On 07 March, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, announced a series of initiatives under the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan to support Canada’s construction industry. These measures include:
- Tripartite Advisory Council: A collaboration between federal government representatives, unions, and industry leaders to assess workforce needs and develop pathways for skilled workers.
- Regularization Pathway: A program to provide legal status for 6,000 undocumented construction workers already contributing to the industry.
- Support for Foreign Apprentices: A new measure allowing foreign apprentices to complete their training without a study permit.
These initiatives aim to address labour shortages, support economic development, and ensure the timely completion of critical infrastructure projects.
Immigrants significantly contribute to fulfilling this demand and supporting the country’s infrastructure growth. Key benefits of the new immigration measures are as follows:
| Initiative | Objective | Impact |
| Tripartite Advisory Council | Identify labour needs and recommend policies | Ensures a steady flow of skilled workers |
| Regularization Pathway | Grant legal status to undocumented construction workers | Supports the housing sector and protects workers |
| Study Permit Exemption for Foreign Apprentices | Remove barriers to education for foreign apprentices | Faster integration into the workforce |
“Canada’s construction industry is vital to support and sustain our country’s growth. These measures will ensure infrastructure projects are completed on time and tackle labour shortages.”
– The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
These initiatives reinforce Canada’s commitment to leveraging immigration to meet economic and housing needs while ensuring a fair and sustainable system for workers and employers alike. Stay tuned for more details as the government continues to develop these critical policies.
Immigrants constitute 23% of all general contractors and residential builders in Canada’s construction sector. As of November 2024, approximately 1,365 permanent residents have been admitted through the out-of-status construction workers pathway. In 2024, the Government of Canada introduced Solving the Housing Crisis: Canada’s Housing Plan, focusing on increasing housing supply and affordability.
The Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy and the Foreign Credential Recognition Program aim to build a skilled and inclusive construction workforce to meet housing demands.
Formation of Tripartite Advisory Council
In response to Canada’s housing shortage and potential tariff threats, the government will establish a Tripartite Advisory Council. This council, consisting of federal representatives, industry leaders, and unions, will:
- Identify labour needs in the construction industry.
- Develop policies to bring and retain skilled workers.
- Ensure robust protections against worker abuse and fair wage standards.
Regularization Pathway for Undocumented Workers
The government plans to expand initiatives like the Greater Toronto Area pilot for out-of-status construction workers by offering a legal pathway for undocumented workers in the sector. These workers already contribute significantly to the industry, and regularization will allow them to continue supporting housing development under proper protections.
Temporary Exemption for Foreign Apprentices
Furthermore, to accelerate skill development in the construction sector, foreign apprentices will now be able to complete their studies without needing a study permit, effective immediately. This initiative aims to:
- Remove bureaucratic hurdles for foreign apprentices.
- Enable apprentices to gain skills and contribute to infrastructure projects faster.