The issue of immigration has long been a divisive topic in the West, but Canada had largely avoided it until recently. However, protests and campaign groups have emerged, with some suggesting that this, along with housing shortages and rising rents, played a role in Justin Trudeau’s resignation. The question now is whether Donald Trump’s arrival could further inflame the situation.
Recent reports of cramped living conditions, such as a converted bathroom being rented out in Brampton, Ontario, have sparked outrage online. This is just one example of the housing crisis facing Canadians, with rents increasing by almost 20% in the past three years.
As inflation hits hard and housing becomes increasingly unaffordable, the issue of immigration has moved to the forefront of Canadian politics. For the first time, a majority of Canadians are questioning the country’s ability to manage the influx of newcomers.
Campaign groups have formed, and protests against immigration have taken place in cities across the country. This shift in attitude has been fueled by stories like the one in Brampton, prompting concerns about how the immigration system is being managed.
While immigration may not have been the sole reason for Trudeau’s resignation, it likely played a role in his low approval ratings and eventual departure. Under his leadership, Canada saw a significant increase in immigration levels, leading to a population growth of over 40 million.
Overall, dissatisfaction with immigration was seen as a symptom rather than a cause of Trudeau’s downfall. The management of the immigration system and its impact on housing and inflation have become key issues for Canadians, shaping the country’s political landscape moving forward. The inability to gauge public opinion is evident in his actions, as reflected by the BBC. It remains uncertain who might succeed Trudeau within the Liberal Party, but current polls favor the Conservative Party. Their leader, Pierre Poilievre, advocates for limiting new arrivals to match the number of new homes being constructed. Since Trump’s election, Poilievre has shifted his focus to immigration, influencing voter perceptions. Trump’s potential return for a second term could intensify the immigration debate in Canada, regardless of the new prime minister. Trudeau and Biden renegotiated a border deal in 2023 to curb migrant crossings, leading to increased border security measures in Canada. The housing crisis is attributed to a lack of affordable housing units over the years, rather than recent immigration. Canada’s diverse population reflects its history of welcoming newcomers, but public opinion towards immigration has shifted dramatically. Protests against immigration have surfaced, calling for a moratorium on immigration to address wage and rent issues. Social media accusations against newcomers have fueled anti-foreigner sentiment. Asylum seekers in Canada feel unsettled and fearful due to heightened concerns about border security. Creo que están llegando y sienten, ‘Vale, ¿seré bienvenido aquí? ¿Estoy en el lugar correcto o no?’ Aquellos que esperan quedarse en Canadá como refugiados no pueden acceder a los servicios oficiales de asentamiento de inmigrantes hasta que se haya decidido que realmente necesitan asilo. Este proceso solía tardar dos semanas pero ahora puede llevar hasta tres años. La Real Policía Montada de Canadá comenzó a preparar un plan de contingencia para un aumento en los cruces de migrantes en la frontera a finales de 2024. Se han creado ciudades de tiendas de campaña para albergar a los recién llegados refugiados y los bancos de alimentos con estantes vacíos han surgido en Toronto. Los albergues para personas sin hogar de la ciudad suelen estar llenos. El alcalde de Toronto, Olivia Chow, una inmigrante ella misma que se mudó a Canadá desde Hong Kong a los 13 años, dice: “La gente ve que, incluso trabajando dos o tres trabajos, no pueden ganar lo suficiente para pagar el alquiler y alimentar a los niños. Entiendo las dificultades de tener una vida que no es asequible y el miedo a ser desalojado, absolutamente, lo entiendo. Pero culpar a eso del sistema de inmigración es injusto.”