfaction.
Compliance AssuranceVerify their adherence to local laws and regulations to protect your business from legal risks.

Best PEO Canada Provider Reviews

Below are my detailed summaries of the best Canadian PEO providers that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each provider’s key services, unique specialties, and pros & cons to help you find the best one for your needs.

Best for global contractor management

  • Free demo available
  • Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people
Visit Website
Rating: 4.8/5

Deel offers services to hire and pay employees in Canada, focusing on managing payroll and compliance efficiently. They serve businesses of all sizes, particularly those with a global workforce or remote teams.

Why I picked Deel: Deel excels at global contractor management by providing automated solutions for payroll and compliance. Deel's platform allows you to navigate international hiring complexities with ease, offering localized benefits and tax automation. This makes it ideal for businesses looking to expand their global presence without administrative hassles.

Standout Services: Deel's employer of record service allows you to hire employees internationally without setting up a local entity, which simplifies compliance and tax management. Their global payroll solutions handle multi-currency payroll, helping your team manage payments efficiently across different countries.

Target industries: Technology, finance, e-commerce, SaaS, and startups

Specialties: Payroll management, compliance automation, global hiring, tax automation, and benefits management

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Comprehensive compliance support
  • Access to localized benefits packages
  • Automated tax document collection

Cons:

  • No fixed pricing structure
  • Platform complexity for new users

Best for global compliance

  • From $100/employee/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

Omnipresent is a global employment solutions provider that helps businesses hire and manage remote employees in over 160 countries, including Canada. They handle payroll, compliance, taxes, and administrative tasks, allowing you to focus on growing your business. 

Why I picked Omnipresent: They have a comprehensive understanding of local employment laws and regulations, ensuring your hires comply with Canadian labor standards, covering aspects like payroll, taxes, and benefits. Another key feature is their global payroll management. Omnipresent handles payroll processing in over 150 countries, making sure your team members are paid accurately and on time, regardless of their location. 

Standout Services: They offer support for transitioning contractors to full-time employees. This is especially handy if your company is growing and you want to reduce employment-related risks. They also provide benefits management, which allows you to offer competitive benefits packages tailored to local markets. 

Target industries: Technology, manufacturing, healthcare, finance, startups, enterprises, and retail

Specialties: Global payroll, hiring, tax management, and benefits management

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Strong local expertise in employment regulations
  • Handles tax compliance across multiple countries
  • Easy to manage payroll for global teams

Cons:

  • Support in certain regions can vary
  • Limited flexibility in customizing certain benefits packages

Best for cross-border US-Canada expansions

  • Consultation available on request
  • Pricing upon request

Syndesus offers Employer of Record (EOR) and Professional Employer Organization (PEO) services, focusing on cross-border employment between the US and Canada. They help businesses manage payroll, compliance, and HR functions, serving companies looking to expand their workforce across these borders.

Why I picked Syndesus: Specializing in US-Canada expansions, Syndesus provides tailored HR support for businesses operating in both countries. Their services ensure compliance with varying labor laws and facilitates smooth payroll and HR operations. This focus makes them an ideal partner for businesses navigating the complexities of cross-border employment.

Standout Services: Their onboarding services simplify integrating new hires across borders, ensuring compliance and consistency. Additionally, payroll solutions handle the intricacies of multi-currency payments, helping your team manage cross-border payroll effectively.

Target industries: Technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail

Specialties: US-Canada cross-border expertise, payroll management, compliance support, HR management, and onboarding services.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Tailored onboarding processes
  • Efficient cross-border payroll management
  • Specialized in US-Canada transitions

Cons:

  • Limited global reach
  • Pricing details are not transparent

Best for small businesses in Canada

  • Consultation available on request
  • Pricing upon request

The Payroll Edge offers payroll processing, HR management, and compliance services tailored for small to mid-sized US or international businesses that need help managing employees in Canada. They focus on simplifying administrative tasks to help companies manage their workforce efficiently.

Why I picked The Payroll Edge: The Payroll Edge specializes in supporting small businesses by offering tailored payroll solutions that meet local regulatory requirements. Their services help your team manage Canadian payroll taxes and employee benefits effectively. This makes them a suitable choice for US or international companies that need localized HR support, or Canadian small businesses who want to outsource their HR function completely.

Standout Services: Their payroll tax management service helps teams handle complex tax calculations and submissions, reducing the risk of errors. Additionally, their HR consulting service provides strategic advice on compliance and workforce management, enhancing your HR operations.

Target industries: Retail, hospitality, healthcare, construction, and small businesses

Specialties: Payroll processing, HR management, compliance support, tax management, and benefits administration

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Flexible service options
  • Friendly customer support
  • Tailored support for small businesses

Cons:

  • Setup process can be time-consuming
  • Customer support availability during business hours only

Best for cross-border payroll

  • Pricing upon request

Global PEO Services, a Safeguard Global company, provides PEO solutions that enable companies to hire employees in Canada without establishing a local legal entity. They handle HR, payroll, benefits, and tax compliance, serving businesses looking to expand into the Canadian market efficiently.

Why I picked Global PEO Services: Their cross-border payroll expertise simplifies managing payroll across different countries, which is crucial for multinational companies. They provide end-to-end HR solutions, allowing your team to focus on business growth while ensuring compliance with local laws. This setup is ideal for companies entering new markets without needing a subsidiary.

Standout Services: Their visa and immigration support services help your team navigate complex immigration laws, ensuring your hires meet all legal requirements. Additionally, their tax compliance management service monitors for compliance against local tax regulations, reducing legal risks for your business.

Target industries: Technology, manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and retail

Specialties: Cross-border payroll, HR management, tax compliance, visa and immigration support, and benefits administration

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Efficient employee onboarding
  • Provides benefits administration
  • Offers visa and immigration guidance

Cons:

  • Customer support response times can vary
  • Pricing details are not transparent

Best for enterprise solutions

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Globalization Partners offers employer-of-record services that allow businesses to hire global talent without setting up local legal entities. They focus on managing compliance, payroll, and benefits, serving large enterprises and high-growth companies expanding into international markets.

Why I picked Globalization Partners: Enterprise solutions are tailored for large companies needing to manage a complex workforce across different regions. Their global employment platform offers centralized oversight of compliance and payroll, which is essential for maintaining operations in multiple locations. This setup supports your team in managing diverse employee needs efficiently.

Standout Services: Their global payroll system handles multi-currency payments, ensuring your team can manage international payroll efficiently. The compliance management service helps you stay up-to-date with local labor laws, reducing the risk of legal issues.

Target industries: Technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail

Specialties: Employer of record services, global payroll management, compliance management, benefits administration, and HR technology

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Detailed payroll services
  • Strong compliance support
  • Efficient global hiring process

Cons:

  • Complex service offerings
  • Potential onboarding delays

Best for local HR expertise

  • Consultation available on request
  • Pricing upon request

PEO Canada offers comprehensive HR solutions, including payroll administration, benefits plan management, and compliance support for businesses across Canada. They cater primarily to companies looking to streamline their employee management operations and ensure compliance with Canadian employment regulations.

Why I picked PEO Canada: Local HR expertise allows PEO Canada to tailor solutions specifically for Canadian businesses, addressing unique regulatory requirements. Their services cover payroll, benefits, and compliance, providing essential support for your team. This makes them a reliable partner for companies navigating the Canadian market.

Standout Services: Their workers compensation management service helps your team handle claims and ensure compliance with local laws. Additionally, recruitment services provide support in finding and hiring the right talent, addressing your business's staffing needs efficiently.

Target industries: Healthcare, finance, technology, retail, and manufacturing

Specialties: Payroll administration, benefits management, compliance support, recruitment, and workers compensation

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Trusted advisory services
  • Strong client communication
  • Local expertise in Canadian HR

Cons:

  • Customer support hours may vary
  • Pricing details are not transparent

Best for rapid global expansion

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Horizons provides Employer of Record (EOR) services in Canada, enabling businesses to hire employees without establishing a local legal entity. They focus on compliance with Canadian labor laws, payroll management, and benefits administration, serving companies looking to expand quickly into the Canadian market.

Why I picked Horizons: Rapid global expansion capabilities allow companies to hire employees in Canada within 24 hours, a critical advantage for businesses seeking swift market entry. Horizons handles the complexities of labor law compliance and benefits management, ensuring your team stays focused on strategic goals without administrative hurdles. This makes them ideal for companies prioritizing speed and efficiency in their expansion efforts.

Standout Services: Horizons' payroll management service simplifies the complexities of Canadian payroll, ensuring compliance with local tax rates and regulations. Their benefits administration service offers access to comprehensive packages, including healthcare and long-term disability, tailored to meet local standards and employee expectations.

Target industries: Customer service, accounting, software development, technology, and finance

Specialties: Employer of Record services, payroll management, benefits administration, compliance management, and employee onboarding

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Offices in Toronto and Vancouver
  • Offers comprehensive benefits packages
  • Fast employee onboarding

Cons:

  • Customer support response time varies
  • Pricing details are not transparent

Best for data-driven HR services

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Mercans provides employer of record, PEO payroll, and HR services, supporting businesses in managing their international workforce. They focus on offering data-driven solutions that enhance HR operations for companies expanding into new markets.

Why I picked Mercans: Data-driven HR services improve decision-making and operational efficiency, which is critical for businesses managing a global workforce. Mercans delivers PEO payroll and compliance solutions that leverage data analytics to optimize HR processes. This focus makes them an excellent choice for companies seeking innovative HR support.

Standout Services: Their payroll processing leverages advanced analytics to ensure accurate and timely payments, addressing payroll complexities. The HR analytics service provides insights into workforce trends and performance, helping your team make informed HR decisions.

Target industries: Technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail

Specialties: Data-driven HR solutions, payroll processing, compliance management, HR analytics, and workforce management.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Flexible service offerings
  • Advanced payroll analytics
  • Data-informed HR decisions

Cons:

  • Customer support response time varies
  • Pricing details are not transparent

Best for payroll outsourcing

  • Consultation available on request
  • Pricing upon request

CXC Global specializes in global payroll solutions, offering services such as payroll administration, compliance management, and contractor management. It caters primarily to multinational companies and organizations with complex workforce needs.

Why I picked CXC Global: Payroll outsourcing is a key service that simplifies payroll administration for companies with global operations. Their solutions ensure compliance with local labor laws and tax regulations, which are crucial for managing an international workforce. This focus on payroll makes them a preferred choice for businesses needing reliable payroll management across multiple regions.

Standout Services: Their contractor management service helps your team efficiently manage and pay contractors globally, reducing administrative burdens. Additionally, compliance management ensures adherence to local employment laws, minimizing legal risks for your business.

Target industries: Technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail

Specialties: Payroll administration, contractor management, compliance management, tax services, and workforce solutions

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Detailed payroll services
  • Strong support for tax law compliance
  • Efficient contractor management

Cons:

  • Potential onboarding delays
  • Pricing details are not transparent

Other Canadian PEO Providers

Here are some additional PEO providers in Canada that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:

  1. Rippling

    For integrated HR solutions

  2. Remote

    For remote team management

  3. Papaya Global

    For automated compliance

  4. Paylocity

    For integrated payroll solutions

  5. Multiplier

    For HR compliance support

  6. OI Group

    For small teams in Canada

  7. ADP Comprehensive Outsourcing Services

    PEO company for large enterprises

  8. Canadian Payroll Services Inc.

    For managing Canadian tax laws

  9. INS Global

    For cross-border employment solutions

  10. Airswift

    For staffing within the energy sector

Related HR Software Reviews

If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for here, check out these other tools that are related to HR software, that we’ve tested and evaluated:

What are Canadian PEO Providers?

Canadian PEO providers are companies that offer outsourced human resources services to businesses using a co-employment model. They offer popular HR services such as:

  • Managing payroll and tax filings
  • Administering employee benefits
  • Ensuring compliance with labor laws
  • Advising on risk mitigation measures
  • Handling HR administrative tasks
  • Supporting recruitment and onboarding
  • Preparing compliant employment contracts

Businesses that typically seek out PEO Canada providers include small to mid-sized companies lacking in-house HR departments. They address needs such as managing employee-related tasks efficiently and ensuring legal compliance without the overhead of a full HR team.

Selection Criteria for Canadian PEO Providers

When selecting the best PEO providers in Canada to include in this list, I considered common business needs and pain points that these providers address. This included things like managing compliance with labor laws and reducing administrative burdens. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair: 

Core Services (25% of total score): To be considered for inclusion in this list, each provider had to offer these basic services:

  • Payroll processing and management, including direct deposits
  • Employee benefits administration
  • HR compliance and risk management
  • Recruitment and onboarding support
  • Employee records management

Additional Standout Services (25% of total score): To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique or especially valuable services, such as:

  • Global payroll solutions
  • Employer of record services
  • Immigration and visa support
  • Advanced HR analytics
  • Industry-specific compliance guidance
  • Flexible employee benefits packages
  • Managing complex liabilities

Industry Experience (10% of total score): To get a sense of the industry experience of each provider, I considered the following:

  • Number of years in operation
  • Range of industries served
  • Case studies or success stories
  • Expertise in local and international laws
  • Certifications and professional affiliations

Onboarding (10% of total score): To evaluate the onboarding experience for each provider, I considered the following:

  • Speed of the onboarding process
  • Clarity of onboarding documentation
  • Availability of dedicated onboarding support
  • Customization of onboarding steps
  • Feedback from clients on onboarding

Customer Support (10% of total score): To assess the level of customer support each provider offers, I considered the following:

  • Availability of 24/7 support
  • Multiple support channels offered
  • Response time to inquiries
  • Expertise of support staff
  • Customer feedback on support experiences

Value For Price (10% of total score): To evaluate the pricing and potential ROI of working with each provider, I considered the following:

  • Transparency of pricing structure
  • Comparison of cost to competitors
  • Inclusions in service packages
  • Flexibility of pricing options
  • Client testimonials on value for money

Customer Reviews (10% of total score): To get a sense of the overall satisfaction of existing customers, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • Commonly mentioned strengths
  • Frequently noted weaknesses
  • Consistency in customer feedback across reviews
  • Ratings on third-party review sites
  • Trends in customer satisfaction over time

Key PEO Canada Services

When selecting a Canadian PEO provider, keep an eye out for the following key services:

  • Payroll processing: Ensures accurate and timely payment of employees, reducing administrative burden.
  • Compliance management: Helps your business adhere to labor laws and regulations, minimizing legal risks.
  • Employee benefits administration: Manages health, retirement, and other benefits to attract and retain talent.
  • Recruitment support: Assists in finding and onboarding qualified candidates, streamlining the hiring process.
  • HR analytics: Provides data-driven insights into workforce trends and performance for informed decision-making.
  • Global payroll solutions: Facilitates payments across multiple countries, addressing the challenges of international operations.
  • Immigration and visa support: Guides businesses through complex immigration processes for international hires.
  • Onboarding services: Ensures a smooth integration of new employees into your organization with structured support.
  • Contractor management: Handles the administration and payment of contractors, reducing compliance issues.
  • HR consulting: Offers strategic advice on workforce management and organizational development.

Benefits of Canadian PEO Services

Partnering with a PEO service in Canada offers several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Reduced administrative burden: By handling payroll and compliance, PEOs free up your team to focus on core business activities.
  • Access to better benefits: PEOs manage comprehensive benefits packages, helping you attract and retain top talent.
  • Improved compliance: PEOs ensure adherence to local labor laws, reducing the risk of costly penalties and legal issues.
  • Scalability: With recruitment and onboarding support, PEOs help your business grow efficiently without the need for extensive HR infrastructure.
  • Data-driven insights: HR analytics provided by PEOs offer valuable insights into workforce trends, enabling informed decision-making.
  • Global reach: Many international PEOs offer global payroll solutions, making it easier to manage international teams.
  • Specialized expertise: Through HR consulting services, PEOs provide strategic advice to optimize your workforce management.

Costs & Pricing Structures of PEO Services in Canada

Canadian PEO services typically offer custom prices to accommodate different business needs, sizes, and circumstances. Providers generally work within one of the following pricing structures:

  • Subscription-based: Charges a regular fee, often monthly, for ongoing services.
  • Per-employee fee: Costs are calculated based on the number of employees managed.
  • Flat fee: A fixed rate for specific services, regardless of business size.
  • Project-based: Pricing is determined by the scope and duration of a specific project.
  • Tiered pricing: Offers different service levels, each with its own pricing, based on the complexity or extent of services needed.

Key Factors That Influence Canadian PEO Pricing

Beyond the specific pricing model, here are some additional factors that can influence the cost of a PEO in Canada:

  • Number of employees: More employees can increase costs, as PEOs often charge per employee.
  • Service complexity: More complex services or specialized needs may lead to higher fees.
  • Compliance requirements: Industries with stricter regulations may incur additional costs for compliance management.
  • Customization level: Tailoring services to fit unique business needs can result in higher costs.
  • Geographic reach: Supporting employees in multiple locations can affect pricing due to varying local regulations.

Being aware of these factors before you start seeking out custom quotes from providers helps you get a sense of what to expect, so you can compare and contrast quotes more effectively.

PEO Canada: FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about PEO services in Canada:

How do Canadian PEO providers handle compliance?

Canadian PEO providers keep your business compliant by managing employment-related regulations. They stay updated on labor laws and ensure your company’s policies align with legal requirements. This reduces your risk of fines and penalties. They often offer guidance on implementing best practices to maintain compliance.

What kind of businesses benefit most from using a PEO in Canada?

Small to mid-sized businesses often benefit the most from using a PEO Canada. This could include Canadian companies that might not have the resources to maintain a full HR department, or countries based abroad or within the US that want to expand and hire Canadian staff, but need support doing so.

Can a PEO company help with employee recruitment?

Yes, many PEO companies provide recruitment support to help client companies find qualified candidates for their open positions. This can include posting job ads, screening applicants, and conducting interviews and background checks. They make the hiring process more efficient and less time-consuming for your team.

Are PEO services customizable?

Most PEO providers offer customizable services to meet your specific needs. You can choose the level of service that fits your business, whether you need basic payroll support or full employee management services. Discuss your requirements with the PEO provider to tailor their services to your needs.

How do Canadian PEO providers charge for their services?

Canadian PEO providers typically charge a per-employee fee or flat rate per month. However, the cost will depend on the services you select and the size of your workforce. It’s important to review the pricing structure carefully to understand what you’re paying for.

Can a PEO company in Canada also handle international employees?

Many PEO companies offer services for international employees, including payroll and compliance support. They help manage the complexities of employing staff in different countries. This can be valuable for businesses looking to expand globally while maintaining legal compliance.

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Faye Wai
By Faye Wai

Faye Wai is a HR Technology Analyst and contributor to People Managing People, with a background in branding, public relations, and content marketing. She has vet vendors as an end-user in both consultancy and in-house capacities, providing her with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the people operations sector.