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Or sign-in if you have an account.Ontario Premier Doug Ford at a press conference at the McDougall Centre in Calgary on Monday, July 6, 2026. Photo by Brent Calver/PostmediaOntario Premier Doug Ford says he will change provincial regulations if needed after learning that an immigrant living illegally in Canada for decades has been ruled eligible for social assistance benefits from Ontario.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorFord’s comments came in the form of a social media post on a case reported by National Post involving a man who said he came to Canada in 1997 on a temporary work permit. Although his permit expired after four years, he has been living here ever since.In a post to X on Sunday morning, Ford wrote: “Our government will always be there to support people on hard times — but that doesn’t include people living in Canada illegally.”The man was able to support himself by working cash jobs until 2023, when he entered the homeless shelter system, he told the Ontario Social Benefits Tribunal, which heard and ruled on his case in May. The man was not named in the decision, as is the tribunal’s practice.When the man applied for welfare benefits last fall, the administrator of the province’s social assistance program, Ontario Works, denied his application because of his lack of immigration status in Canada, the tribunal heard.Our government will always be there to support people on hard times—but that doesn’t include people living in Canada illegally. If provincial regulations need to be changed to make that crystal clear, we’ll change them. https://t.co/1fnqJ1XiNz— Doug Ford (@fordnation) July 12, 2026An Ontario Works case officer had not conducted an immigration search to determine the man’s eligibility, the tribunal found, “to avoid possibly jeopardizing the appellant’s situation in Canada.”Get a dash of perspective along with the trending news of the day in a very readable format.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of NP Posted will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againTribunal adjudicator Eric Brown ruled that the man was not a tourist or visitor, “given the sheer length of time and the roots the appellant had established while in Canada,” nor was there a deportation or removal order against him.Brown then agreed with the man that legal immigration status in Canada is not a prerequisite for welfare under Ontario’s act, provided applicants didn’t fall under one of those three criteria.Thus, he ruled the man’s denial of benefits to be “incorrect and rescinded,” and declared him eligible to receive them.In a post to X on Sunday morning, Ford suggested illegal residents shouldn’t get the same support as other Ontarians, and added, along with a link to the National Post story: “If provincial regulations need to be changed to make that crystal clear, we’ll change them.”On Monday, Michelle Rempel Garner, Conservative Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, also weighed in with a statement on the recent decision, calling it “yet another government action that undermines core principles of our immigration system: those who come to Canada should do so legally and with a clear commitment to becoming self-sufficient as quickly as possible.”“This ruling should offend anyone who values an immigration system grounded in fairness and public trust,” her statement added. “The Conservative Party of Canada agrees with Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s statement on the issue.”Her statement also called on the federal Liberal government “to take the same stance, and to back Premier Ford’s government on any measures it takes to ensure this ruling does not stand.”According to the Ontario Works website, people are eligible for financial assistance and benefits provided they are at least 16 years old and an Ontario resident, have assets no greater than the limits set out in the program, be in financial need, and agree to participate in employment activities.The site suggests having “identification and tax documents ready” before applying, noting that such information could include social insurance numbers and immigration papers.“You could receive up to $733 a month for basic needs and shelter if you are single,” the site notes, adding that recipients might be eligible for additional benefits, such as to cover costs for transportation to medical appointments.National Post has asked the premier’s office for more information. A spokesperson said there was “nothing further to add for the time being.”Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here. Join the Conversation This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.