In a disturbing incident that underscores the growing issue of hate crimes in Canada, an Indian-origin man was targeted with hateful abuse and told to ‘return to India’ by an elderly woman in the Kitchener-Waterloo region of Ontario. This incident, shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Ashwin Annamalai, sheds light on the unsettling trend of rising animosity towards people of color in the area.
Annamalai, in a poignant post, described the encounter as deeply unsettling, stating that the once welcoming community of Kitchener-Waterloo has witnessed a disturbing increase in hate-fueled incidents. The woman, upon being confronted about her aggression, explicitly stated that she wanted him to leave Canada due to the perceived influx of Indians. She added that she was also upset about the presence of Black people in the community. Annamalai further revealed that the woman accused him of not speaking English and demanded that he simply leave.
The incident, however, is not an isolated case. Annamalai pointed to a recent report that revealed Waterloo region has the highest rate of police-reported hate crimes in Canada. He also mentioned experiencing similar incidents of racism towards international students in the community. He concluded his post by emphasizing that resorting to harassment and blaming individuals for societal challenges is not the solution. He called for unity and collaboration to address the issues that affect everyone.
This incident comes at a time when Canada has seen a significant surge in immigration from India. Data shows a remarkable increase in the number of new Indian permanent residents (PRs), rising from 39,340 in 2015 to 139,785 in 2023. This growing influx, coupled with heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, may have contributed to the rise in anti-immigrant sentiment in the region.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action against hate crimes and the promotion of inclusivity and understanding. It also highlights the importance of combating discriminatory attitudes and creating a welcoming environment for immigrants and people from diverse backgrounds.