Wednesday, September 30, 2026 All in the Family Percon Construction is helping tradespeople from Mexico build a life in Canada Guide Magazine By Cathy Miehm "CAN I CALL YOU BACK? We’re having a birthday party in the office right now.” That offhand comment tells you a lot about Frank Perricone, owner of Percon Construction Inc. Even with projects and crews spread across Ontario, he paused to celebrate a birthday in the company’s Etobicoke head office. At Percon, workers are valued, looked after, and considered family. In an industry often shaped by tight deadlines, labour shortages, and relentless pressure, that approach stands out. The company’s greatest strength is its people, Frank says. That philosophy has been a lifeline for a group of Local 52 members who arrived in Canada from Mexico through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. They came seeking opportunity, stability, and a future wide enough to hold their families. Percon has helped them find their footing on Canadian job sites and, in some cases, navigate the long and complicated path toward permanent residency. Along the way, marriages deepened, children were born, driver’s licences were earned, English improved little by little, and what began as a job became a chance to build a new life from the ground up. Like construction companies across the country, Percon has faced persistent labour shortages in recent years. A potential solution emerged about six years ago when Frank was introduced to a recruiter connecting Mexican workers with Canadian jobs. “It was an opportunity to think outside the box, and I was happy to try it,” he recalls. What he found was not a stopgap solution. “These guys were looking for a job and a commitment—and they were willing to give a commitment in return.” The company started with two workers. Today, five men from Mexico are part of the team. “They appreciated the opportunity, and they all put in a hard day’s work,” says Frank. When their initial work visa terms began to expire in 2023, some struggled to move toward permanent status. Frank felt he could not simply stand back. By then, wives had arrived, children had been born, and new lives had taken root. “We felt obligated to help where we could.” Percon hired an immigration consultant, covered the costs, and supported the paperwork needed to help the men move forward. In a system where temporary foreign workers can easily stay temporary in every sense, that choice changed the trajectory of several families. JAIR HERNANDEZ GARCIA, 31, describes his path to Canada as one shaped by determination and faith. For years, he searched for opportunities abroad before a single connection changed everything. “One day, a friend of my wife told her about a job opening at Percon Construction,” he says. “She shared the information with us, and thanks to that opportunity we were able to contact the company and begin the entire process.” Coming to Canada was “a journey filled with expectations, nerves, and hope,” but also real challenges. Like many newcomers, Jair had to adjust to the language, the transportation system, and a different way of life. The transition was especially hard for his son, who struggled with changing schools. Today, however, Jair says he is thriving and fully adjusted. Throughout it all, Percon became more than an employer. “Percon has been an essential source of support in our development and stability in Canada,” says Jair, crediting Frank’s leadership, the extension of his contracts, and the patience of supervisors and coworkers. For Jair, permanent residency—and eventually citizenship—is about far more than paperwork. It means stability and peace of mind, along with better opportunities for his children, greater independence for his wife, and the ability to welcome his parents more easily. Even with the challenges, the milestones matter. He is thrilled with his son’s success at learning English—and even beginning French. He is also celebrating the news that his wife is expecting their second child. “Our next goal is to obtain permanent residency and eventually buy our own home so we can establish ourselves permanently and continue building our future.” FOR MARCO MORENO, 40, the journey to Canada began with a familiar hope: a better future. Through Percon, he found something many people seek when crossing a border—a real chance to build one. The transition was not easy. Adapting to a new culture and language brought daily challenges. “Everything is different, from the work environment to daily life,” he says. Being away from family was especially difficult at first. Yet his story is one of steady progress. He married a Canadian woman, became a father in Toronto, and has since obtained permanent residency. “The support I received from my employer means everything,” Marco says. “It gave me the opportunity to build a real future here in Canada.” ADOLFO ORTIZ REYES, 30, came to Canada after hearing about an opportunity through a former coworker. For him, the biggest challenge has been language. “In my personal case, the language was the most difficult thing,” he says. Still, he credits supervisors for their patience in explaining tasks clearly. That patience, he notes, makes an enormous difference. Adolfo speaks candidly about the uncertainty many temporary foreign workers face. While Percon has supported efforts toward permanent residency, shifting immigration rules and limited English can make the process daunting. Even so, there is hope. His daughter, Mia Nicole, was born in May, an event he describes as life-changing. He has already earned his G2 licence and dreams of buying a car. “Every day is important because I am achieving so many things in this country,” he says. JULIO CÉSAR MACÍAS MORENO, 30, says Canada has transformed not only his circumstances but also his mindset. A petroleum engineering technologist from Mexico City, he describes immigration as a process of constant adaptation—to language, housing, transportation, and unfamiliar regulations. Percon provided him with valuable Canadian experience and a job offer that supports his application for permanent residency. He sees citizenship as a springboard for future growth. “It will change my life in a positive way,” he says. FOR ANTONIO LOZADA GARCÍA, 38, the move to Canada was always about family. Initially considering the United States, he ultimately found opportunity north of the border—and with Percon. The biggest challenges, he says, have been language and the harsh winter. Still, his optimism remains strong. Once his immigration process is complete, “I’ll feel more secure about the future of my children and my wife,” he says. His children are already in school, learning English, while his wife is taking classes and becoming more involved in the community. TAKEN TOGETHER, THE WORKERS’ EXPERIENCES point to what temporary foreign workers need most: patience, fairness, training, and the chance to be seen as whole people. Marco highlights how small gestures—clear communication and support—can make a big difference. Adolfo emphasizes guidance when language is a barrier. Julio reflects on the emotional weight of adjusting to a new country. Antonio speaks to the value of patience. Jair adds another layer. Behind every opportunity, he says, are sacrifices—family separation, uncertainty, and emotional strain. That is why support matters so deeply. That sense of humanity is woven into Percon’s culture. The company remains family-run even as its projects stretch across Ontario, from Windsor to Kingston to North Bay. Many employees have stayed 15, 20, even 25 years. “It’s the people that we hire who allow the company to keep growing and build the reputation we have,” says Frank. What’s happening at Percon reflects a broader reality across Canada’s construction industry. Labour shortages are growing as retirements accelerate, and employers often talk about recruiting from new talent pools while hesitating over the complexity. At Percon, those conversations have become reality. These workers are already here—building schools, community centres, long term care homes, and other essential infrastructure. “What more do we really want?” asks Frank. There were practical hurdles, of course. Early on, supervisors relied on translation apps to communicate. Workers with stronger English helped others. Safety remained paramount. But adaptation went both ways. Workers stretched toward a new language and culture. The company adjusted too, rethinking communication, making room for differences, and investing in people. It’s what families do. Michael Malott, CLAC representative for the Percon crew, says it has been a privilege to watch their successes. “When I go to see these members on site visits, it is remarkable to see the growth, advancement, and the ambition of these gentlemen,” he says. “Other members at Percon laud these men for their pride and work ethic.” In Michael’s view, the risks taken on both sides have paid off. “The dividends of this mutual endeavour have definitely been a win-win all around.” He hopes other employers will see the success of this model and be willing to follow it. Several workers speak warmly about their relationship with CLAC. Marco describes the union as one that protects rights and ensures fair treatment. Adolfo praises the guidance and training support he received. Jair expresses that gratitude in deeply personal terms. “Honestly, and from the bottom of my heart, I can say that CLAC has been an unconditional support—not only for me, but for my entire family.” The future these workers imagine is not small. One hopes to pursue a professional designation. Another plans to continue studying and advancing his career. Frank notes that at least one has already shown interest in site management—and he’s encouraged that ambition, pointing to training available through CLAC. It’s a reminder that workers who arrive through temporary programs are not standing still. Given stability, they grow. Given opportunity, they lead. Percon needed committed workers. The workers needed opportunity, patience, and support. Together, they help resolve each other’s challenges. In a country that often debates immigration in the abstract, what’s happening at Percon offers something concrete: when workers are treated like family, they don’t just help build buildings—they help build Canada. What Employers Can Learn from Percon Percon’s experience offers a useful lesson for employers struggling to fill skilled labour gaps: recruiting newcomers is only the first step. Retention depends on whether workers feel supported, respected, and able to build a future. The company’s example suggests a few practical ways employers can make that happen. 1. Think Long Term, Not Short Term Percon did not treat international recruitment as a temporary fix. The company recognized that workers who are given stability are more likely to stay, grow, and contribute over the long haul. 2. Support the Process Beyond Hiring Immigration paperwork, renewals, and pathways to permanent residency can be overwhelming. By helping workers navigate that system—and even covering professional support—employers can reduce uncertainty and build trust. 3. Be Patient with Language Barriers Clear explanations, translation tools, and coworkers willing to help can make a major difference, especially in the early months. Patience is not just a kindness; it is essential to safe and effective work. 4. Invest in Supervisors and Workplace Culture Workers repeatedly pointed to the importance of patient supervisors and respectful coworkers. A welcoming culture is not incidental—it shapes whether people feel they belong. 5. See the Whole Person Behind every worker is a family, a settlement journey, and a set of long term goals. Employers who understand that reality are better positioned to support retention and loyalty. 6. Create Room for Advancement Newcomer workers are not just filling gaps; many want training, credentials, and leadership opportunities. Employers who encourage that ambition may strengthen their future workforce from within. New Immigration Rules Open Doors for Skilled Trades Workers The Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) Program has come under intense scrutiny in recent years as some sectors have used it to hire TFWs in low-skill, low-wage jobs, while qualified Canadians remain unemployed, contributing to a soaring youth unemployment rate. The construction sector is another matter. With a projected shortage of 29,000 skilled trades workers by 2027, the industry is working hard to train and recruit Canadians, while also recognizing that more workers are needed than can be provided by our domestic workforce, with its aging population. Canada introduced new immigration rules in 2025 to help bring more workers into construction and skilled trades. The aim is to fill labour shortages and support more home building across the country. The federal government has added 19 more trades jobs to the Express Entry stream, including bricklayers, roofers, floor covering installers, and construction managers. This change gives more workers a chance to apply for permanent residence. How People Apply • A worker creates an Express Entry profile. • The worker joins a pool of applicants. • People with higher scores may be invited to apply for permanent residence. • A worker must have at least two years of full-time experience in their field within the last five years. That experience can be from their home country or from Canada, depending on which entry stream they are applying under (Federal Skilled Trades Program, Category-Based Selection, or Canadian Experience Class). • The worker must meet a minimum score in their language test in either French or English. Changes for Foreign Apprentices Some foreign construction workers no longer need a study permit for an apprenticeship. • A worker can join apprenticeship training if they already have a valid work permit. • The worker must be employed in an eligible construction job. • The worker must have a registered apprenticeship agreement from the province or territory they are working in. This temporary rule lasts until February 26, 2027. Sources: canada.ca, renewcanada.net, singleton.com Adolfo Ortiz Reyes with his wife, Myriam Fabiola Hernandez, and their baby daughter, Mia Nicole Ortiz Hernandez Antonio Lozada Garcia Jair Hernandez Julio Moreno Marco Moreno Previous Next You might be interested in Albertan and Canadian 28 Sep 2026 To Sleep, Perchance to Dream 25 Sep 2026 Whose Justice? Which Justice? 24 Sep 2026 What I Learned Mining in Northern Ontario 23 Sep 2026