Political shifts and economic fears are changing attitudes towards immigrants in Canada
Luciana Mastrangelo (she/her) /// Contributing Writer
Catherine Rosales /// Contributing Illustrator
According to Statistics Canada, total police-reported hate crimes in Canada have risen from 3,612 in 2022 to 4,777 in 2023, marking a staggering 32.3 per cent increase. This sharp rise reflects growing tensions across the country, fueled by political polarization, economic anxieties and global conflicts. Marginalized communities, including immigrants, racial minorities and religious groups have increasingly become targets of discrimination and violence. Without stronger government intervention and public efforts, this trend could continue, further deepening social divides and making Canada a less welcoming place for those seeking refuge and opportunity.
This rise in hate crimes also highlights the ongoing issue of racial profiling and prejudice, particularly against visible minorities. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, racialized individuals—regardless of their citizenship or immigration status—have faced discrimination simply based on how they look. The surge in anti-Asian hate crimes in the wake of the pandemic is just one example of how racialized communities are unfairly blamed for crises and dismissed as outsiders.
With mounting frustrations, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s October announcement of a 20 per cent immigration reduction over three years signaled a shift in Canada’s approach to population growth. “We didn’t get the balance quite right,” Trudeau admitted, acknowledging that the post-pandemic push to address labor shortages and boost population growth may have outpaced the country’s ability to provide housing and services. During the pandemic, Canada ramped up immigration to fill workforce gaps in healthcare, construction and essential services, but the rapid influx exacerbated the affordability crisis in major cities. Now with Trudeau’s resignation, questions remain—will this policy change be enough? And with Donald Trump’s return to presidency and rising anti-immigrant rhetoric in the U.S., could similar sentiments seep into Canada? Only time will tell as Canada navigates this challenging shift.
Additionally, Trump’s second term has poured oil on an already inflamed issue in Canada regarding immigration. His mass deportations of undocumented migrants have reignited fears that rising anti-immigrant sentiment in the U.S. could spill further across the border, influencing Canadian policies and public attitudes.
One of the most infamous myths fueling anti-immigrant sentiment is that newcomers are responsible for economic downturns. However, the Canadian Housing Evidence Collaboration suggests a rapid population increase is not the only factor attributing to the economic crisis. Immigrants and international students contribute billions to the economy annually, filling labor shortages, paying taxes and supporting local businesses. Moreover, Canada’s housing crisis stems from decades of underinvestment in public housing and infrastructure, not an influx of immigrants.
All these instances of negligence have not gone unnoticed by immigrant communities. Numerous forms of protest have been seen across the United States and Canada. By abstaining from school and work on February 3, the Day Without Immigrants 2025 showcased the essential work done by immigrants. From healthcare to agriculture, construction to hospitality, immigrants form the backbone of many industries, and often go unnoticed without appreciation. Born in 2006, the protest has grown with frustration, as tensions between government and immigrants have dramatically increased due to numerous policy changes, specifically in the U.S.
At CapU, international students have expressed growing concerns about discrimination and exclusion. “There’s a shift in how people treat us,” says Riya Patel, an international student from India. “Two years ago, I felt welcomed, but now I hear comments about how we’re ‘overloading’ the city, and it makes me feel like I don’t belong.”
The fight against anti-immigrant sentiment is far from over. While policymakers continue to debate immigration targets, the reality is that immigrants remain essential to Canada’s economy and cultural fabric. The surge in hate crimes, political scapegoating and growing anxieties among international students signal a deeper issue—one that goes beyond numbers and policies. It’s about who we are as a country and whether we will uphold our values of inclusion. As Canada stands at this crossroads, government leaders and communities in general will determine whether it remains a welcoming nation or succumbs to the rising tide of division.