Canada is meeting its target immigration levels every year and the government is getting ready to welcome more skilled trades people. But the country continues to lose tens of thousands of jobs in the construction sector.  

According to the recent data from Statistics Canada, the Canadian construction industry has lost 45,000 jobs in July. Since January 2023, employment in construction has decreased by 71,000, which showcases how construction job losses are steadily rising over time.  

The data shows that currently construction is losing more jobs than all other major sectors, followed by public administration with 1.4%, information, culture and recreation with 1.8%, and transportation and warehousing with 1.3% decline in the employment. 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) states that by welcoming people in skilled trades such as carpentry, plumbing and welding, Canada can help its construction sector attract skilled workers. 

On August 3rd, 2023, Canada held its first ever targeted category based Express Entry draw for candidates in the trades. 1500 Candidates received invitations to apply and required a minimum required Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 388.