Worker shortage threatens ‘Build Canada’ election vows

By Mata Press Service

A new national industry report says that unless Canada urgently overhauls its immigration system to better attract construction workers, federal election promises to build millions of homes and expand infrastructure will remain empty promises.

The latest BuildForce Canada 2025–2034 forecast reveals that the country’s construction sector is on the verge of a major workforce shortage. Nearly 270,000 experienced workers are set to retire over the next decade, and a projected shortfall of over 100,000 workers by 2034 is projected, despite population growth driving unprecedented demand.

“Construction is at or near peak activity levels in almost every region of the country... Workforce mobility is also less likely,” said Warren Douglas, Vice-Chair of BuildForce Canada.
“It takes time for newer workers to acquire the skills and experience of older workers,” he said.

The report makes it clear: no matter how ambitious housing and infrastructure targets are—from new homes to transit lines and hospitals—none of it will be built without more hands on deck, and Canada’s current immigration approach isn’t keeping up.

While the federal government has taken steps to attract more construction workers, leaders say these initiatives lack scale and urgency.

The steps include

· Reserving 6,000 permanent residency spots for undocumented construction workers already in Canada.

· Allowing foreign workers on valid permits to study in apprenticeship programs without needing a study permit, and

· Updating the Express Entry system to prioritize tradespeople like roofers, painters, construction managers, and bricklayers

“We cannot ignore the labour force pressures being created by not only growing demand for construction activity across the country, but also the imminent retirement of a large number of older, experienced workers,” said Sean Strickland, Chair of BuildForce Canada.

With nearly 1 in 5 workers in the industry expected to retire, and younger workers still developing the necessary skills, immigration is emerging as a critical factor.

But despite Canada welcoming nearly 4.4 million newcomers over the next decade, only 20% of construction workers currently come from the immigrant population—a figure well below their 27% share of the broader labour force.

The issue is particularly urgent as Canada’s federal political parties campaign on housing affordability and infrastructure spending.

The Liberals, Conservatives, and NDP have all promised to ramp up homebuilding across the country, with pledges to build or facilitate construction of millions of new units—but without changes to how construction workers are brought into Canada, these promises risk becoming hollow.

While the federal government has made some moves—introducing new immigration pathways for undocumented construction workers, creating a study permit exemption for foreign apprentices, and launching a construction-specific Express Entry category—industry voices argue the reforms are incremental, underfunded, and too slow.

The BuildForce report stresses that Canada's ability to meet its housing and infrastructure goals hinges on tapping into underutilized labour pools: women, Indigenous communities, and especially newcomers to Canada.

In 2023, women made up only 5% of on-site tradespeople, despite a 5% year-over-year increase in their overall participation. Employment among youth aged 15 to 24 grew 19%, suggesting early success in outreach campaigns. Indigenous workers comprised 5.2% of the sector’s labour force—higher than their share of the general workforce—but retention remains a challenge.

“Our efforts now should be focused on building on these successes and bringing in more workers from other traditionally under-represented groups, including Indigenous People and newcomers to Canada,” Strickland said.

“We’re really struggling with getting the right type of workers,” said Sue Wastell, President of Wastell Homes.
“It’s really causing a lot of delays and adding extra costs to our overall prices that we have to end up charging the end user,” she said.

Cross-Canada Construction Snapshot

Every province is seeing an increase in construction demand—whether for housing, healthcare, schools, transit, or utilities—placing further strain on the limited supply of skilled workers:

· British Columbia is experiencing modest residential growth, mainly through renovations, while non-residential investment fluctuates with major transit and energy projects.

· Alberta shows strong short-term residential growth, tapering to renovations, with ICI (institutional, commercial, industrial) building construction sustaining the non-residential sector.

· Saskatchewan's young and growing population fuels housing demand; non-residential activity remains elevated due to large-scale projects like the BHP Jansen Potash Mine.

· Manitoba sees consistent growth in both sectors, aided by falling interest rates and infrastructure investment.

· Ontario anticipates a residential rebound after 2025, while non-residential peaks in 2027, powered by major transit and utility projects.

· Quebec experiences a decline in new multi-unit housing but stable renovation work; non-residential slows post-2030 as large projects conclude.

· Nova Scotia rebounds after 2027 with the EverWind hydrogen facility; residential growth follows a steady upward trend.

· New Brunswick faces a dip before investment rises through major projects like the Mactaquac dam and Irving Pulp & Paper upgrades.

· Prince Edward Island sees growth until 2030 before slowing; non-residential levels ease after 2024 highs.

· Newfoundland and Labrador is boosted by the Bay du Nord offshore oil project and institutional building work.