Access to City Services for Undocumented Torontonians

In February 2013, City Council reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Torontonians, regardless of immigration status, have access to City services without fear of being asked for proof of status. Access to City Services for Undocumented Torontonians (Access T.O.) aims to improve customer service to this vulnerable population by ensuring that City staff have the necessary and relevant information needed to provide effective service.

To assist undocumented Torontonians in accessing services, the City:

• publishes a searchable list of identification requirements to access City services, along with four ways to make a complaint for those who may be dissatisfied with a service or feel wrongfully excluded from receiving a service
• informs undocumented Torontonians about how the City protects their privacy

Council Decisions

• Refugees, Refugee Claimants and Undocumented Torontonians – Recent Trends and Issues – April 2017
• Access to City Services for Undocumented Torontonians: Progress of the Access T.O. Initiative – December 2015
• Access to City Services for Undocumented Torontonians – June 2014
• Undocumented Workers in Toronto – February 2013

Disclosing Personal Information to Another Government

Under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), the City cannot disclose personal information to another government except in two very limited circumstances:

• Law Enforcement Investigations: The City may disclose personal information to a law enforcement agency to aid a specific investigation. City staff must not disclose information without a formal written request from the law enforcement agency. The request for information must be vetted by Corporate Information Management Services. The information may be released at the City’s discretion.
• Statutory Requirement: The City must disclose personal information to a government agency where the law requires disclosure upon a written request from that agency. Examples include: Canada Revenue Agency for tax audit purposes or Ministry of Labour for health and safety purposes.

Corporate Information Management Services (CIMS) has developed processes that City staff must follow when they receive a request for information. CIMS reviews these requests and provides direction for whether and how the information can be released.