Immigration programs can address labour shortages in the residential construction sector and support Canada in reaching its goals, according to a study conducted by the Conference Board of Canada (CBOC). “Construction of new homes is critical to addressing housing affordability and availability in Canada, but persistent labour shortages is one of the obstacles slowing progress,” said CBOC Executive Director Stefan Fournier in a press release. “Allocating a small number of immigration places within the existing Immigration Levels Plan to occupations that are core to residential construction could mitigate labour shortages and advance the building of new homes.”The report outlines five recommendations policymakers can take that would improve Canada’s immigration system and address the housing crisis by enabling skilled construction workers to enter it and begin contributing to the sector. To maximize the impact of immigration policy changes, the CBOC said provinces, regulators and employers need to collaborate to address regional and national challenges. “Each day, we see the impact that a lack of housing supply is having on Canadians from coast to coast,” said Canadian Real Estate Association CEO Michael Bourque. “Without policy intervention, Canada will not have the workers required to meet its ambitious homebuilding targets, and Canadians will continue to face challenges whether they are looking to purchase or rent a home.”The CBOC said Canada’s immigration system was designed to select people with high human capital rather than those with skills in in-demand occupations, as the system privileges high levels of education and strong proficiency in its official languages. It added many occupations in the trades, including those needed for residential construction, are eligible for economic immigration programs. In practice, people with these skills are seldom selected for permanent residence. Canada operates a small Federal Skilled Trade Program, but it does not address the immigration barriers for people working in the trades. “While there are provincial and regional nominee programs that can facilitate the immigration process for foreign workers, residential construction isn’t well-positioned to leverage these programs,” said British Columbia Real Estate Association CEO Trevor Koot. “Canada needs immigration programs that support an expanded supply of workers with experience in the trades, including residential construction.” The Canadian government said 3.5 million units need to be added to the country’s housing supply by 2030. Canada needs a mix of standalone housing, apartments and other types of homes for homeowners and renters. The CBOC projected its residential construction industry will grow 15% by 2030. This translates to a structural labour shortage of 12,000 jobs per year on average, limiting the pace of homebuilding. The Canadian government said in November it will increase the number of immigrants entering Canada, with a goal of bringing in 500,000 people in 2025.READ MORE: Ottawa to welcome 500,000 immigrants per year by 2030That is up from the 405,000 immigrants who came to Canada in 2021 and the 465,000 expected to arrive in 2023. The new plan, revealed by former immigration minister Sean Fraser, emphasizes bringing in immigrants based on their work skills and experience.
Immigration programs can address labour shortages in the residential construction sector and support Canada in reaching its goals, according to a study conducted by the Conference Board of Canada (CBOC). “Construction of new homes is critical to addressing housing affordability and availability in Canada, but persistent labour shortages is one of the obstacles slowing progress,” said CBOC Executive Director Stefan Fournier in a press release. “Allocating a small number of immigration places within the existing Immigration Levels Plan to occupations that are core to residential construction could mitigate labour shortages and advance the building of new homes.”The report outlines five recommendations policymakers can take that would improve Canada’s immigration system and address the housing crisis by enabling skilled construction workers to enter it and begin contributing to the sector. To maximize the impact of immigration policy changes, the CBOC said provinces, regulators and employers need to collaborate to address regional and national challenges. “Each day, we see the impact that a lack of housing supply is having on Canadians from coast to coast,” said Canadian Real Estate Association CEO Michael Bourque. “Without policy intervention, Canada will not have the workers required to meet its ambitious homebuilding targets, and Canadians will continue to face challenges whether they are looking to purchase or rent a home.”The CBOC said Canada’s immigration system was designed to select people with high human capital rather than those with skills in in-demand occupations, as the system privileges high levels of education and strong proficiency in its official languages. It added many occupations in the trades, including those needed for residential construction, are eligible for economic immigration programs. In practice, people with these skills are seldom selected for permanent residence. Canada operates a small Federal Skilled Trade Program, but it does not address the immigration barriers for people working in the trades. “While there are provincial and regional nominee programs that can facilitate the immigration process for foreign workers, residential construction isn’t well-positioned to leverage these programs,” said British Columbia Real Estate Association CEO Trevor Koot. “Canada needs immigration programs that support an expanded supply of workers with experience in the trades, including residential construction.” The Canadian government said 3.5 million units need to be added to the country’s housing supply by 2030. Canada needs a mix of standalone housing, apartments and other types of homes for homeowners and renters. The CBOC projected its residential construction industry will grow 15% by 2030. This translates to a structural labour shortage of 12,000 jobs per year on average, limiting the pace of homebuilding. The Canadian government said in November it will increase the number of immigrants entering Canada, with a goal of bringing in 500,000 people in 2025.READ MORE: Ottawa to welcome 500,000 immigrants per year by 2030That is up from the 405,000 immigrants who came to Canada in 2021 and the 465,000 expected to arrive in 2023. The new plan, revealed by former immigration minister Sean Fraser, emphasizes bringing in immigrants based on their work skills and experience.
