The federal government of Canada is initiating a pathway to permanent residency for 6,000 undocumented construction workers as a response to the pressing labor shortage in the construction industry. This announcement, made by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, is being heralded by the Liberal government as a significant step. However, advocates for migrants argue that this move does not sufficiently address the broader needs of all undocumented workers.
Syed Hussan, the executive director of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, highlighted that while the regularization of 6,000 people is a positive development, it falls short of addressing the hundreds of thousands of additional undocumented individuals still awaiting action from the Liberal government. "If there is regularization of 6,000 people, that’s 6,000 more lives that are improved," Hussan stated, stressing the urgency for more comprehensive solutions.
The commitment from the Liberal government to explore avenues for regularizing undocumented workers dates back to their 2021 election promises. Despite this, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not provide a specific timeline for implementation. Now, Minister Miller asserts that the time has come to take action. “We’re making sure that we’re adapting to the reality of the economic uncertainty that we’re all facing as a country,” he said during a press conference.
This initiative comes at a critical time as Canada faces a labor shortage in construction, with a report from RBC indicating a deficit of over 60,000 workers in the sector. Yet, critics like Hussan caution against focusing on a single industry. He pointed out, “You can’t do construction without having cleaning in that building, without having a security guard, without the factory that builds the doors and the windows.” His remarks emphasize the interconnectedness of various sectors, arguing that a broader approach is necessary for effective labor market solutions.
Alongside the announcement of the construction worker program, Miller revealed the formation of a new advisory council. This council, which will include representatives from the federal government, labor unions, and industry leaders, aims to develop pathways for an additional 14,000 skilled foreign workers. "The advisory council will assist in assessing real on-the-ground needs with the shifting economic landscape, with strong protections against abuse and a strong wage threshold," Miller explained.
However, the three-part council does not include representation from migrant workers, raising concerns about the inclusivity and effectiveness of the proposed measures. Hussan expressed skepticism about the chances of successful collaboration between the advisory council and the Liberals, especially as the government prepares for a leadership change. "The timing is suspect, the details are absent, and the chances of this actually succeeding are limited," he remarked.
Hussan further criticized the initiative as appearing more like an election announcement lacking substantive policy. He argued that genuine policy development would require detailed and actionable plans. In response to urgent labor needs, the federal government also implemented a temporary measure allowing foreign apprentices in construction programs to complete their studies without a permit "immediately." This move reflects an effort to quickly adapt to the labor demand while further policies are being developed.
In summary, while the move to regularize undocumented construction workers is a step forward, significant challenges remain regarding the broader undocumented population and the comprehensive approach needed to address labor shortages across multiple sectors in Canada.
