As Canada enters 2025, the country faces significant challenges surrounding its immigration policies. The immigration plan, once seen as a pathway to economic growth, now appears disjointed. Public sentiment is shifting, with growing frustration and resignation among Canadians. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump continues to
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 2015 campaign promised “sunny ways” and ambitious immigration targets. His vision sought to boost the economy through a welcoming immigration system. In 2019, Canada had the most positive view of immigration among the top 10 destination countries. But Trudeau’s post-pandemic immigration plan, which many believe “didn’t get the balance quite right,” has left Canadians and immigrants in a very different situation as 2025 begins.
In 2024, Canada significantly reduced immigration targets. Permanent resident targets were slashed by 21%, and international student permits were cut by 45%. The year ended with a $1.3 billion border security plan aimed at appeasing Trump. Yet, the measures don’t seem to have been enough to calm tensions, as Trump continues to criticize Canada. In the face of this political volatility, the question remains: Will Canada reaffirm its commitment to diversity, or will fear and nativism gain ground, weakening the values that make the country strong?
Canada’s strength has long been rooted in its multiculturalism. However, recent years have seen a troubling rise in anti-immigrant sentiment. For the first time in 25 years, a majority of Canadians believe there is too much immigration. Half of Canadians now feel immigration is harming the nation. Polls consistently show a shift toward a more negative public perception of immigration.
As a Chinese-Canadian who has lived in Canada for over 30 years, I have experienced the impacts of these policy shifts personally. For the first time, I am frequently questioned about my immigrant status, despite having a Canadian accent and an anglicized Chinese name. It feels as though the once-passive “where are you from” question has turned hostile.
I have been a public scholar for a decade, but recently, I’ve started receiving racist online comments and hate mail calling me a “useless immigrant.” I’m not alone in facing this discrimination. Across social media platforms like X, anti-immigrant rhetoric is rampant, and immigrants continue to be targeted in real-life hate crimes. In December, international students at the University of Regina reported a disturbing incident in which four men in a car hurled racist insults, threatened them, and even threw coffee at them.
The Canadian government’s mixed messages are fueling this rise in nativism. On one hand, Canada promotes its multicultural mosaic, but on the other hand, policies are shutting doors to not only economic migrants but also refugees and family reunification. This contradiction is breeding suspicion and hostility toward immigrants and racialized communities.
Statistics Canada reports that 51% of racialized people in Canada have experienced discrimination in the past five years, nearly double the rate among white Canadians. These figures aren’t just statistics—they represent real harm to people who have come to Canada to contribute. International students alone contributed $37.3 billion to the economy in 2022.
Immigrants play a crucial role in filling labor gaps and bringing fresh perspectives. Yet, public discourse and policies are increasingly treating them as threats rather than valuable contributors. It’s vital that political leaders recognize the significant economic contributions of immigrants and temporary migrants in their campaigns.
As Canada prepares for new leadership, there is an opportunity to promote a more balanced and productive conversation about immigration. Political candidates should engage in honest discussions that focus on the benefits of immigration while rejecting racism and hate. They should also develop clear, consistent long-term immigration policies that align with Canada’s capacity to support housing, health care, and education. A commitment to highlighting the positive impacts of diversity will be essential for fostering social cohesion and strengthening the Canadian economy.
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