Close Reading

Canada has changed significantly in recent years, and I believe our post-COVID immigration policies have played a major role in the challenges we’re facing today. Here’s how things went off track: Many individuals who couldn’t pass the IELTS (English proficiency test) entered the country on visitor visas or through spousal sponsorships—some of which were questionable or fraudulent. During that time, the government was converting visitor visas into work permits with little to no scrutiny. Background checks and rejections were rare. Meanwhile, colleges rapidly expanded their intake capacity—understandably so, since international students pay three to four times more in tuition. At the same time, due to inflationary pressures, the government allowed international students to work 40 hours per week instead of the previous 20-hour limit. This created a new, ready-to-work labor force in just a year or two, heavily impacting the retail sector. As a result, a large portion of retail jobs shifted toward a single ethnic group, while many Canadian citizens found themselves sidelined. One key factor was flexibility. Many immigrant communities—particularly Indian—were more willing to accept irregular hours and last-minute shifts, often adopting a more compliant, “yes sir” attitude that employers found appealing. However, I’m already beginning to notice changes in the retail landscape, likely due to the government finally tightening immigration rules. Going forward, we don’t need to close our doors—but we do need smarter immigration policies, with proper checks and balances, to ensure fairness and sustainability for everyone.

Thank you for making this video. I have heard these exact words from so many people lately you are not alone. The Canada we once knew and grew up in has changed significantly, not for the better I fear. Were I your age I would consider leaving but I am aging and picking up and leaving is a little more daunting than it may have been 30 years ago. Follow your heart and I look forward to your commentary and wish you luck and good fortune wherever you land. I follow your travels on Instagram and I admire your tenacity and sense of adventure.

I've never been conservative or anti-immigration, but the situation is getting out of control. Canada has always been a country of immigrants, but in my country, Poland, that hasn't traditionally been the case. In recent years, the demographic landscape has changed significantly, and it's not just about our Ukrainian neighbors—over a million have arrived since the war. We're also seeing an influx of people from developing countries, many of whom come under false pretenses, enroll in private universities, or attempt to cross our borders illegally to reach Germany. Right now, we're at a loss, and the most frustrating part is that while we need skilled immigrants, we're instead getting unskilled individuals who don't even make an effort to learn the language. This isn't sustainable.

Thank you for your accurate and honest information about Canada. Everything you said is 100% true. I've been living in Canada since 2018, and the country’s image has changed significantly since then. There's been a substantial increase in grocery prices, housing costs, and rental rates. One drawback you didn't mention in the video is the Khalistani movement in Canada, which is causing issues and disturbances for Indian students.