Canada has launched a new immigration pathway for up to 6,000 out-of-status construction workers. While this helps some, many others are left behind. Workers in caregiving, farming, and domestic sectors, mostly racialized women, still face no clear path to residency.
The move seems driven by political and industry pressure to fix the housing crisis. Critics say Canada’s immigration reforms remain fragmented and unfair. They call for broader, inclusive policies like Spain’s 2005 regularization program.
As elections near, the government faces a choice: stick to piecemeal reforms or create a fair system that values all essential workers equally. The future of many hangs in the balance.
