Ontario blocks illegal immigrants from social assistance

The Canada — Ontario government amended regulations under the Canada — Government of Ontario Act and the Canada — Ontario Disability Support Program Act to bar individuals without legal immigration status in Canada, as well as those authorized to remain only temporarily (e.g., on student visas or work permits), from receiving social assistance. The changes take effect immediately and were announced by Premier Doug Ford and Minister Michael on August 13, 2026. The move follows an Canada — Ontario Social Benefits Tribunal ruling in May that granted Canada — Government of Ontario payments to a man who entered Canada in 1997 on a temporary work permit that expired after four years and remained in the country illegally. Premier Ford had pledged to make the change after media reports on the case, stating that taxpayer-funded assistance should not support people living in Canada illegally. The federal Conservative Party, including immigration critic Michelle Rempel Garner, supported the change and called on the federal Liberal government to back provincial measures.