Foreign Workers in Construction & Canada's Housing Action Plan

michael • Jan 12, 2024

Canada’s Housing Action Plan, committing an additional $9 billion in investments

To address Canada's housing shortage, the federal government has launched the comprehensive Canada’s Housing Action Plan, committing an additional $9 billion in investments as compared to the 2013-14 fiscal year. 

This signals a major increase in demand for skilled tradespeople and construction professionals. But, with labour shortages already impacting the construction industry, hiring will continue to be a challenge.


This article examines how international collaboration and the contributions of foreign workers are helping meet the rising demand for new homes across the country.


Building Canada's Future: A National Effort

Addressing the housing shortage is a nationwide effort led by the federal government, involving various stakeholders such as provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, home builders, financiers, and Indigenous organizations. This collective initiative aims to overcome housing crisis challenges through substantial investment and collaboration.

The federal government's housing investments have significantly increased, fueling a surge in construction projects nationwide. Major urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver, grappling with housing shortages, have seen record numbers of housing starts in 2023, driven by accelerated rental construction.

 

Foreign Workers: Catalysts for Construction Boom

A key component of Canada's Housing Action Plan is the accelerated construction of new homes, both single family and high-density. The construction industry, crucial in meeting housing demands, heavily depends on skilled workers. Due to a shortage of local labor, foreign workers are stepping in to bridge the gap and contribute to the construction boom. The Government’s announcement notes that 1,500 foreign workers with trades experience were invited to work in Canada between May and November 2023. Additionally, future selection processes have been updated to prioritize trained and experienced tradespersons.

 

Removing Barriers to Labor Mobility

Recognizing the importance of a flexible labor market, the government is taking steps to break down barriers to internal labor mobility, including facilitating the movement of construction workers between provinces. By using federal transfers and funding, the government aims to streamline processes and ensure a skilled workforce where it is most needed.

 

Prioritizing Construction Workers for Permanent Residency

In a proactive move, the federal government has introduced a new selection process under the Express Entry immigration system to prioritize permanent residency applicants with construction-related skills and experience. This not only addresses immediate labor needs but also contributes to the nation's long-term growth.

 

A Global Approach to Local Challenges

As Canada addresses housing shortages, the role of foreign workers in the construction industry is crucial. Their contribution, combined with strategic investments and government initiatives, forms a comprehensive approach to tackling the housing crisis. In the spirit of global collaboration, Canada is building its future with individuals from around the world, creating a diverse and resilient construction industry that plays a pivotal role in meeting the nation's housing demands.

Catching Up With Laika

By Miranda Miller • 28 Mar, 2024
At Immigrate, our team is passionate about making immigration dreams come true. Today, we're thrilled to introduce Sales Associate Laika Luslos, who exemplifies that attitude. Read on to find out what makes Laika so passionate about making the journey to Canada accessible! Can you please introduce yourself and what you do here at Immigrate? Laika: My name is Laika. I'm from the Philippines, and I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration and have completed a certificate in a teaching program for secondary education. I'm part of the team here at Immigrate as an immigration Sales Associate. I have a strong passion for music, and I enjoy spending quality time with my family. What is your role like on a day-to-day basis? Laika: My role involves connecting with clients who are interested in immigrating to Canada, understanding their needs and goals, addressing their questions and concerns, and helping them navigate the complexities of immigration procedures. My favorite part is witnessing the excitement and relief on clients' faces when they receive approvals for their immigration applications. It's incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey and help make their aspirations a reality. How do we help clients overcome barriers to starting their new life in Canada? Laika: We offer a wide range of personalized immigration guidance and support, like access to resources, assistance with navigating complex paperwork and legal documents, and help with language barriers or unfamiliarity with the Canadian immigration system. Our team is here to support every step of the way. What makes Immigrate different from other immigration providers? Laika: What sets Immigrate apart is our commitment to providing a high chance of success through personalized recommendations and advice. Our team goes above and beyond to ensure the success of our clients' immigration journey. Plus, having our own unique software platform minimizes the likelihood of mistakes and streamlines the process. What’s a goal you have for the future? Laika: Looking ahead, a future goal of mine is to continue growing within the field of immigration and learning in my role at Immigrate. I'm passionate about helping people achieve their goals and aspirations and I look forward to making a positive impact on even more clients’ lives in the future. And I am really excited about embarking on the journey to fulfill my own Canadian dream alongside my family, combining personal aspirations with professional growth.
A man is standing in a field with his arms crossed in front of a combine harvester.

New SINP Entrepreneur Category Changes in March 2024

By Dirk Propp • 28 Mar, 2024
This article is written by Immigrate President and Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, Dirk Propp (license #R417407). On March 14th, the Saskatchewan Government made changes to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) Entrepreneur Category, affecting many international entrepreneurs considering starting a business in the province. These new changes affect those in the Expression of Interest Pool for future draws. Many of the applicants already in the pool will need to look for different options, or be able to meet the new criteria. The most important changes are: New minimum language requirement: Applicants must have a CBL 5 in English. Previously no English was required. Mandatory exploratory visits: Visits are required for five calendar days, when applicants should conduct comprehensive research for their proposed business plan. This will mean that applicants will need to obtain a visitor visa to visit Saskatchewan. Extended operation: Applicants must operate the business for a minimum of 12 months on their work permit prior to removing conditions to get a nomination for permanent residence. Business purchases: Applicants cannot buy a business that a previous SINP applicant has started for at least five years after its inception. New ineligible businesses: More business types are not considered for investment. New definition of eligible business investments: This change affects which investments are eligible to meet the minimum investment criteria in the business plan and in operations to remove the conditions and obtain the nomination for permanent residents. Applicant requirements: This restricts applicants to live within 50km of their business, and extends the boundary of major cities to include urban communities. New interview requirements: There is now a mandatory interview which must take place within 90 days of the request by the province. In conclusion, these changes will give international business investors a better chance to build a successful business. For example, the language requirement will help with integration into English-speaking communities and likely a higher chance of success in business operations. These changes will also help rural businesses thrive in Saskatchewan. Secondly, these changes will limit the amount of applications and increase opportunities in certain countries where English is more prominent. The interview gives the officers the discretion to refuse any applicant based on their opinion, which may be frustrating for some applicants. However, it should also give successful applicants a higher chance of success if approved. This change removes Saskatchewan as one of the last provinces to not require English testing to become business immigrants in Canada. If you would like to know more about the changes or get help setting up an exploratory visit, completing your business plan and SINP application, and meeting all other requirements, please contact me directly through sales@immigrate.biz so we can see if this may be the right fit for you and your family to make Saskatchewan your new home.
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