General Labourer (Construction) Jobs in Canada

Role snapshot (what this job really is)

A General Labourer on Canadian construction sites supports crews with material handling, site organization, basic tool work, and safe clean-up. This is a physically active, practical role where consistency matters: show up on time, follow instructions, and work safely—every day.

Typical duties (detailed)

• Material handling: unloading deliveries, staging materials, moving items safely, organizing storage zones.
• Site preparation: setting up work areas, protecting finished surfaces, placing barriers and signage as directed.
• Support tasks: assisting trades (carpenters, drywallers, concrete, painters) with fetching tools/materials and keeping workflows smooth.
• Cleanup & waste: sorting debris, keeping walkways clear, managing bins, end-of-shift tidy for next-day readiness.
• Basic tool work: safe use of hand tools and (where permitted) basic power tools under supervision.
• Safety routines: PPE compliance, hazard awareness, reporting near-misses, following site rules and toolbox talks.

Short candidate portrait (who gets shortlisted)

• Safety-first mindset and calm behavior in busy environments
• Physically fit (standing, lifting, repetitive tasks, stairs/scaffolding where applicable)
• Reliable: punctual, steady pace, works well with teams
• Understands instructions (English A2+ is helpful on most sites)

Typical gross wages (brutto) — province examples

The ranges below are indicative and vary by employer, region, overtime, and site type. Listed as gross hourly pay.

Province	Low	Median	High
Ontario	18.50 CAD/h	27.00 CAD/h	42.00 CAD/h
Quebec	20.00 CAD/h	29.85 CAD/h	37.80 CAD/h
New Brunswick	16.00 CAD/h	20.00 CAD/h	26.00 CAD/h
Nova Scotia	16.50 CAD/h	21.00 CAD/h	29.74 CAD/h

Work conditions in Canada (what to expect)

• Schedule: commonly full-time; early starts are typical; some projects run shifts.
• Overtime: may be available during peak phases; pay rules depend on province and employer policy.
• Weather exposure: many roles include outdoor work (including cold seasons). Layering and proper PPE are essential.
• Safety culture: mandatory PPE, toolbox talks, site inductions, and strict rule compliance are standard on organized sites.
• Physical demands: lifting, carrying, repetitive motion, walking long distances on site, stairs and uneven terrain.

Certificates that help (not always required, but valuable)

• WHMIS / hazard communication training
• Working at Heights / fall protection (where applicable)
• First Aid / CPR
• Forklift / telehandler (site-dependent)

Work authorization & documents (Canada)

Requirements depend on your citizenship, employer, and program. Most foreign nationals require a work permit. Employers may support an employer-specific work permit or you may qualify for an open work permit in certain cases.

1. Job offer + employer process: for an employer-specific permit, employers typically complete required steps and provide the documents used in the permit application (commonly an LMIA or an LMIA-exempt “offer of employment” number, depending on the case).
2. Biometrics: unless exempt, applicants provide fingerprints and a photo as part of temporary residence processing.
3. Medical exam (only if required): generally required for certain job categories or situations (rules depend on role and travel history).
4. Work permit approval: you must have authorization to work before starting employment.
5. SIN (Social Insurance Number): you need a SIN to work and be paid in Canada.

How to apply (CV-first)

1. Create or upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
2. Include: last projects, provinces you can work in, availability date, certificates, and languages.
3. Submit your application — we contact shortlisted candidates.

This is an occupation-focused page designed to set expectations for General Labourer roles. Actual vacancies, site rules, and pay depend on the employer and project.