Canada Boosts Housing with New Immigration Steps
Hello.
I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional territory of the Wendat, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
Thank you all for being here today. Thank you to the College of Carpenters and Allied Trades, for hosting us.
Immigration is fundamental to Canada’s prosperity. That’s why in the Fall, through the 2025 to 2027 Immigration Levels Plan, I laid out and announced a comprehensive approach to immigration planning that’s aimed at supporting responsible population growth while balancing the challenges facing many communities in Canada.
As we are facing a housing shortage in our country, we need a robust long-term plan to address any skill shortages and retain the workers we have. At the same time, we are facing continued tariff threats, creating great economic uncertainty.
That is why, today, I am announcing the convening of a tripartite Advisory Council, comprised of the federal government, unions, and industry and employers.
This Advisory Council will assist in assessing real, on the ground needs with the shifting economic landscape and will advise me and my department on the parameters for potential pathways to bring in and retain the construction workers we need for the long term, with strong protections against abuse and a strong wage threshold.
I am pleased that in conversations, we have already invited the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, CBTU, CLC and LiUNA to this important table. Unions are critical to ensuring worker safety and protection, and to ensuring the strength and the sustainability of the sector. I hope to convene the first meeting as early as next week.
In these unprecedented times, we must also rely on and facilitate the integration of the tremendous talent and skill that already exists in Canada. To that end, I am also announcing that we will remove barriers facing temporary workers in Canada who are in apprenticeship programs.
Unions advocate for workers’ rights and safe workplaces. Right now, foreign registered apprentices who want to build their skills need a study permit for programs longer than six months. But unlike international students at universities and colleges, apprenticeships and trades programs often offer paid work while learning.
So, we’ll allow qualified, foreign workers who register for apprenticeships to study without a permit, so more of them can contribute to our communities now, as they develop the skills they need for the future.
This supports the development and advancement of the Canadian construction industry by helping find new qualified, skilled workers-faster. Temporary workers who qualify will be eligible for a study permit exemption to enrol in trades, training, and apprenticeship programs for the duration of their existing work permit.
Applications for temporary workers to get a study permit exemption are open now.
Finally, we know that some workers who came here legally have continued to work after their status expired. These workers-often called undocumented or out-of-status workers-can be in precarious positions and forced to work for lower wages or take unsafe jobs.
In 2024, we completed a pilot program in the Greater Toronto Area in partnership with the Canadian Labour Congress. It identified out-of-status construction workers who were able to apply for permanent residency after years of working on construction projects, including building homes.
Based on what we’ve learned through our recent pilot program, we are reserving space for up to 6,000 undocumented workers across the country to participate a new construction pathway that will help bring these workers out of the underground economy and towards continuing their contributions to communities.
As we examine targeted options, I want to be clear: No one should stay here longer than they are legally allowed. Those who do may face serious consequences, including removal and being banned from returning to Canada in the future. However, it makes sense for us to keep workers in Canada who are already contributing to our economy, including by helping build more homes and ensure they are doing so with the proper protections.
With families facing challenges in finding affordable housing, the federal government is taking action to Support workers and speed up construction.
We want workers coming here and contributing to Canada to have clear pathways to stay, and the opportunity to access programs, supports, training and organizations that support them.
To serve the needs of Canadians, our immigration system must be quick to adapt to our evolving priorities. These new measures will help employers bridge the critical skills gap in the construction sector and the growing demand for more housing.
These initiatives align with the immigration plan for the next three years that limits the number of temporary newcomers and foreign workers, and prioritizes permanent residency for temporary workers already here.
We are making immigration work for our country by bringing in the skilled workers we need, while maintaining sustainable immigration volumes.
Thank you.
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Hon. Marc Miller
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2025/03/speaking-notes-for-the-honourable-marc-miller-minister-of-immigration-refugees-and-citizenship-canada-takes-action-to-support-housing-with-new-immi.html