Immigration policy changes can help expand Canada’s construction workforce
With companies struggling to fill current vacancies and 21 per cent of workers set to retire in the next decade, the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is looking to immigration as a means to build workforce capacity.
CCA, in consultation with its integrated partner associations, is preparing an analysis of current immigration practices in order to make recommendations to the federal government aimed at attracting the necessary workforce to Canada and the construction sector.
In a recent discussion with several Local Construction Association (LCA) leaders, concern was expressed over the federal point system as a potential barrier. For example, more points are awarded to higher education levels achieved while some trades are not recognized as a category. Some of these roles do not qualify for skilled labour or express entry yet are in great demand within the construction industry. CCA and its integrated partner associations believe that the points system needs to be adjusted so that the bias against construction workers is removed.
The industry is in a war for talent, and together with government, policies and practices need to be adapted to position construction as a career of choice. Investment is needed to build a pipeline of workers. According to a March 2022 report from Statistics Canada, there are 81,000 vacancies in construction alone. A skilled and experienced workforce is not created overnight. More attention needs to be placed on attracting immigrants and temporary foreign workers who can fill necessary positions now while building capacity for the future.
LCA leaders from various regions across Canada agreed that the government must accelerate the immigration process by improving efficiencies; reporting on applicants, approvals and other data regarding potential immigrants interested in the construction sector; reducing the approval period; and working with the industry to attract immigrants to work in construction.
It was also suggested that it may be helpful to engage with settlement agencies to promote a career in construction, which offers a good life, security, and good wage or salaried employment.
CCA’s LCA National Advisory Council will be meeting in June to further discuss these issues as the association seeks to develop recommendations to advance with the federal government.