Canada Expands Program for Out-of-Status Construction Workers in Toronto
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Government Announcement
The Canadian government is advancing immigration measures to support employers in dealing with labor shortages. This includes creating pathways for out-of-status migrants.
January 20, 2023—Mississauga, Ontario— Canada is extending a pilot program that offers permanent residency to 1,000 out-of-status construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This initiative, originally launched in 2019 in collaboration with the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), was initially set for 500 workers.
The program highlights the vital role of construction workers in urban development, providing them and their families with a permanent residency path. This effort is part of a broader strategy to address labor shortages, ensuring the retention of essential workers to enhance community growth.
Program Impact
Supporting Workers and Communities
This initiative enhances stability in the construction sector, ensuring skilled workers contribute to housing development needs. It also allows more workers to emerge from the underground economy, benefiting public services like the Canada Child Benefit and Employment Insurance.
Eligible workers have until January 2, 2024, to apply for permanent residence, including their spouses, partners, and dependent children. The CLC will screen applicants before referring them to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Consultative Approach
The government is consulting with experts and organizations to find innovative ways to regularize the status of undocumented workers in Canada.
Statements from Officials
“This pilot program significantly addresses labor shortages in Toronto, supporting the construction industry’s stability and integrating workers into the formal economy. By providing regular pathways, we safeguard workers, families, and the overall labor market.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“Expanding this initiative for construction workers in Toronto addresses labor shortages while offering permanent home opportunities for contributors to our economy. This program alleviates the fear of removal, improving lives and communities.”
– Peter Fonseca, Member of Parliament for Mississauga East-Cooksville
“The CLC is proud to assist another 500 out-of-status workers in finding permanent residency, ending their job and immigration insecurity. These workers fill labor gaps but live under the threat of deportation. This initiative helps vulnerable workers and their families.”
– Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress
Key Information
- Immigration drives nearly 100% of Canada’s labor force growth. By 2036, immigrants could represent up to 30% of the population, compared to 20.7% in 2011.
- Canada’s aging population is impacting the worker-to-retiree ratio, expected to be 2 to 1 by 2035, down from 7 to 1 fifty years ago.
- From January to October 2022, over 645,000 work permits were issued, almost four times the number in 2021.
- Immigrants comprise 36% of physicians, 33% of business owners with staff, and 41% of engineers.
- The government allocated an additional $50 million in 2022–2023 to IRCC to address application backlogs and accelerate processing.
- Since the pilot’s launch in July 2019, 452 individuals have become permanent residents, including 190 principal applicants and 262 dependents.
- The CLC plays a crucial role in identifying eligible applicants for the pilot.
- Applicants must have significant construction work experience in the GTA, Canadian family members, a CLC referral letter, and no other inadmissibility reasons besides overstaying a visa or unauthorized work.
- IRCC is exploring broader regularization pathways for undocumented migrants and their families to enhance job market entry and address labor shortages.
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Additional Resources
Media Contacts
For media inquiries only:
Bahoz Dara Aziz
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
bahoz.daraaziz@cic.gc.ca
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
media@cic.gc.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the expanded pilot program?
The program aims to offer permanent residency to out-of-status construction workers, addressing labor shortages and enhancing community stability.
Who is eligible to apply for this program?
Eligible candidates must have significant construction experience in the GTA, family in Canada, and a referral from the CLC without other inadmissibility issues.
How does the program benefit Canadian society?
By bringing workers into the formal economy, the program enhances access to public services and addresses critical labor needs.
What is the application deadline for the program?
Eligible individuals have until January 2, 2024, to apply for permanent residency through this initiative.
How is the program addressing labor shortages?
By providing a path to permanency, the program ensures skilled workers remain to support economic growth and community building.
