The Government of Canada is taking decisive action to address the housing crisis by implementing new immigration policies to strengthen the construction workforce. On March 7, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced a series of initiatives in Toronto designed to attract and retain skilled construction workers, ensuring Canada’s housing sector has the workforce needed to meet rising demands.

Why Immigration is Key to Solving the Housing Crisis

Immigration has long been a driver of Canada’s economic growth. However, with a significant housing shortage, balancing population growth with workforce planning is crucial. The government is now introducing a tripartite Advisory Council, including the federal government, unions, and industry leaders. The goal of this council is to:

• • • • Assess the real-time needs of the construction sector.
      • Provide recommendations for workforce development.
      • Ensure fair wages and strong protections for workers.

This initiative will directly contribute to faster and more efficient housing construction by bridging gaps in skilled labour.

Removing Barriers for Skilled Apprentices

A key challenge in the construction sector has been the requirement for study permits for apprenticeship programs longer than six months. Unlike university students, apprentices often earn wages while learning their trade. To eliminate unnecessary barriers and speed up the integration of foreign talent, the government has announced that foreign workers registered in apprenticeships can now study without a permit. This move will:

• • • • Encourage more skilled workers to enter the construction industry.
      • Support faster training and employment of workers.
      • Strengthen the housing sector by ensuring a steady supply of trained professionals.

Pathway to Residency for Undocumented Construction Workers

Many undocumented workers have contributed to Canada’s economy for years, especially in construction. However, without legal status, they often face unfair wages, unsafe work conditions, and job insecurity. To address this, Canada is launching a new construction worker pathway that will:

• • • • Provide up to 6,000 undocumented workers with the opportunity to apply for permanent residency.
      • Help bring workers out of the underground economy.
      • Ensure all workers are protected under Canadian labour laws.

This initiative builds upon a successful pilot program in Greater Toronto, allowing out-of-status construction workers to apply for permanent residency. Expanding this program nationwide will help stabilize the workforce while ensuring compliance with labour regulations.

Read More: How Express Entry Shaped Immigration in Canada 

A Sustainable Approach to Immigration

Minister Miller emphasized that while Canada focuses on integrating skilled workers, the overall immigration strategy remains balanced and sustainable. The plan aims to:

• • • • Limit the number of temporary newcomers to manage population growth responsibly.
      • Prioritize permanent residency for temporary workers already contributing to the economy.
      • Adapt policies based on economic and housing needs to keep Canada competitive.

By making smart, targeted adjustments, the government is ensuring that immigration continues to support Canada’s long-term prosperity.

Conclusion: A Stronger Future for Canada’s Housing Industry

With rising housing demands, these new immigration measures will be critical in expanding Canada’s construction workforce. The removal of barriers for apprentices, the pathway for undocumented workers, and collaboration with industry leaders will help:

• • • • Speed up housing construction.
      • Ensure fair wages and worker protections.
      • Strengthen Canada’s economy through a skilled and stable workforce.

As Canada continues to evolve, these proactive immigration policies will help build the homes Canadians need while fostering a thriving labour market.