It’s no secret that North America was built on the backs of immigrants. In many ways, the economic prosperity of countries like Canada continues to rely on newcomers from abroad. Federal lawmakers recognize this now more than ever as key sectors of the workforce face labour shortages. Without enough qualified individuals performing key jobs in health care and construction, everyone – including citizens who were born here – can expect a declining quality of life.
The current outlook has prompted talk, and now action, from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, which recently published a news release detailing potential changes to residency permissions for undocumented construction workers. While the details are still being ironed out, initial statements from Minister Marc Miller provide clues as to where things might be headed. Get a full breakdown below.
Recognizing Immigrants’ Role In the Canadian Economy
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has long been forced to walk a difficult tightrope between addressing labour market needs and maintaining sustainable immigration levels. On one hand, there’s recognition that immigrants fill crucial gaps in the workforce, particularly in sectors like construction and healthcare where shortages are becoming increasingly acute. On the other hand, the government must balance these economic imperatives with infrastructure capacity, public sentiment, and integration concerns.
The recent announcement from Minister Marc Miller regarding undocumented construction workers represents a pragmatic shift in policy that acknowledges both the contributions these individuals are already making and the critical housing needs facing Canadians. Hopes are that creating pathways to regularize status for those already working in the construction sector will bolster operational capacity in the interim while investments in domestic skill development foster long-term change.
The new policy direction aligns with Statistics Canada data showing immigrants comprise nearly a quarter of all general contractors and residential builders in the country. It proves two things: one, that cracking down on undocumented workers would severely hamper construction capacity at a time when housing shortages are reaching crisis levels; and two, that immigrants are essential contributors to Canada’s economic engine rather than simply beneficiaries of its prosperity.
New Government Actions
On March 7, 2025, Minister Mark Miller and the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship said the government will introduce several measures to support Canada’s construction industry while addressing labour shortages. These include establishing a tripartite advisory council, creating a regularization pathway for undocumented construction workers, and implementing a temporary measure allowing foreign apprentices to complete their studies without a study permit.
The initiative builds upon the success of previous programs like the out-of-status construction workers pilot in the Greater Toronto Area. The numerical impact of these changes won’t be huge, but it won’t be insignificant, either. In November 2024, about 1,365 permanent residents (including principal applicants and their dependents) were admitted through the out-of-status construction workers pathway.
Minister Miller has broad support from his fellow cabinet members as Canada heads into a new election season. Perhaps the most relevant and meaningful voice of support came from the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, who said, “Building the homes Canadians need and developing the resilient economy the times demand takes a strong construction workforce. Today’s changes will bring more skilled trades workers to work sites across Canada, fast-track building starts, and grow our economy.”
It’s unclear what would happen if a Conservative or NDP government were to take power in the next election. The Conservative Party has historically taken a more restrictive stance on immigration, though they have also acknowledged the economic necessity of foreign workers in certain sectors. The NDP, meanwhile, has advocated for more humane immigration policies but would likely face similar practical constraints in balancing labour needs with infrastructure capacity.
Stay Ahead of Changes to Canadian Laws with Oro Immigration
For undocumented construction workers currently in Canada, these policy changes represent a potential lifeline – an opportunity to secure legal status while continuing to contribute to the country’s economic growth. The success of these initiatives will ultimately depend on implementation details and the government’s ability to balance competing priorities in a complex policy landscape.
Like with all new potential changes to existing rules, Oro Immigration highly recommends staying informed through official channels. The legal landscape can shift quickly, and what applies today may change tomorrow. Those potentially affected by these new pathways should consult with our immigration professionals to understand eligibility requirements, documentation needs, and application timelines.
Qualified, trustworthy help is just a call away – get in touch with Oro Immigration today.
