Maple News reports that Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland delivered the 2023 Fall Economic Statement on November 21, providing crucial updates on the federal government’s economic strategy. A central focus of the update is addressing Canada’s growing housing affordability crisis, which is especially pressing as the country’s population has now surpassed 40 million and continues to climb—largely due to high immigration rates.
The Fall Economic Statement acknowledges housing as a top concern for Canadians and newcomers alike, with affordability challenges making it difficult for many to find a place to live. The government identifies the core issue as a shortage of housing supply, which is failing to keep pace with rising demand.
To address this, Ottawa is doubling down on efforts to bring in more skilled workers—particularly in the construction sector. The government plans to facilitate permanent residency pathways for immigrants with expertise in trades that directly contribute to homebuilding. This is being accomplished through enhancements to Canada’s Express Entry system.
Specifically, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has initiated category-based draws within the Express Entry program. These targeted draws prioritize specific occupations and skill sets over comprehensive rankings alone. Among the six newly defined categories are healthcare workers, STEM professionals, tradespeople (including construction roles), transport workers, agricultural and agri-food specialists, and individuals with strong French language proficiency.
Since the introduction of these tailored Express Entry streams in June 2023, IRCC has issued 16,900 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates who meet the new targeted criteria. By streamlining the process for priority sectors, the government aims to rapidly scale up the labour force necessary to boost housing construction and ease the pressure on the housing market.
In doing so, Canada continues to position immigration as a key pillar of its economic strategy, not only filling critical labour gaps but also helping to support infrastructure development and community growth nationwide. Maple News will continue to monitor how these immigration initiatives unfold and their impact on Canada’s economy and housing landscape.