Under the City’s Access to City Services for Undocumented Torontonians policy, also called AccessTO, all Torontonians, regardless of immigration status, have the right to access City services without fear. Undocumented Torontonians face barriers to essential services and supports, which can affect safety, health and wellbeing. Most City services do not require proof of immigration status.

The City publishes a searchable list of identification requirements to access City services, and informs undocumented Torontonians about how the City protects their privacy.

Under the City of Toronto Act, the City has the responsibility to serve all residents of Toronto and to ensure that all residents have full and equal rights to access City services. Most City services do not require residents to show proof of immigration status.

There are exceptions where the City delivers services on behalf of other orders of government and proof of immigration status is required, including:

  • Ontario Works
  • child care fee subsidy
  • housing subsidy

Visit the searchable list of identification requirements to access City services for more detailed information.

There are four ways to make a complaint related to the AccessTO policy:

  1. Contact the City division directly
  2. Contact 311 by phone or online
  3. Make a complaint with the City’s Human Rights Office
  4. Contact Ombudsman Toronto

Most complaint processes do not require any proof of your identity, unless it’s a form completed online or you would like a follow-up to the complaint – for example, you may need to provide a name and/or email address.

Under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the City cannot share someone’s personal information with another government except in two circumstances:

  • The City may disclose personal information to a law enforcement agency to support a specific investigation through a formal process.
  • The City must share personal information to a government agency through a formal request where required by law. Examples include: Canada Revenue Agency for tax audit purposes or Ministry of Labour for health and safety purposes.