At a Calgary energy event on September 28, 2026, Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized sending temporary workers home when their permits expire. His remarks are not a policy change. Here is what was said and what it means for you.
On September 28, 2026, Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized the practice of sending temporary foreign workers home when their permits expire. He spoke at the Enserva Speaker Series at the TELUS Convention Centre in Calgary, sharing the stage with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. This is a politician's opinion, not a change in the rules. Nothing about work permit expiry dates, extensions or eligibility has changed because of it. Written coverage of the remarks appeared on October 2.
What Was Said
According to the reports we read, Ford was asked about temporary workers who receive notices that their status is ending. He called the idea of sending them home "the craziest thing I have ever heard" and said Canada needs people to stay and keep working in the companies that employ them. He described workers who have enrolled their children in school and rented or bought homes before being told to leave, and argued that a shrinking population is bad for the economy.
- Ford reportedly cited Ontario's population growing from about 14 million to 16.3 million during his time in office, and a national population decline of about 50,000. We have not independently verified these figures.
- Smith reportedly said Alberta received about 600,000 people in five years, roughly 400,000 of them temporary residents, while the province could nominate only 6,400 through its provincial nominee program. She argued for more provincial say over who is selected.
- The Premier's office has not published a transcript or policy paper. The primary record is the broadcast footage (CPAC). The written coverage comes from Rebel News and Juno News, both of which write from a clear editorial viewpoint, so read their framing with that in mind.
What It Does Not Change
A premier cannot change federal work permit rules. Work permits are issued by IRCC with a fixed expiry date, and that date still applies. A notice that a permit is ending is the system working as written, not a new enforcement step. Provinces do have a real lever through their nominee programs, which is why Smith's numbers matter: a province chooses whom to nominate, but the federal government sets how many nominations each province can make and makes the final permanent residence decision.
Remarks by a premier do not extend your permit, create a new pathway or change any deadline. Plan around your actual expiry date and the official IRCC rules.
If Your Work Permit Is Ending
The practical steps are the same as last week. Check your permit's expiry date today, because the options narrow as it approaches:
- If you may qualify to extend, apply before the permit expires so you can remain on maintained status while IRCC decides.
- If you may qualify for a permanent residence route (Express Entry, a provincial nominee program or another stream), check your eligibility now rather than near the deadline. Our CRS calculator is a good first step.
- If neither applies, plan an orderly departure. Staying beyond your authorized period can seriously damage future applications to Canada.
Why This Is Worth Watching
Two provincial leaders publicly pressing Ottawa on temporary residents and provincial selection power is a signal about the direction of the national conversation. It is not a prediction that rules will change, and no change has been announced. We will report any actual change from IRCC or a provincial program once it is published officially.
This article reports public remarks and is general information, not legal advice or an assessment of your situation. Quotes and figures are as reported by the outlets named above, read on October 3, 2026. Immigration rules change, so confirm current requirements with IRCC.
