Author: Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, RCIC
Canada Expands Immigration Pathways for Out-of-Status Construction Workers
January 20, 2023—Mississauga, Ontario—In a bid to tackle critical labour shortages and fortify its workforce, the Government of Canada is rolling out expanded immigration measures that offer pathways to permanent residency for out-of-status migrants. This initiative is particularly aimed at bolstering the construction sector, a crucial component of the nation's economic infrastructure.
A Successful Foundation
In 2019, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), in collaboration with the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), pioneered a groundbreaking permanent residence pilot program. Originally designed for 500 out-of-status construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), this initiative has proven to be a resounding success.
Expansion and Extension of the Program
Recognizing the program's positive impact, the government has announced a significant expansion. Peter Fonseca, Member of Parliament for Mississauga East-Cooksville, and Julie Dzerowicz, Member of Parliament for Davenport, declared on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, that the pilot program will now accommodate 1,000 out-of-status construction workers in the GTA.
Objectives of the Program
- Address Labour Shortages: By providing a pathway to permanent residency, the program aims to retain skilled workers critical to Canada’s economic development.
- Strengthen the Construction Industry: With a focus on stability, the initiative ensures that essential housing projects can move forward without disruption.
- Integrate Workers into the Formal Economy: Transitioning workers from the underground economy will bolster access to Canada’s social programs, such as the Canada Child Benefit, Old Age Security, and Employment Insurance.
Application Process and Eligibility
Eligible workers have until January 2, 2024, to apply for permanent residency. Applicants can also include their spouses, partners, and dependent children in their applications. The process begins with potential applicants submitting their names to the CLC, which will assess eligibility before referring them to the IRCC.
Future Directions
The Government of Canada remains committed to exploring innovative approaches to regularizing the status of undocumented workers across the nation. This commitment involves ongoing consultations with academics, non-governmental organizations, and provincial and territorial authorities to ensure that the measures implemented are both effective and equitable.
The expansion of this pilot program underscores Canada's resolve to not only fill immediate labour gaps but also to integrate valued workers into the social and economic fabric of the nation, ensuring a prosperous future for all.
