Canada is ramping up efforts to tackle its construction labor shortage by welcoming up to 14,000 foreign construction workers in 2025. In a major policy shift, the government will now allow qualified temporary foreign workers to join apprenticeship programs without requiring a study permit.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced the new measures during a press conference in Woodbridge, Ontario, emphasizing the need to fill critical gaps in the workforce. “As hard as we try, we cannot train enough skilled trades and construction workers here in Canada,” Miller said.
The initiative includes reserving 6,000 spots specifically for undocumented construction workers, giving them a pathway to legal employment and permanent residency. Additionally, a new advisory council will be formed to help shape federal construction policies, focusing on wages and workforce planning.
The move comes as Canada faces a severe housing crisis, with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation estimating the country needs six million new homes by 2030 to restore affordability.
To further address labor shortages, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently expanded the Express Entry system to include 19 new construction-related occupations, such as construction managers, estimators, bricklayers, roofers, and painters.
With these policy changes, Canada is signaling a strong commitment to attracting skilled workers and accelerating homebuilding efforts to meet growing demand.
