Our Bureau
Toronto
In a shocking incident that has sparked widespread outrage, a video surfaced online showing a Canadian man harassing a group of Indian students outside a taxi stand. The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, can be seen in the footage making derogatory remarks about the students, referring to them as “refugees” and blaming their presence in Canada on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s immigration policies. This incident has ignited discussions about racism and xenophobia faced by immigrants in Canada, particularly those from India.
The video, which quickly went viral after being shared on various social media platforms, depicts the man approaching a group of young Indian students who were waiting for transportation. He begins by shouting at them, making offensive comments about their nationality and insinuating that they are unwelcome in Canada.
As the video spread across social media, reactions poured in from across the globe. Many users expressed their anger and disappointment at the man’s behaviour, labelling it as an example of growing racism against immigrants in Canada.
This incident is not an isolated case but rather part of a troubling trend of xenophobia directed towards immigrants in Canada. In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in anti-immigration sentiments fuelled by political rhetoric and social media narratives that frame immigrants as competitors for jobs and resources.
For many Indian students studying in Canada, incidents like this can be deeply unsettling. Canada has long been viewed as a welcoming destination for international students seeking quality education and opportunities for personal growth. However, experiences of racism can overshadow these aspirations and lead to feelings of isolation and fear.
Indian students make up one of the largest groups of international students in Canada, contributing significantly to both the economy and cultural diversity. In response to this incident, community leaders and organizations have called for greater awareness and action against racism to combat xenophobia.
