The Ontario government is ending social assistance for those who are living in Canada illegally.
The province says it’s toughening up the rules for the Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure "Ontario's social assistance programs are focused on supporting only families and individuals facing financial hardship who are legally authorized to live in Canada."
The change in the rules is immediate.
The Ontario government is telling those who are in Canada illegally, those authorised to stay only temporarily, and those here on student visas, work permits, or tourism visas that they need not apply.
Only those who can demonstrate their citizenship or immigration status can apply.
"Our 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," said Minister of Children, Community, and Social Services, Michael Parsa. "These changes will protect taxpayer dollars and ensure these programs are there for the people who they were intended to support."
