Ontario has amended regulations on August 14, 2026, impacting eligibility for social assistance under the Ontario Works Act, 1997, and the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, 1997. The changes exclude individuals residing in Canada illegally and those temporarily authorised to remain, including holders of student visas, work permits, visitor visas, and tourist status from receiving provincial financial aid.
Background and Legislative Amendments
The regulatory tightening follows a decision by the Ontario Social Benefits Tribunal, which allowed a person who had lived in Canada without legal status for over 20 years to claim Ontario Works. This individual originally entered Canada on a work permit in
1997 and remained after their legal authorization expired. The tribunal found that the previous legislation did not explicitly bar such individuals from eligibility because it specified exclusions for certain groups but did not clearly address those temporarily authorised to stay or living illegally.
Ontario Government Statements on Social Assistance Eligibility
Ontario Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Michael Parsa emphasized that taxpayer-funded assistance should be limited to people legally authorized to reside in the province. Premier Doug Ford affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting people facing hardships but stated that this support does not extend to individuals living in Canada illegally. Ford confirmed the provincial regulations
would be amended to clearly enforce this stance.
Impact on Temporary Visa Holders and Illegal Residents
The amendments now explicitly deny Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program benefits to people with temporary immigration status, such as international students, temporary workers, visitors, and tourists. Individuals without legal status in Canada are also excluded from these provincial social assistance programs. The changes do not affect immigration status, visas, or permits themselves but strictly regulate eligibility for provincial financial support.
