Recent research reveals a troubling surge in discrimination against South Asian communities in Canada, with police-reported hate crimes increasing from 135 in 2020 to 228 in 2023. Experts like York University’s Prof. Tania Das Gupta note a significant shift in public discourse, particularly following political rhetoric linking immigrants to the affordability crisis. While criticism of immigration policies is valid, researchers emphasize that blame should be directed at government policies rather than individuals. The situation has led to both overt racism and subtle microaggressions affecting newcomers and established Canadian-South Asian communities alike, raising concerns about the normalization of discriminatory attitudes.
