Immigrants’ contribution to the residential construction sector

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Canada’s residential construction sector employs more than 600,000^{Footnote 1} workers, and more will be needed as Canada continues to address housing challenges. Importantly, this sector employs a wide range of skilled tradespeople, including electricians, carpenters and plumbers. Of all workers in these skilled trades, 18% are over 55 years old, and many are expected to retire within the next 10 years. To meet the growing demand for housing, Canada needs a strong and growing construction and skilled trades workforce, and immigrants can play a vital role in fulfilling these needs.

Impact of immigration

• Immigrants account for 23% of all general contractors and builders of residential buildings,^{Footnote 2} with 27% of these immigrants having arrived in Canada between 2011 and 2021.
• Immigrants account for nearly 41% of all architects, 40% of all civil engineers, 23% of all urban and land use planners, and 24% of all construction managers.
• Immigrants could support a growing need for skilled workers in the construction sector.

  Currently, immigrants account for

  • 20% of roofers and shinglers
  • 16% of all electricians
  • 15% of all carpenters
  • 14% of all plumbers
  • 12% of steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers

Unless otherwise noted, all statistics are from the Statistics Canada 2021 Census.

Percentage of workers in the residential construction sector who are immigrants

Text version: Percentage of workers in the residential construction sector who are immigrants

• 20% of roofers and shinglers
• 16% of all electricians
• 15% of all carpenters
• 14% of all plumbers
• 12% of steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers

Some notable Canadian immigrants