On Friday, March 7, 2025, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (“IRCC”), announced the government’s intent to introduce a number of new measures to support Canada’s construction industry.
Because Canada is facing a housing shortage and uncertainty in the face of tariff threats, IRCC will immediately convene a tripartite advisory council comprised of federal government and union representatives, and industry leaders. This advisory council will work to identify on‑the‑ground labour needs and advise on the parameters for potential pathways that would bring in and retain the construction workers Canada needs for the long term, with robust protections against abuse and a strong wage threshold.
IRCC intends to create a pathway that would offer opportunities for undocumented migrants in the construction sector. These undocumented migrants are already living and working in Canada, and are contributing to the sector, and this pathway will keep them here legally so that they can continue to build the homes that Canada’s economy and Canadian communities need with the proper protections.
More information about these pathways will be shared in the near future as the new advisory council meets to develop these important policies.
Finally, to support foreign apprentices in construction programs and to address the current labour market needs in the construction sector, Canada is also introducing a temporary measure to allow foreign apprentices to complete their studies without a study permit, effective immediately. By removing this administrative barrier, apprentices will be able to gain the valuable skills they need to contribute to infrastructure projects more quickly.