Legal resources for scouts
WhoDooUNode scouts are independent referrers, not employment agents or personnel-placement operators. That distinction is enforced by the Scout Declaration, by the Terms of Service, and by the Member Handbook. Where the line sits between “referrer” and “recruiter” varies by jurisdiction — this page links to the right authority in each of the places our scouts most often operate.
This is not legal advice.
These links are starting points — authoritative sources for rules that change over time. If you're uncertain whether your activity crosses a licensing threshold in your jurisdiction, consult a lawyer or contact the relevant authority directly. The descriptions below are summaries, not definitive interpretations of law.
🇨🇦 Canada
Ontario
Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
www.ontario.ca/document/your-guide-employment-standards-act-0Search for "employment agency" and "personnel placement" licensing rules. Ontario historically required licensing for operators who act as employment agencies; referral-only activity generally falls outside this framework.
British Columbia
Employment Standards Branch
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards-advice/employment-standardsEmployment standards apply to the employer-employee relationship. Recruiting for a fee from workers is restricted; referral activity paid by a platform (not by workers) is a different model.
Quebec
CNESST — Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail
www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/enQuebec has specific rules for personnel placement agencies that recruit foreign workers. Check whether your activity triggers those requirements.
Alberta
Employment Standards (Alberta.ca)
www.alberta.ca/employment-standardsReview provincial rules on employment agencies and recruiter licensing. Scope depends on whom you charge and how you hold out your services.
🇺🇸 United States
California
Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE)
www.dir.ca.gov/dlseCalifornia regulates talent agencies and employment agencies separately. Review the Employment Agency Regulation Law if your activity resembles agency operations.
New York
NY State Department of Labor
dol.ny.govNY has one of the most active employment-agency licensing frameworks in the U.S. (NYC has its own additional licensing through DCWP). Search "employment agency license" to find the current rules.
Texas
Texas Workforce Commission
www.twc.texas.govPersonnel services and recruitment firms in Texas may be subject to specific registration or licensing depending on activity type.
Massachusetts
Office of the Attorney General (Fair Labor Division)
www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-the-attorney-generalMassachusetts licenses employment agencies through the AG's office. Search "employment agency license" for current application and rules.
U.S. Federal
U.S. Department of Labor
www.dol.govFederal rules apply in addition to state rules (e.g., around wage and hour, discrimination, worker classification). Federal law does not license recruiters directly — that is a state matter — but it shapes how recruiter-like activity is treated.
Don't see your jurisdiction?
Search your provincial, state, or national Ministry of Labour (Canada) / Department of Labor (USA and some other countries) / equivalent labour authority for “employment agency licensing” or “personnel placement regulation.” Referral-only activity generally sits outside these frameworks, but the specifics vary.
If you're licensed as a recruiter in your jurisdiction and want broader permissions on the platform, contact support@whodoounode.com about the licensed-scout tier (coming post-launch).