Canada’s immigration department is taking steps to support the construction industry by reserving 6,000 spots for undocumented workers and allowing qualified temporary foreign workers to enroll in apprenticeship programs without a study permit.
At a press conference in Woodbridge, Ontario, on March 7, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced that, effective immediately, foreign workers who register for apprenticeships can study without needing a permit—a requirement that was previously mandatory.
Miller also introduced an advisory council to help shape federal construction policies, including recommendations on wages and workforce intake. While he indicated that up to 14,000 foreign construction workers may be admitted, he did not clarify whether they would gain entry through permanent or temporary programs.
These measures are part of Canada’s strategy to address a chronic labour shortage in the construction sector, which has exacerbated the country’s housing crisis. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation estimates that an additional six million homes are needed by 2030 to restore housing affordability.
Acknowledging the shortage of skilled workers within Canada, Miller stated, “As hard as we try, we cannot train them [skilled trades and construction workers] here in Canada.”
To further support the sector, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) expanded the Express Entry system on February 27 to prioritize skilled trades. The update added 19 new eligible occupations, including construction managers, estimators, bricklayers, roofers, floor covering installers, and painters.
