Liberals open pathway for thousands of illegal immigrant construction workers

Isaac Lamoureux, True North

The Liberals are creating a new immigration pathway that will grant legal status to up to 6,000 illegal immigrants already working under the table in Canada’s construction industry.

The Liberals are creating a new immigration pathway that will grant legal status to up to 6,000 illegal immigrants already working under the table in Canada’s construction industry.

The announcement was made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and Immigration Minister Marc Miller on Friday.

The federal agency said that the measures fit in the scope of the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan.

“These undocumented migrants are already living and working in Canada, and are contributing to the sector, and this pathway will keep them here legally so that they can continue to build the homes our economy and communities need with the proper protections,” reads the release.

In addition to granting illegal immigrant workers legal status, the Liberals announced a temporary measure allowing foreign apprentices to complete their studies without a study permit, effective immediately. The temporary policy is set to last for two years.

The move comes despite the Liberals’ previously imposed two-year cap on international student permits, which they justified by citing concerns about the system being exploited.

However, they argued that immigration was essential for the country’s economic growth and would help combat the growing demand for housing.

A 2023 RBC report suggested that foreign workers could address Canada’s labour gaps. It said that the healthcare sector was short 144,000 workers and the construction industry was short 64,000 workers.

An advisory council, composed of government officials, union representatives, and industry leaders, will be convened to identify labour shortages, determine how many skilled workers are required, and advise on immigration pathways for illegal immigrants seeking residency.