QuestJobs Canada Immigration News – July 2025
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has reversed his previous statement about issuing provincial work permits for asylum seekers. The initial announcement, which sparked headlines nationwide, aimed to challenge the federal government’s authority over immigration processing—but Ford has since retracted the plan without offering a clear explanation.
This development sheds light on growing tensions between provincial leaders and the federal government regarding the pace and structure of Canada’s immigration system.
Ford’s Original Statement on Work Permits for Refugees
At the Council of the Federation meeting held in Huntsville, Ontario, Premier Ford joined other provincial leaders in demanding more control over immigration, particularly in issuing work permits for asylum claimants. He argued that delays in federal processing were leaving thousands unable to work and support themselves.
Ford claimed that the federal government was taking up to two years to process work permits, and referenced Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who cited Section 95 of the Constitution Act, 1867 as a possible path for provinces to act independently on immigration matters.
“We will be issuing our own work permits,” Ford said during the premiers' meeting, as reported by CBC News.
Ford Reverses Course, Leaves Responsibility with Federal Government
Despite his earlier remarks, Ford later reversed his stance and confirmed that Ontario will not be issuing its own work permits. He did not provide reasons for the reversal, though he reiterated his concern that asylum seekers are waiting too long to receive employment authorization.
IRCC Most Work Permits Processed Within 45 Days
In response to Ford’s comments, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated that the average processing time for asylum seeker work permits is approximately 45 days, provided the applicant submits a complete package—including a medical exam and current address.
“The Government of Canada will continue to work collaboratively with provinces and territories,” said IRCC spokesperson Jeffrey MacDonald, in a statement reported by CBC News.
Learn more about work permit processing for asylum seekers on the official IRCC website.
Ford Cites Backlog: 90,000 Claimants, 70,000 Work Permits
Ford continues to argue that the system is too slow. He claims that of the 90,000 asylum seekers in Ontario, only 70,000 were granted work permits last year. He has called on the federal government to clear the backlog so that more claimants can join the workforce and reduce dependence on government resources.
Opposition Criticizes Ford’s Focus on Federal Issues
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles responded by urging Ford to focus on his provincial responsibilities, rather than pursuing immigration powers that fall under federal jurisdiction.
“I think the premier needs to start actually showing up for work for the people of this province,” said Stiles, referencing ongoing issues in healthcare, housing, and education across Ontario.
IRCC to End Hotel Funding for Asylum Seekers After September 2025
The federal government has also confirmed that it will stop funding hotel accommodations for asylum seekers after September 2025. Since 2020, Ottawa has spent $1.1 billion on temporary hotel housing.
As of July, 485 asylum seekers remain in hotels across Ontario and Quebec.
Read the full IRCC announcement here
Toronto Faces Shelter Crisis as Hotel Support Ends
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow expressed concern about the federal withdrawal of hotel funding, noting that 150 asylum seekers are turned away from city shelters each month. With housing availability already stretched thin, local leaders fear the fallout will leave vulnerable individuals without any support.
Community leaders like Nadine Miller, who runs Pilgrim Feast Tabernacles Church, warn that many refugees will be forced into homelessness, and that faith-based organizations are already at their limits.
What This Means for Canada’s Immigration System
This situation highlights the growing strain on Canada’s asylum support systems, and the complex balance of responsibilities between the federal and provincial governments.
Although Premier Ford has abandoned the idea of issuing provincial work permits, the underlying concerns about processing delays, refugee housing shortages, and intergovernmental coordination remain unresolved.
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