Rising Anti-Immigrant Sentiment Fuels Xenophobia in Canada

A rising perception that immigration is to blame for Canada's economic issues has led to increased hate crimes against visible minorities. With a growing number of temporary residents, opinion polls show many Canadians believe immigration worsens the housing crisis and cost of living, affecting the Liberal government's popularity.

A growing perception in Canada that immigration is the root cause of economic woes is fuelling a xenophobic backlash, say advocates and community members, with a surge in hate crimes against visible minorities.

Once celebrated for welcoming newcomers, Canada now faces a reckoning as the number of temporary residents, including international students and workers, sharply rises. Public opinion polls reveal increasing concern over immigration, believed to exacerbate the housing crisis and cost of living, contributing to a slump in the popularity of Justin Trudeau's minority Liberal government.

Hate crimes reported by police have more than doubled from 2019 to 2023. Statistics Canada notes that 44.5% of 2023 incidents were motivated by race or ethnicity. Researchers and advocates say a weakening consensus on welcoming immigrants, fueled by housing and affordability concerns, has revived anti-immigrant sentiments.

(With inputs from agencies.)