Ontario: The Ontario government has tightened social assistance rules. The Ontario government announced that social assistance benefits will no longer be provided to undocumented immigrants and temporary visa holders. The provincial government has introduced amendments to the relevant laws in this regard.
Previously, there were orders to provide financial assistance even to those whose temporary work permits had expired. Premier Doug Ford had strongly opposed this. He clarified that while those facing hardship would be supported, taxpayer money could not be given to individuals staying in the country illegally. Accordingly, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services made changes to the regulations governing Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).
From now on, these benefits will strictly be accessible only to those legally permitted to reside in the province. Under the new legal amendment, in addition to those living illegally in Canada, individuals who arrived on temporary visas—such as student visas and work permits—will no longer receive benefits under such social assistance programs.
