Ontario Restricts Social Assistance for Non-Legal Residents
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Premier Doug Ford's government has amended regulations for Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program to exclude those without legal immigration status.
The Ontario government has enacted new regulations that prohibit individuals without legal immigration status from receiving social assistance payments, according to reporting from CBC Toronto.
According to CBC Toronto, the changes affect both the Ontario Disability Support Program and Ontario Works. The updated regulations specify that individuals living in Canada illegally, as well as those authorized to stay only on a temporary basis—including those with work permits and student visas—are ineligible for these benefits.
Premier Doug Ford initiated the policy shift following media reports of a tribunal ruling that granted Ontario Works payments to a man whose temporary work permit had expired decades ago. In a social media post, Ford stated that while his government supports those facing hard times, that support "doesn't include people living in Canada illegally," as reported by CBC Toronto.
Michael Parsa, the minister of children, community and social services, stated in a news release that the amendments are intended to ensure taxpayer funds are directed toward individuals facing financial hardship who are legally permitted to reside in Canada.