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On February 28, 2025, Immigration Minister Marc Miller was scheduled to announce new measures to support Canada’s construction industry. However, the announcement has been cancelled without any reasons provided.
Official IRCC Media Advisory Now CANCELLED
Minister Marc Miller was scheduled to hold a press conference in Ottawa at 1:00 PM ET to announce new measures aimed at supporting Canada’s construction industry. However, the announcement has been unexpectedly cancelled, leaving many to speculate about the potential changes that were to be introduced. The cancellation has sparked curiosity and discussions among stakeholders, as the construction industry eagerly awaits further updates on the anticipated measures. The reasons for the cancellation remain undisclosed, adding to the intrigue surrounding the announcement.
What Did We Expect This Announcement to Be?
The press release mentioned "new measures to support Canada’s construction industry," leading to various speculations. It was anticipated that the announcement could benefit individuals and firms in the construction business. Possible updates included measures to assist out-of-status construction workers or a follow-up on recent changes to Canada’s Express Entry system.
Canada’s Construction Industry Scale: Businesses and Workforce
The construction sector in Canada is substantial, with 396,139 businesses reported in 2023. The industry is predominantly made up of small and medium-sized enterprises, with 98.9% of businesses having 0-99 employees.
Employment in the sector is equally significant, with approximately 1.2 million workers in 2023, reflecting a doubling of the workforce since 1997. This growth highlights the industry's expansion to meet rising demands for residential and non-residential construction, though it faces challenges such as labor shortages and economic fluctuations.
Labor Shortages in Construction and the Role of Skilled Trades
Labor shortages are a pressing issue, with the construction industry struggling to find skilled workers to meet project demands. BuildForce Canada reports a need to recruit over 309,000 new workers by 2029, driven by an anticipated retirement of more than 257,000 workers and a projected growth of 50,200 jobs.
Skilled trades, such as electricians, carpenters, and plumbers, are central to addressing these shortages, as they possess the specialized skills required for construction projects. The industry faces demographic challenges, with an aging workforce and low participation rates among younger workers necessitating increased recruitment and training efforts.
Immigrant Contribution to the Workforce
Immigrants play a vital role in the construction industry, with estimates suggesting approximately 22% of the workforce are immigrants. Detailed data from the Canadian government’s Immigration Matters in Residential Construction page, citing the 2021 Statistics Canada Census, shows varying percentages by role:
|
Role |
Percentage of Immigrants |
|---|---|
|
Roofers and shinglers |
20% |
|
Electricians |
16% |
|
Carpenters |
15% |
|
Plumbers |
14% |
|
Steamfitters, pipefitters, sprinkler system installers |
12% |
|
General contractors and builders (residential) |
23% |
|
Architects |
41% |
|
Civil engineers |
40% |
|
Urban and land use planners |
23% |
|
Construction managers |
24% |
This table illustrates the significant presence of immigrants across various construction roles, highlighting their importance in addressing workforce needs. This contribution is crucial, especially given labor shortages, and reflects Canada’s reliance on immigration to sustain construction activity.
