Indian and Punjabi communities have played a vital role in shaping Canada for over a century. Yet, a new wave of anti-immigrant sentiment is casting a shadow over their contributions. From misinformation on social media to harmful government policies, the challenges facing South Asian immigrants today echo past discrimination.
A Legacy of Punjabi Migration
Punjabis first arrived in Canada in the late 19th century, with significant migration occurring between 1904 and 1908. Most early immigrants were Sikh men from Punjab, drawn to British Columbia’s forestry industry. The province’s lush, agricultural landscapes reminded them of their homeland, making Canada an attractive destination.
By 1908, around 5,000 Punjabi men had settled in Canada, but their arrival sparked racial tensions. Employers preferred hiring Punjabis for their strong work ethic and willingness to accept lower wages, leading to resentment from white workers. As South Asian migration increased, so did government efforts to curb it.
A New Wave of Immigration—and Backlash
After the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada ramped up immigration to address labor shortages. By 2023, Indians made up nearly 30% of new permanent residents—the largest share of any nationality. But as immigration surged, so did hostility.
Canada has a long history of blaming immigrants for systemic problems. Today, rising housing costs, strained public services, and economic instability are being unfairly pinned on newcomers, particularly South Asians.
A 2023 Environics survey found Canadians are now evenly split on whether the country is accepting too many immigrants. With this shift, hate crimes against South Asians have surged—up 143% between 2019 and 2022. In 2022 alone, a quarter of South Asian Canadians reported experiencing discrimination or harassment.
The Role of Social Media in Spreading Hate
Online platforms have fueled xenophobic rhetoric, particularly targeting Sikh Punjabis and Indian international students.
- Instagram account 6ixbuzz has been criticized for stirring racist commentary against South Asians, frequently using Brampton, Ontario, as a dog whistle for xenophobic stereotypes.
- TikTok and travel vlogs often feature racist comments about India, while videos of South Asians in Canada are flooded with hate.
- In a horrifying example, commenters mocked the suicide of Indian student Charandeep Singh, celebrating his death and calling for more Indians to follow suit.
Misinformation has also played a role. In one instance, a fake sign depicting a Sikh man defecating on a beach went viral, spreading false claims about Indian immigrants. Instead of debunking the rumor, Premier Doug Ford allocated $1 million for new washrooms in the Ontario town of Wasaga Beach—legitimizing racist narratives rather than addressing real infrastructure issues.
Government Policies: Addressing the Wrong Problems
Rather than tackling systemic failures, the federal government has focused on limiting international students and reducing immigration growth. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended the move, claiming Canada remains a welcoming nation but needs to ensure “pathways to success” for immigrants.
However, the real issue lies with unregulated private colleges. Investigations have found that recruiters in India mislead students into thinking Canada offers guaranteed jobs and easy permanent residency. Many students arrive to find overcrowded housing, low-wage jobs, and little institutional support. Yet, instead of addressing these predatory practices, the government has chosen to cap student permits.
A Way Forward: Solutions Over Scapegoating
Canada must take meaningful steps to support immigrants rather than treating them as scapegoats. Key actions include:
- Addressing anti-Indian hate: Politicians, including South Asian-Canadian leaders, must take a stand against rising xenophobia.
- Investing in sustainable infrastructure: Instead of blaming immigrants for housing shortages, governments should focus on building affordable housing and improving public services.
- Regulating private colleges: Stricter oversight is needed to prevent international students from being exploited by for-profit institutions.
Indian and Punjabi immigrants have shaped Canada for over a century. It’s time to shift the narrative—from scapegoating to solutions, from exclusion to inclusion. Canada’s future depends on it.
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