The Ontario government has amended regulations governing Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) to clarify that provincial financial assistance is reserved for people legally authorised to live in Canada and who meet eligibility requirements. International students, temporary workers, and people living in Canada illegally are no longer eligible for Ontario’s social assistance, which excludes holders of student visas, work permits, visitor visas, and tourist status.
Recent Case Sparks Regulatory Review
The regulatory changes follow a case where Ontario Works payments were made to a person who entered Canada on a work permit in 1997 but remained illegally for more than two decades.
The Ontario Social Benefits Tribunal had allowed the individual’s claim, highlighting gaps in the Ontario Works Act, 1997 and Ontario Disability Support Program Act, 1997, which did not explicitly exclude some categories of non-legal residents.
Impacts on Temporary Visa Holders and Government Response
The amendment excludes temporary visa holders in Ontario from social assistance. Ontario Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Michael Parsa stated, “Our government will always be there for those that need it most, but taxpayer-funded social assistance should not go to people living in Canada illegally.” Premier Doug Ford added, “Our government will always be there to support people on hard times, but that
doesn’t include people living in Canada illegally. If provincial regulations need to be changed to make that crystal clear, we’ll change them.”
Effective Date and Policy Clarifications
The new rules take effect immediately from August 14, 2026. The change affects access to provincial financial assistance but does not revoke or cancel a person’s visa, study permit, or work permit. These amendments adjust eligibility criteria for Ontario Works and ODSP, ensuring taxpayer-funded social assistance is restricted to legally authorised residents.
