The Ontario government says it has ended social assistance for people who are living in Canada illegally, as well as for those in the country on a temporary basis.<\/p>\n
The province announced the change Thursday and said it takes effect immediately.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur 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,\u201d said Social Services Minister Michael Parsa.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese changes will protect taxpayer dollars and ensure these programs are there for the people who they were intended to support.\u201d<\/p>\n
Premier Doug Ford first vowed to make the change following media reports about a tribunal ruling that awarded Ontario Works payments to a man who came to Canada decades ago on a temporary work permit that has since expired.<\/p>\n
Ford wrote in a social media post last month his government would always support people who have fallen on hard times, but \u201cthat doesn\u2019t include people living in Canada illegally.\u201d<\/p>\n
The province said it has amended regulations \u201cto provide clarity on who is eligible for social assistance.\u201d<\/p>\n
Officials said the following people are no longer eligible:<\/p>\n
Individuals who are in Canada illegally; and
\nIndividuals authorized to remain in Canada on a temporary basis, for example, those here with student visas, work permits or as visitors and tourists.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese changes take effect immediately to stop people who are not authorized to remain in Canada from receiving these financial supports, ensuring Ontario\u2019s government-funded social assistance programs are reserved for people who meet the province\u2019s eligibility requirements,\u201d the government said.<\/p>\n
Social assistance is available under the Ontario Works program and the Ontario Disability Support Program.<\/p>\n
Those on ODSP can get up to $1,000 per month through employment, without affecting their eligibility for benefits and support.<\/p>\n
Ontario Works recipients receive help from caseworkers who help them prepare to participate in employment, find employment, and \u201cachieve financial independence,\u201d the province said.<\/p>\n
Applicants need to demonstrate their citizenship or immigration status.<\/p>\n
The government said people may report cases of suspected fraud by contacting the fraud hotline.<\/p>\n
\u2014 With files from The Canadian Press<\/p>\n