Doug Ford Walks Back Plan to Issue Work Permits to Asylum Seekers

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has backed down from a bold pledge to issue provincial work permits to asylum seekers—a move he announced just days ago during the premiers’ meeting in Huntsville.

doug ford asylum seekers — **Photo via Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press** – Premier Doug Ford speaks to the media during a meeting of Canada’s premiers in Huntsville, Ontario, on July 23, 2025.

The original plan came as part of a broader push by Ford and other premiers to gain greater control over immigration, traditionally a federal responsibility. At the time, Ford criticized the federal government for taking “up to two years” to process work permits for asylum seekers.

But by Monday, that plan was no more.

“We aren’t taking it over,” Ford told reporters at Queen’s Park.

Instead, he shifted focus back to the federal government, asking it to speed up processing and continue funding housing support.

What Changed?

The turnaround came after widespread confusion over the legality of the plan and how Ontario could issue permits without federal approval. Even some of Ford’s senior staff admitted they weren’t sure how such a policy would work.

Ford previously cited Section 95 of the Constitution, which allows both federal and provincial governments to legislate on immigration, but only if provincial action doesn’t contradict federal laws.

However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) quickly responded. It said work permits for asylum seekers are usually processed within 45 days—far from the two-year wait Ford mentioned.

Ford later admitted his figure came from “hearing it on the street” and speaking to people near Toronto Pearson Airport.

“Go up Airport Road, pull over at the Tim Hortons… ask them how long they’ve been there,” he said.

Ontario NDP Criticizes “Flipping and Flopping”

NDP Leader Marit Stiles criticized Ford’s change of direction, accusing him of political distraction and failing to focus on provincial responsibilities.

“He’s changing tack completely,” said Stiles. “Meanwhile, people want to work, employers want to hire them, but paperwork is not getting done.”

Stiles pointed to other pressing issues like health care, housing, and infrastructure that she said are being overlooked in favor of high-profile fights with Ottawa.

Provinces Want More Immigration Control

The premiers’ call for more immigration control isn’t new. Many look to Quebec as a model, where the province has extensive authority over immigration levels and settlement programs.

At the Council of the Federation meeting, Ford and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith argued that provinces should have similar powers, especially in light of labour shortages.

Labour Minister David Piccini reinforced that Ontario still wants more autonomy over immigration, even if it won’t pursue its own permit system—for now.

“We want more control to support sectors that need labour and ensure immigrants can contribute quickly,” said Piccini.

Housing Crisis Heightens Pressure

Ford’s criticism of federal delays also comes amid a looming housing issue. The federal government announced it will end funding for hotel accommodations for asylum seekers by September 30.

Currently, about 485 asylum seekers are staying in hotels funded by the federal government in Ontario and Quebec. That funding has cost $1.1 billion since 2020.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow warned the cut could worsen the city’s shelter crisis, noting the city already turns away around 150 people per month.

“By God, I don’t know where we’re going to put them,” Chow said.

Community advocates like Nadine Miller, who helped house refugees in 2023, called on governments to stop offering band-aid solutions.

“What they need is real housing and faster paperwork. Otherwise, they’re stuck,” Miller said.

Federal Government Holds Its Ground

IRCC reiterated that the 45-day processing time is based on recent national averages, with Ontario specifically averaging 48 days.

Spokesperson Jeffrey MacDonald emphasized the shared jurisdiction between federal and provincial governments. He said that Ottawa remains committed to working with provinces on immigration planning and labor integration.

The federal government is currently developing immigration targets for 2026 to 2028, with input from all provinces.

What Now?

Ontario will not issue its own work permits.
Premier Ford continues to pressure Ottawa to process claims faster.
Provincial leaders are seeking more immigration autonomy, but the legal pathway remains unclear.
As hotel funding ends, cities are left scrambling to find housing solutions.

Despite walking back the work permit pledge, Ford’s frustration hasn’t faded. He argues that asylum seekers want to work and contribute—but current systems leave them waiting in limbo.

Whether his push for provincial autonomy gains traction remains to be seen.

Should provinces like Ontario have more power over immigration decisions, or should it stay a federal responsibility? Share your thoughts below.

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