OTTAWA – The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has issued a statement supporting the federal government’s new immigration plan, which recognizes that immigration levels need to be matched to labour needs including those of the construction sector.
While sustained immigration is essential to ease the labour crisis and put Canada on a trajectory of future growth, the CCA said, a clear strategy is needed to ensure Canada has the capacity to support an influx of workers that goes beyond homebuilding and considers the foundational infrastructure needed.
The federal government said in a recent statement it promises to work closely with provincial and territorial governments and other stakeholders to co-ordinate on housing and housing-enabling infrastructure.
“This closely aligns with what the Canadian Construction Association and its members have been advocating for in meetings with government policy makers for over a year,” stated a CCA release.
The plan includes full implementation of the Recognized Employer Pilot program and improvements to foreign credential recognition.
“Immigration cannot be considered in isolation. Welcoming newcomers is intrinsically linked to housing, health care, education and infrastructure to support community needs like roads, bridges, clean water and energy,” said CCA president Mary Van Buren.
“One area that was not mentioned was accelerating approval of those in high-demand construction jobs, including labourers for our civil sector, skilled tradespeople, and others who can help us build sustainably.”
The CCA is holding its Hill Day on Nov. 7, with CCA members visiting Members of Parliament to discuss such issues as a long-term infrastructure plan, building Canada’s workforce and modernizing procurement.
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