Ford Calls for Changes After Man Living Illegally in Canada Found Eligible for Ontario Welfare

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his government is prepared to change provincial regulations after a tribunal ruled that a man living in Canada without legal immigration status could qualify for Ontario Works social assistance.

The case, first reported by the National Post and later covered by other outlets, has sparked debate over welfare eligibility, immigration status and provincial rules.

Ford Says Ontario May Tighten Regulations

Ford responded to the case in a post on X, saying Ontario will continue helping people facing hardship but that support should not include people living in Canada illegally.

He added that if provincial regulations need to be changed to make the rule clearer, his government will change them.

Case Involves Man Who Came to Canada in 1997

The tribunal case involved an unnamed man who said he entered Canada in 1997 on a temporary work permit.

That permit expired after four years, but he remained in Canada for decades. According to the tribunal documents cited in reports, he supported himself through cash jobs until 2023, when he entered the homeless shelter system.

Ontario Works Initially Denied His Application

The man applied for Ontario Works benefits last fall.

The administrator of the province’s social assistance program denied the application because the man lacked legal immigration status in Canada.

However, the Social Benefits Tribunal later found the denial was incorrect under the current wording of Ontario’s rules.

Tribunal Says Immigration Search Was Not Completed

The tribunal found that an Ontario Works case officer had not completed an immigration status search in 2025.

According to the decision summarized in reports, the case officer avoided the search because of concern that it could affect the man’s situation in Canada.

The tribunal noted that a 2023 immigration search had found no active removal order against him.

Adjudicator Rules Man Was Not a Tourist or Visitor

Tribunal adjudicator Eric Brown ruled that the man could not reasonably be considered a tourist or visitor because of how long he had lived in Canada and the roots he had established.

The tribunal also found there was no deportation, departure or exclusion order against him.

Under the Ontario Works Act, reports say the listed status-based exclusions are tourists, visitors and people under an enforceable removal-related order.

Legal Status Found Not to Be an Automatic Requirement

Brown agreed with the man’s argument that legal immigration status is not automatically required for Ontario Works eligibility under the current legislation, as long as the person does not fall under the listed exclusion categories.

As a result, the tribunal rescinded the denial and declared the man eligible for benefits.

Ford Says Illegal Residents Should Not Receive the Same Support

Ford’s response suggested that people living in Canada without legal status should not receive the same social assistance support as Ontarians who qualify under the province’s intended rules.

His comments indicate the province may move to close what he sees as a regulatory gap.

Conservatives Back Ford’s Position

Federal Conservatives also criticized the tribunal decision.

Michelle Rempel Garner, the Conservative shadow minister for immigration and citizenship, said the ruling undermines fairness and public trust in Canada’s immigration system. She said people who come to Canada should do so legally and work toward becoming self-sufficient as quickly as possible.

Conservatives Urge Federal Liberals to Support Ontario

Rempel Garner said the Conservative Party agrees with Ford’s position.

She also called on the federal Liberal government to support Ontario if the province moves to prevent people living illegally in Canada from receiving social supports.

Ontario Works Eligibility Rules

Ontario Works provides financial assistance to people in need who meet program requirements.

According to Ontario’s program information, applicants generally must be at least 16 years old, live in Ontario, be in financial need, have assets within program limits and agree to participate in employment-related activities.

The province’s residency policy also states that Ontario Works applicants or recipients must be Ontario residents and live in the geographic area where they apply for or receive assistance.

Monthly Support Can Reach $733 for a Single Person

Ontario Works information says a single person may receive up to $733 per month for basic needs and shelter.

Recipients may also qualify for other benefits, including help with certain health-related or transportation costs.

Premier’s Office Offers No Further Details

The National Post asked the premier’s office for additional information about possible regulatory changes.

A spokesperson said there was nothing further to add at that time.

The tribunal ruling has triggered a political debate over whether Ontario’s social assistance rules should explicitly exclude people living in Canada without legal immigration status.

Doug Ford says his government is ready to amend regulations if necessary, while federal Conservatives are urging Ottawa to support Ontario’s position. The case now places renewed attention on how Ontario Works defines eligibility, residency and immigration status for people seeking public assistance.