Doug Ford Walks Back Asylum Seeker Work Permit Plan
So, here’s what’s been happening with Premier Doug Ford and his recent flip-flop on asylum seekers and work permits in Ontario.
Just a few days ago, Ford made headlines by declaring that Ontario would start issuing its own work permits to asylum seekers. He was frustrated by what he called extreme delays in the federal system—he claimed it was taking more than two years for people to get their permits. That’s a pretty bold claim, and it was framed as a way to fill urgent labor gaps while helping newcomers contribute right away.
But almost as quickly as the idea surfaced, it was walked back. Less than a week later, Ford reversed the plan entirely. He’s now saying Ontario won’t be issuing any work permits on its own and is instead pushing the federal government to speed up the immigration process.
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The pivot was tied to Ford’s admission that his earlier comments were based more on anecdotal street conversations than hard data. He described pulling over near a Tim Hortons on Airport Road and talking to asylum seekers directly, saying they all just wanted to work. While that speaks to good intentions, it turns out the actual average wait time for a work permit is far shorter than he’d said—about 45 to 48 days, according to federal immigration officials.
Originally, Ford had cited Section 95 of the Constitution, which gives provinces a bit of leeway in immigration decisions, as the legal footing for his plan. But now he’s backing off, saying Ontario doesn’t want to take over the immigration system and instead wants to collaborate with Ottawa.
The Ontario Labour Minister, David Piccini, echoed that sentiment, saying the goal is more autonomy—not a complete takeover.
That said, the backtrack hasn’t come without criticism. Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles called it a classic case of “flip-flopping,” pointing out that while the Ford government is shifting gears, people who are eager to work are still stuck waiting, and employers in need of workers are left frustrated. She also accused Ford of trying to shift focus away from pressing local economic issues—like layoffs in the steel industry caused by U.S. tariffs.
In the end, this episode shows just how tricky and politically sensitive immigration issues can be. A bold provincial move was floated, but when federal facts and legal complexities came into play, it quickly unraveled. For now, the province says it wants to help—not lead—the charge on immigration processing. We'll see how long that position holds.
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