Premier Doug Ford has changed his mind about giving work permits to asylum seekers in Ontario. Global News
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has stepped back from his recent promise to take over work permit approvals for asylum seekers from the federal government. Last week, he said Ontario would begin issuing its own permits due to long delays. But on Monday, he changed his position without giving a clear reason.
“I don't want to take the responsibility off the federal government,” Ford said. “But if you're healthy, you should be working.”
Push for Provincial Control
During a meeting with other provincial leaders in Huntsville, Ford supported a push for more provincial control over immigration. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith also backed the idea, referencing Section 95 of the Constitution. Ford said the long wait time for federal work permits—sometimes up to two years—was hurting asylum seekers.
Reality Check on Timelines
However, federal officials say that work permits for asylum seekers usually take about 45 days, as long as the application is complete with a medical exam and updated address. The federal immigration department said it will keep working with provinces to manage immigration needs and continues to plan immigration levels for 2026 to 2028 with provincial input.
Ford Still Critical of Delays
Even though Ford stepped back, he still criticized the federal process. He said 90,000 asylum seekers came to Ontario last year, but only 70,000 got work permits. He wants the backlog cleared quickly.
NDP Leader Responds
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles said Ford should focus on his own responsibilities. “He keeps talking about things that aren’t in his control,” she said. “He needs to fix health care, schools, and housing in Ontario instead.”
Hotel Funding for Asylum Seekers to End
At the same time, the federal government announced it will stop paying for hotel rooms for asylum seekers after September 30. Right now, about 485 people are staying in five hotels across Ontario and Quebec. The government has spent around $1.1 billion on temporary hotel housing since 2020.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow raised concerns about this decision. She said city shelters are already turning away 150 people every month, and she doesn’t know where those leaving the hotels will go.
Experts Warn of Crisis
Community leaders worry this move will push more people into homelessness. Nadine Miller, who runs a Toronto church that has helped many refugees, said more stable housing and faster paperwork are urgently needed. “If you're stuck in a hotel for months without a work permit, you can't move forward,” she said.
What’s Next
The federal government says the hotel program was never meant to be permanent. It plans to help those in hotels find housing before the funding ends. But with high demand and little available space, many fear the situation will get worse before it gets better.
