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Tag: Canada labor

  • Canada set to accept 14,000 construction workers in 2025

    Canada set to accept 14,000 construction workers in 2025

    Canada immigration department is reserving 6,000 spots for undocumented construction workers and letting qualified temporary foreign workers join apprenticeship programs without a study permit.

    At a March 7 press conference in Woodbridge, Ontario, Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated that effective immediately, the government will “allow qualified foreign workers who register for apprentices to study without a permit.”

    Previously, foreign nationals needed study permits for apprenticeships.

    Miller also announced an advisory council to shape federal construction policy, including input on wages and worker intake.

    He stated that up to 14,000 foreign construction workers may be admitted but did not specify whether through permanent or temporary pathways.

    Canada is turning to immigration to address persistent labour shortages in construction, which have worsened the country’s housing crisis.

    The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation estimates an additional six million homes are needed by 2030 to restore affordability.

    Miller acknowledged the domestic workforce gap, saying, “…as hard as we try, we cannot train them [skilled trades and construction workers] here in Canada.”

    On February 27, IRCC expanded the Express Entry system to prioritize trades, adding 19 new occupations, including construction managers, estimators, bricklayers, roofers, floor covering installers, and painters.

  • Canada announces 70,000 new job opportunities for youth in hospitality, marketing, construction

    Canada announces 70,000 new job opportunities for youth in hospitality, marketing, construction

    The Government of Canada is set to provide 70,000 job opportunities for young people this summer through the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program.

    The initiative is aimed at equipping youth with valuable skills, hands-on experience, and career exploration opportunities while offering financial support for education and living expenses.

    According to Canada Immigration Services, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Marci Ien, confirmed that 70,000 summer job placements will be available for young people between the ages of 15 and 30.

    The program builds on last year’s success, where it exceeded expectations by creating 71,200 jobs, surpassing the initial target of 70,000.

    Starting April 21, 2025, young job seekers can explore available positions through the Job Bank website and mobile app.

    The program offers roles across diverse industries, including recreation, food services, marketing, tourism, housing construction, and environmental protection. These opportunities not only align with participants’ interests but also target industries experiencing labor shortages.

    A key priority of the CSJ program is to support young people facing employment barriers.

    The initiative is designed to provide equitable job access for indigenous youth, racialized youth, youth with disabilities, and those in rural or remote communities.

    By focusing on these groups, the government aims to foster a more inclusive workforce and ensure equal opportunities for all.

    Long-Term Impact on Youth Employment

    The Canada Summer Jobs program is part of the broader Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), which facilitates the transition of young people into the workforce.

    According to an independent audit by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada, CSJ participants experience better long-term earnings compared to those who do not take part.

    A 2024 survey revealed that 92% of respondents gained confidence in key employment skills, while 85% expressed optimism about their future career prospects.

    Government Investment in Youth Employment

    As outlined in Budget 2024, the Government of Canada has allocated $351.2 million for the YESS program in 2025–26. This includes $200.5 million specifically for CSJ, prioritizing job creation in critical sectors such as housing construction. An additional $150.7 million will fund job placements and employment services under the broader YESS initiative.

    Minister Ien emphasized the significance of the program, stating, “A summer job is more than just a paycheque—it’s a chance for young people to gain experience, develop new skills, and explore career paths that interest them. Through Canada Summer Jobs, there are thousands of opportunities for youth to grow, contribute to their communities, and build a strong foundation for their future.”

  • Canada to tackle labor shortage with immigrants in key sectors

    Canada to tackle labor shortage with immigrants in key sectors

    Canada is addressing its growing labour shortage by turning to immigration to sustain its workforce. Immigrants are filling key roles in healthcare, transportation, construction, business, and technology, driving economic growth and meeting critical staffing needs across industries vital to the country’s economy.

    According to Immigration News Canada (INC), immigration is central to sustaining Canada’s workforce, especially as the country faces the challenges of an aging population. It is observed that immigrants contribute to nearly every industry.

    Reports tell that immigrants provide the skills and expertise needed to keep the economy strong and ensure the continued growth of the country.

    In-demand job sectors in Canada

    From healthcare and transportation to construction and technology, immigrants’ contributions are not only addressing immediate workforce gaps but also supporting long-term growth in sectors critical to the country’s prosperity. Sectors as the ones listed below:

    Healthcare: a lifeline sustained by immigrants 

    Immigrants make up a significant portion of Canada’s healthcare workforce, INC reports. In a sector that employs over 1.9 million people, one in four healthcare workers is foreign-born.

    • With more than 420,000 healthcare professionals expected to retire in the next decade, immigrants are essential in addressing the staffing shortages.
    • Facts note that they make up 25% of registered nurses and 42% of nurse aides, playing a crucial role in addressing staffing shortages in nursing and residential care facilities.
    • They also fill specialized roles, accounting for 43% of pharmacists, 37% of physicians, 45% of dentists, and 61% of dental technologists.
    • As Canada’s aging population drives demand for home health care services, immigrants are stepping in to provide essential care, ensuring accessibility and quality.
    • With healthcare demands on the rise, reports tell that immigrants will remain key to maintaining the stability and quality of the system.

    Transportation: keeping Canada moving 

    The transportation sector is another critical area supported by immigrants, with over 800,000 workers ensuring the delivery of goods and services across the country.

    • Immigrants represent 35% of truck transportation workers and own 56% of trucking businesses. They also make up 43% of the public transit workforce and 25% of air transportation employees.
    • INC informs that 25% of transportation workers are aged 55 or older, and the sector is facing a significant wave of retirements in the next decade.
    • Immigrants also account for 26% of postal service workers and 18% of those in rail transportation. Through their contributions, they help maintain Canada’s transportation networks, ensuring the continued flow of goods and services vital to the nation’s economy.

    Construction: building Canada’s future 

    • Canada’s residential construction sector, which employs over 600,000 workers, relies heavily on immigrants to meet the growing demand for skilled labour.
    • With a significant portion of the workforce approaching retirement, immigrants fill key roles in construction, particularly in trades such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work; especially as 18% of skilled tradespeople are expected to retire in the next decade.
    • They contribute significantly across various sectors: 41% of architects and 40% of civil engineers are immigrants, driving innovative housing solutions.
    • Additionally, 24% of construction managers are immigrants. Immigrants also make up 20% of roofers, 16% of electricians, 15% of carpenters, and 14% of plumbers, showcasing their diverse skills in the trades.

    Business: immigrants drive economic growth 

    Immigrants are also significant contributors to Canada’s business sector. Over 800,000 immigrants are self-employed, many of whom own businesses that provide jobs and support local economies. Immigrants own 53% of restaurant businesses and 52% of grocery stores, and they lead 40% of software publishing companies.

    INC reports that “the business sector employs nearly 12.5 million Canadians, with immigrant entrepreneurs and business owners at the forefront of innovation and job creation.

    More than 800,000 immigrants are self-employed, and 250,000 of these have paid employees.”

    Food services: keeping Canadians fed 

    • The food services sector is one of the largest employers in Canada, with over 1 million workers. Immigrants represent more than 51% of food and beverage businesses with paid staff and make up over a quarter of the workforce. Their contributions help meet the increasing demand for food services across the country.
    • By owning and operating food businesses, immigrants help fuel the sector’s growth and innovation.
    • According to reports, in 2021, over 2,400 recent immigrants were business owners, fueling growth in the industry.
    • Immigrants also make up over a quarter of the workforce in food services, helping restaurants and other establishments meet increasing demand. Their contributions are not only sustaining the industry but also driving innovation in Canada’s culinary landscape.

    Technology and science: pioneering innovation 

    • Canada’s technology and science sectors also benefit greatly from immigrant contributions. Immigrants make up 35% of computer programmers, 43% of engineers, and 57% of chemists.
    • Many immigrants come to Canada as international students, particularly in STEM fields, and stay to contribute to the country’s technological advancements.
    • According to reports, immigrants bring essential skills to Canada’s science and technology sectors. Their expertise is used to be critical in ensuring Canada remains competitive in the rapidly evolving global tech landscape.