On March 21, 2025, Canada joins the global community in marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. While Canada is often celebrated for its diversity and welcoming stance toward immigrants, recent incidents have exposed the country’s ongoing struggle with racial intolerance, discrimination, and violence. From hate crimes targeting South Asians to systemic issues faced by international students, the fight against racism in Canada is far from over.
Recent Incidents Reflecting Racial Tensions
Despite being a multicultural society, Canada continues to witness disturbing incidents of racism and violence, particularly against marginalized and immigrant communities. Several recent cases have sparked outrage and prompted calls for action.
1. Sikh Man’s Beard Removed at Brampton Hospital
In a shocking violation of religious rights, Paramjot Singh, a Sikh man, had his beard forcibly shaved off while unconscious at Brampton Civic Hospital. His family was left devastated by the incident, which they described as a direct assault on his Sikh identity. Following the incident, the family faced a wave of online racism and hate, compounding their trauma. The incident has drawn sharp criticism, with advocacy groups calling for greater cultural sensitivity in healthcare settings.
2. Fatal Shooting of Security Guard Harshandeep Singh
The tragic killing of Harshandeep Singh, a 20-year-old security guard in Edmonton, highlighted concerns over the safety of racialized workers. Singh was fatally shot while on duty, leaving the South Asian community shaken. Two suspects were arrested, but the incident has intensified discussions about workplace safety and racial profiling of immigrants.
3. Rising Hate Amid Misinformation
In Brampton, Mayor Patrick Brown publicly condemned a surge in hate crimes against South Asians, triggered by the circulation of a misleading video. The footage, taken out of context, stoked racial animosity, prompting the mayor to denounce the spread of disinformation and reaffirm the city’s commitment to protecting its diverse population.
4. International Students Targeted by Crime
International students, particularly from India, have increasingly become victims of crime. The murder of Gurasis Singh, an Indian student in Sarnia, Ontario, has left the community reeling. Singh, who was pursuing business management at Lambton College, was killed in an unprovoked attack, raising serious concerns about the safety and vulnerability of international students in Canada.
5. Tenant Eviction Sparks Racial Debate
A viral video from Brampton depicted a landlord forcibly evicting an Indian tenant, raising questions about tenant rights and potential racial bias. The incident, which saw the landlord throwing the tenant’s belongings out, led to public outrage and discussions about the challenges immigrants face in securing fair housing.
Community Responses and Measures to Combat Racism
In the face of these incidents, Canadian communities and institutions have taken steps to promote inclusion and combat racial discrimination.
1. Race Against Racism Initiative
The Peel Regional Police last year hosted the 23rd annual Race Against Racism, bringing together hundreds of participants. The event aimed to foster dialogue, promote unity, and strengthen trust between law enforcement and diverse communities. It also served as a platform to highlight the importance of addressing systemic racism within the criminal justice system.
2. Grants for Media Diversity
To combat racial bias in media representation, the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) awarded $775,000in grants in 2024 to promote diversity in Canadian media. These funds have supported initiatives that amplify the voices of racialized groups, ensuring more accurate and inclusive coverage.
Challenges Faced by Immigrants and Racialized Communities
While Canada prides itself on being a land of opportunity for immigrants, systemic barriers and racial biases continue to plague various aspects of life, from housing and employment to law enforcement.
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International Student Exploitation: An investigation linked Canadian colleges to human trafficking networks, exposing the exploitation of vulnerable students. The scandal revealed that students were lured to Canada with false promises, only to be subjected to abuse and extortion.
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Document Resubmission Crisis: Indian students in Canada recently expressed anxiety over IRCC’s demand for resubmission of crucial documents, raising concerns about systemic bias in immigration policies. Many students fear potential deportation or visa denials, despite having followed due process.
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Workplace Discrimination: Incidents like Harshandeep Singh’s killing have reignited discussions about the precarious working conditions faced by racialized workers, who are often employed in low-wage, high-risk jobs.
A Call for Continued Action
On this International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, it is evident that Canada still has a long road ahead. While initiatives like community policing events, media diversity grants, and public condemnations of hate are important steps, systemic reforms and public accountability are essential to creating a genuinely inclusive society.
The fight against racism demands consistent efforts from governments, institutions, and individuals alike. It requires fostering cultural sensitivity in healthcare, ensuring stronger protections for international students, and promoting fair treatment of racialized workers.
As Canada reflects on this day, the message is clear: building a truly equitable and discrimination-free society is an ongoing commitment—one that must be embraced collectively and continuously.
Navneet Kaur
The following fellow has been hired under the project ‘Diverse Voices: Amplifying Narratives, Empowering Journalists’ which was made possible through the financial support of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation’s Media Fellowships Program.