Doug Ford Cancels Plan to Give Work Permits to Asylum Seekers
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has abruptly reversed a recent pledge that his provincial government would begin issuing work permits to asylum seekers—a role traditionally held by the federal government.
At last week’s Council of the Federation meeting, Ford claimed Ontario would invoke Section 95 of the Constitution to provide immediate work permits, citing federal processing delays that he said forced asylum seekers to wait up to two years before being allowed to work. He called on provinces to take control of immigration functions to ease the backlog and help people integrate into the workforce.
However, following pushback and federal clarification that asylum seekers typically receive work permits within 45 days of filing a complete application, Ford stepped back from the proposal. “I don’t want to take the responsibility off the federal government,” he explained at a press briefing. No reason was offered for the policy reversal.
IRCC officials confirmed that, on average, decision-making takes about 45 days—though actual wait times vary—and assured ongoing coordination with provinces to plan future immigration targets for 2026–2028.
New Democratic Party Leader Marit Stiles criticized Ford’s flip‑flop, stating he should focus on matters under provincial jurisdiction, such as health care and infrastructure. Meanwhile, Ford continues to call on the federal government to expedite permit processing and address what he describes as unsustainable delays.
What’s at Stake:
- Federal vs. Provincial jurisdiction: Immigration is primarily a federal responsibility, and IRCC is committed to administering work permits.
- Accuracy of delays claimed: Ford’s two-year processing delay claim is contradicted by federal data.
- Political and practical fallout: The incident exposes tensions between provincial calls for autonomy and federal oversight in immigration policy.
Final Takeaway
This episode underscores the importance of accurate information in immigration discussions. While Premier Ford’s concern about asylum seekers working is valid, the evidence indicates no two‑year delay in processing work permits. The matter remains firmly under federal jurisdiction, with IRCC projecting a 45‑day average turnaround. Ongoing cooperation between Ottawa and the provinces will shape future immigration planning.
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