Increasing Xenophobia Marks Canada’s Political Climate in 2025

Recent trends indicate a troubling rise in xenophobia across Canada, as public sentiment towards immigration shifts dramatically. In 2025, more Canadians are expressing concerns about immigration, marking a significant change from the country’s historically welcoming stance.

The political landscape has been influenced by global events, with countries like the United States and the United Kingdom experiencing heightened anti-immigrant sentiments. In the U.S., former President Donald Trump implemented aggressive policies targeting illegal immigrants, which created a hostile atmosphere in major cities. Similarly, the UK has faced a wave of violent protests and hate crimes against various communities, including asylum seekers and racialized groups.

According to recent polls, slightly more than half of Canadians now believe that the country admits too many immigrants. This reflects a marked decrease in support for immigration, a trend that has coincided with increasing violence and hate crimes directed at racialized Canadians.

Earlier this month, two men from Ottawa received prison sentences of four to five years for attacking a Black man who had recently arrived in Canada from New Guinea. Such incidents are not isolated. Reports indicate a surge in hate crimes, with Statistics Canada data revealing a 29 percent increase in police-reported hate crimes from 2022 to 2023, while the overall crime rate rose only three percent.

The impact of this shift in public opinion is evident in government policies. Following his election as leader of the Liberal Party, Prime Minister Mark Carney wasted no time in enacting measures that significantly reduce the number of temporary foreign workers and foreign students allowed into Canada. This marks a stark reversal for a party traditionally supportive of immigration.

Concerns about immigration have been exacerbated by economic pressures, with many Canadians linking rising housing costs and healthcare access to high immigration levels. A report from Immigration and Citizenship Canada indicated that new immigrant arrivals were responsible for only about 11 percent of the total increase in housing prices between 2006 and 2021, suggesting that the perceived connection between immigration and economic challenges is largely overstated.

Polling data from Abacus Data highlights a growing strain of xenophobia within public opinion. CEO David Coletto noted that the rapid growth of Canada’s immigrant population has led to increased frustrations over housing and healthcare access. These pressures have contributed to a shift in sentiment, where rational concerns have turned into irrational hostility towards immigrants.

Political leaders may view restrictive immigration policies as a pragmatic response to public sentiment, aiming to counter the appeal of far-right populist movements. However, these actions may also embolden individuals with xenophobic tendencies, leading to a culture increasingly open to hate and violence.

As Canada navigates these complex dynamics, the rise in xenophobia appears set to continue unless significant economic recovery occurs. The current trajectory suggests that without intervention, this trend may dominate Canadian society in the years ahead, challenging the nation’s identity as a welcoming and inclusive country.

Awareness and proactive measures will be essential in addressing these issues and fostering a more accepting environment as Canada moves forward.