Facing a persistent labor shortage in the construction industry and escalating pressures on housing supply, the Canadian government held a press conference on March 7, 2025, in Woodbridge, Ontario, to announce a series of new initiatives aimed at attracting more skilled workers and construction professionals. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller detailed the new policies, noting that these measures are a pragmatic response to the severe labor shortage in the domestic construction sector.

Key Reforms Include

1. Reserved Immigration Spots: The government will reserve immigration spots for up to 6,000 construction workers who are working in Canada without legal status, providing them with the opportunity to transition to permanent residency. Although the specific implementation details and application criteria have not yet been disclosed, this initiative is seen as an important measure to alleviate the industry’s labor shortage.
2. Relaxation of Apprenticeship Program Admission Requirements: Effective March 7, eligible temporary foreign workers will no longer be required to obtain a study permit to participate in apprenticeship training. Previously, foreign workers wishing to join apprenticeship programs were required to secure a study permit—a process that most such workers in Canada were not qualified for. This change will offer a more convenient pathway for workers seeking to upgrade their skills, thereby better meeting the needs of the construction industry.
3. Establishment of an Advisory Committee: To ensure that policy development aligns with practical needs, the government will form an advisory committee composed of government officials, union representatives, and industry employers. The committee is expected to hold its first meeting next week, focusing on key issues such as wage standards and the number of foreign construction workers to be admitted. It is reported that up to 14,000 foreign construction workers may eventually enter Canada through various channels, though it remains to be clarified whether they will be admitted on a permanent or temporary basis.

Background and Context

In recent years, Canada’s construction market has faced severe challenges due to an insufficient housing supply. According to forecasts by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, an additional 6 million housing units will be needed in the coming years to ease the burden of high housing costs. However, due to a domestic shortage of skilled workers, Canada has had to rely on immigration to bring in external talent. Statistics indicate that immigrants currently make up about 23% of general contractors and residential builders in the construction sector, underscoring their vital role in the industry.

Furthermore, on February 27, 2025, the Canadian government adjusted its skilled worker immigration policy within the Express Entry system, adding 19 construction-related occupations—including construction management, cost estimating, bricklaying, roofing, flooring installation, and painting and decorating. This expansion is aimed at further attracting construction professionals with practical experience and specialized skills to promote sustainable industry development.

Continuation of Previous Policy Achievements

As early as January 2020, Canada had implemented a temporary policy for undocumented construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area, allowing them to apply for permanent residency. This policy was extended multiple times until it expired on December 31, 2024, during which approximately 1,365 workers and their families successfully transitioned their status. The current new policy builds on that experience, aiming to establish a more stable and comprehensive mechanism for integrating these workers.

Overall Housing and Immigration Strategy

In its 2025–2027 immigration levels plan, the Canadian government is also prioritizing housing supply issues. Both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister Miller have stated that by reducing the number of temporary residents, it is possible to free up as many as 670,000 housing units. Additionally, the establishment of the “Canada Focused” category is intended to give priority to applicants with Canadian work experience, thereby achieving immigration targets while alleviating pressure on the housing market. It is reported that in 2025 alone, the government plans to admit approximately 82,890 new immigrants through this pathway.

Conclusion

Canada’s new series of immigration policies targeting the construction industry not only address the long-standing labor shortage but also reflect the government’s comprehensive approach to housing and immigration policy. As further details emerge, these measures are expected to inject new vitality into Canada’s construction sector while providing more legal opportunities for foreign workers wishing to remain in the country. Further updates will be provided as more details become available.