Ayodele Law breaks down Doug Ford’s reversal on asylum seeker work permits and what it means for immigration policy in Ontario and across Canada.
On July 23, 2025, Canada’s Premiers, including Ontario’s Doug Ford and Alberta’s Danielle Smith, made headlines by calling for expanded provincial authority over immigration—particularly the reinstatement of Provincial and Territorial Nominee Program (PTNP) allocations to access economic migrants.
Alberta Premier Smith cited Section 95 of the Constitution as a legal foundation, which allows provinces to legislate immigration matters so long as they do not conflict with federal law. In a bold statement, Ontario Premier Ford went so far as to declare: “We will be issuing our own work permits.” His comments centered on the lengthy delays asylum seekers face when trying to access work in Canada—reportedly up to two years.
The call to action drew support from national industry groups, most notably Restaurants Canada, which voiced concerns about the growing labour shortage, especially in the foodservice sector. The organization’s President, Kelly Higginson, endorsed automatic work permits for asylum seekers, stating that such measures would allow newcomers to contribute meaningfully to Canada’s economy while awaiting claim decisions.
However, in a significant development just days later, Premier Ford reversed his stance. On July 28, he told CBC News: “I don’t want to take the responsibility off the federal government,” suggesting a cooling of Ontario’s ambitions to take immigration matters into its own hands. Nonetheless, Ford’s controversial remarks have reignited public debate about the future of immigration policy at the provincial level.
Meanwhile, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) spokesperson Jeffrey MacDonald clarified that the average wait time for work permits for asylum seekers is about 45 days—not the two years cited by Premier Ford.
What This Means for Immigration Policy in Canada
While Ontario has stepped back from issuing its own work permits, the conversation around provincial immigration autonomy is far from over. The tension between federal control and provincial needs—especially around labour shortages—continues to grow.
At Ayodele Law, we are closely following these developments. Whether you're an asylum seeker awaiting a decision, an employer facing labour shortages, or a newcomer navigating Canada’s evolving immigration system, our legal team is here to help
How Ayodele Law Can Help
At Ayodele Law, we understand that immigration policies in Canada are constantly evolving—and that uncertainty can be stressful for individuals, families, and employers alike. Whether you're an asylum seeker waiting on a work permit, a business facing labour shortages, or a newcomer navigating provincial and federal immigration rules, our experienced legal team is here to guide you. We offer strategic, compassionate support to help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.
Contact Ayodele Law today to schedule a consultation.
