The Hidden Backbone of Construction: The Plight of Undocumented Workers
In the bustling cities of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the skyline is constantly shifting with the rise of new condo towers and office buildings. Behind the illustrious facade of these constructions lies a lesser-known story: the relentless efforts of undocumented workers, like Arjan, who have played a vital role in shaping the urban landscape, often without recognition.
Arjan’s Story
Arjan is an undocumented worker who has wired electricity for some of the GTA’s most significant construction projects. Despite possessing a diploma in electrical engineering from Sheridan College and years of hands-on experience, Arjan’s status has kept him relegated to the shadows. Having arrived in Canada in 2014 as an international student, he initially found success in a legal capacity with a construction company. However, a request for monetary support from his employer to process his permanent residency application resulted in an illegal demand for $40,000—money he simply did not have.
As his work permit expired, he found himself undocumented by 2020, marking a significant turning point in his life. "Living this way has been really, really hard," he reflects. His contribution to the construction industry, which includes work in schools and commercial buildings, is substantial, yet he continues to wait for a path to legal residency that has been promised.
The Federal Government’s Efforts
In recognition of the essential roles played by undocumented workers in Canada’s construction sector, the federal government announced a program in 2022 aimed at providing permanent residency pathways for such individuals. This initiative acknowledges the pressing labor shortages that often thwart ambitious construction targets, like Prime Minister Mark Carney’s promise to double the country’s rate of residential construction.
The Growing Labor Crisis
Research indicates that over 22% of the construction workforce is expected to retire within the next decade, potentially leaving the industry short by as many as 110,000 workers by 2034, according to BuildForce Canada. With the government scaling back on immigration, the construction sector finds itself in a precarious position. “Less immigration means less actually gets built,” warned Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress.
Traditionally labeled as “unskilled labor,” many of the jobs that need filling—such as drywalling, painting, and installing windows—actually require a level of skill and experience. This narrative is crucial to understanding the challenges the industry faces. The lack of newcomers entering the trades adds another layer to the labor crisis, which experts describe as driven by an aging workforce and insufficient younger workers.
Exploitation and Precariousness
Amid this crisis, immigrant and undocumented workers often bear the brunt of exploitation. They are commonly assigned to the most precarious, low-paid, and hazardous jobs. The working conditions can be grueling and even dangerous; recent immigrants are about twice as likely to suffer workplace injuries compared to their Canadian-born counterparts. The high rates of accidents highlight the urgent need for better protection and safety measures on job sites.
Gloria, another undocumented worker who came to Canada from Mexico in 2021, experienced the harsh realities of such labor. While she juggled her studies, she found herself working long hours on construction sites under the table, often enduring physical strain and harassment from her employer. Her story exemplifies the vulnerability many migrant workers face in the construction sector.
Statistical Insights
According to census data analyzed by the Institute for Work and Health, the number of recent immigrants working in construction has more than tripled over the last two decades. Immigrants now account for 23% of all general contractors and builders of residential buildings in Canada, yet many still find themselves in precarious jobs, often categorized as Menial tasks.
The surge in reliance on temporary foreign workers is evident, with a staggering 4,000% increase in employers’ demand for work permits in construction trades from 2016 to 2023. Yet, these changes in labor availability often do little to alleviate the existing challenges associated with workplace safety and fair treatment.
The Greater Implications
With Ontario currently experiencing a slowdown in residential construction due to high interest rates and rising material costs, many workers are leaving the sector entirely. Richard Lyall, president of the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON), emphasizes the long-term impact of this trend, warning that a lack of sufficient workers will ultimately drive up housing prices, affecting both buyers and renters alike.
The government’s commitment to fast-track construction plans cannot ignore the urgent need for a skilled workforce. Laying the groundwork for a comprehensive approach that includes providing legal status and adequate training for undocumented workers could be pivotal. Making sure that work environments are safe and fair is not just a moral obligation but a necessity for a sustainable industry.
Conclusion
The narratives of workers like Arjan and Gloria shed light on a vital yet often overlooked aspect of the construction sector. The interplay between immigration policies, workplace safety, and labor shortages poses significant challenges, but recognizing and addressing these concerns is crucial for building a more equitable future in Canada’s construction landscape.
