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The contrast between immigrants, many from India, and the rhetoric of those who now feel like a new minority was striking. It should not surprise me that racism appears anywhere humans are, but what stood out was how some speakers treated all Indians as a single people, despite hundreds of cultures, and accused them of failing to assimilate to ‘their way.’ Many of those voices were themselves descendants of immigrants who were once pressured to abandon Norwegian or other identities in the name of assimilation. Yet there was little evidence they had actually spent time getting to know their Indian neighbors, their cultures, friendships, or daily realities. Instead, the focus was fear and a narrative of societal collapse, rather than honest engagement that separates real local issues from blanket blame. Of course, any local community can have problems, and some groups can be unwelcoming. But the argument presented implied there is only one way to be Canadian. That echoes xenophobic rhetoric in the US about who counts as ‘American,’ often while ignoring the reality of Indigenous peoples entirely. I do not deny the importance of shared commitments like the rule of law, freedom, and evidence based policy rooted in the Enlightenment and scientific thinking. But culture and learning can coexist with those values. What troubled me most was how poverty and discrimination were replaced with racial generalizations, and how victim language was used to deflect responsibility, something that resembles DARVO. Given the same conditions, these problems could arise in any group, regardless of race.

Here is a aggressively neutral take as a Canadian elementary school teacher in an area with an extremely high Indian population (around half our school is ethnically Indian). It is also my own opinion, and some opinions on the internet suck: The good: Cultural integration IS possible (the Indian families are more into hockey than the white families where I live), tons of cross-cultural friendships, beautiful blend of cultural celebrations, top achievers are almost always second-generation immigrants, kids are growing up to love their parents' culture while also loving Canada's, many fantastic families who engage their children well and raise them very respectfully, religious temples that will feed an amazing meal to ANYBODY who walks into them (as long as you cover your hair), low rates of family trauma (drugs, abuse, divorce, etc.), families that take care of their elders The rough: Not all families are interested in being Canadian (some families just send their kids to Indian speaking private schools, live in Indian areas, and only seem to practice Indian ways of life - what's even the point?), many Indian families retreated into their home-lives during Covid which removed their children from integration opportunities, a very small percentage of the families are absolutely TERRIBLE at parenting and treat their sons and daughters with different levels of respect, multi-family households pay a single property tax which makes the contribution per taxpayer much smaller (while social benefits are equal to anybody else), some crime such as extortion and gang activity has been imported into the country, some individuals' disregard for rules and laws (setting fireworks on Diwali in the middle of a dry, grassy field is just plain stupid), some Indian communities seem to vote blindly for their own ilk during local elections without any regard for policy or experience, LMIA immigration program has been corrupted by the nepotism of bad actors and the greed of large corporations (wages can be federally subsidized which makes it cheaper to hire immigrants than the 16 year old down the street). Many of these families were simply making good choices for their own family, so don't blame the people themselves for this - blame the government that allowed it to fester unsustainably. I'll continue to stick up for the majority of these beautiful families though - haters be darned! Watching these kids grow up gives me some hope for humanity!

No offence to the amazing Indian people, as a Canadian I find the majority very helpful and good for our country. However, things changed 2015- onwards- there are large scam companies now that bring unqualified people by taking money from them and creating fake student permits for them. The issue with that is that these people are OK with subpar living standards and offer their services for less than minimum wage and this creates a shadow/ cash-based economy where taxes go unreported and quality of life does not improve. This is not good for anyone- not the Canadians and older immigrants who lose jobs to these people and must pay higher taxes to maintain the infrastructure needed for a larger population. Not to mention how these new immigrants are a bit uncultured and almost like the "red-necks" of India- they throw garbage around, do not learn English, never make friendships with other races/ethnicities.

Friendships with people from the USA has not deteriorated. It’s that jackass that is playing President that doesn’t have any friends in Canada.

It’s a trade dispute between USA and Canada, where from Russia came into this subject. Anyway USA people job and economy are NOT depending only on Canada, so don’t worry. So your “Friendship” depends on tariffs % ?

Please don’t say ‘they’. Say ‘Trump’. Most of us don’t want this either…. Most of us understand how stupid this and do not understand the thought process of this dictator that somehow got back into office over here. He is embarrassing, uneducated and will hurt our country with his ridiculous rhetoric, lack of vocabulary and bullying tactics with our allies. It is inconceivable for many of us. I appreciate your every word. I wish you weee our president. Please know ‘We the people’ on both sides of the border are going to hurt from Trump’s stupid unfathomable decisions. I hope you can look through and see past the people here or not on the side of the decisions being made and know that once Trump is out Office, we can establish our ties with you and continue with the friendship we’ve had for so long and create agreements to profit both countries and caused the least of services in the most stability for each other. It’s a shame for what is happening and completely unnecessary.

The American people reject your one sided friendship. No more taking advantage of America. It’s time to pay us back for every dollar you have earned from us. Period

Reality is that citizens of both countries need to foster our friendships through this period of bad public policy. It's predicated on creating conflict to separate people rather than support them in working together.

Trump missed the semesters when they covered Econ I & II. He also does not appreciate friendship and does not know how to treat people. I am devastated that my fellow Americans actually voted for him again.

What about saying that Trump is the best Sino-Russian asset in the US ? 'cause that is what he is, currently... jeopardizing generationnal friendship and alliance partnership for a despicable inner self.\nAs a French citizen, I stand with you and your people, Sir Trudeau. And I'll always stand with Canada. *You don't boot a cousin out.*

Trump has turned our friendship with Canada into a stupid, embarrassing fiasco. What is the benefit for the people? That's right, none. I am proud of Prime Minister Trudeau. That's correct, I hang my head in shame because I am from the USA.

I’m am Ukrainian Canadian and over the last few days I see how the new US government’s policy ruining everything we all believe in so dearly: democracy, friendship, helping shoulder to those who needs support against the bloody dictators, and firing thousands of people without cause who provided cybersecurity, guarded fairness of your elections… all being flashed down the toilet. And I watch it being replaced with bulling those who is bleeding, stabbing the friends and neighbors, singing praise to the war criminals charged for crimes against humanity with unlawful deportation and transfer of 20,000 Ukrainian children into russia. Children?! And I want to ask you a question: will you be a silent bystander watching the world plummet into the hatred, redivisions of borders and the rule of heartless convicted “deal makers”? I think I know who he made the deal with... And to those who voted for him: do you still believe this will lead you and your country to greatness?? One single fact that both Moscow and Beijing celebrate watching what’s happening should raise your eyebrows and question your decision to bring this man into power. Instead of making America great again the fight for saving America just began. God help you and all of us!

I am an American and love my country and its people. But TRUMP and Musk and Vance are villains ?! They must be defeated. And they will be stopped. We need to stick close to our neighbors and our friends in the world. Putin is not a friend. I hope our Canadian brothers know we real Americans want cooperation and friendship, not a trade war.

Prime Minister Trudeau, I am sorry President Trump's irresponsible ideas and choices affect so many negatively which includes you and your Canadians, and me and my Americans, as well as so many other. He should be ashamed of himself, but we all know that a narcissist feels only joy in hurting others. I worry every day, not just for the people of the United States of America, but also for all people around the world affected by this horrible man. I stand up and speak up with the hope that it makes a difference. Those I know are doing the same. I have heard so many republicans that voted for Trump, so very sorry now that they did. His irrational behavior is worthy of impeachment. Your speech, Prime Minister Trudeau, was honest and sincere and I appreciate your being so candid. I wish President Trump and Vice President Vance had the character you have. Best Wishes to you and the People of Canada, we have been friends for a long time and I would love to continue this friendship. Remember there are Americans here that appreciate you and your country.

I am Canadian, and I want to speak to the USA, as a concerned citizen who valued the relationship that we once had between our two countries: please realize that we do NOT want to declare this as any form of “attack”, that these are solely defensive measures against your current administration’s lack of respect towards us as a people and as a country. \n\nPlease rest assured that we KNOW that not all of you voted for Trump, that there are those of you who realize what your current president is truly doing and do not support it. This is NOT about fentanyl. This NOT about money and how much each country was giving whom. We had a respectable trade deal that we were following, previously signed by Trump. We have always had a positive relationship together, business-wise and friendship-wise. Please also realize that, once your administration is no longer in control of our narratives in such a destructive manner, or it gets replaced by one that reverses this destructive policy, we will definitely reconsider our former relationship and we will work towards rebuilding it. \n\nIt is unfortunate for both sides here. We are aware of that. But “Canada Strong” is our way to remain forever a sovereign and free nation. Nothing more, nothing less. Always remember that.

Please accept my deepest apology. ? I love the Canadian people and their ways. This tarrif war doesn't represent my will, and probably most others feel the same. Hopefully, this maddening period of chaos will be short-lived, and our friendship can resume again soon.

He is working like a true Demonrat. They lie blame for his own doing. Where was your friendship Trudeau when your corrupt friend Biden inflated the Americans people? You didn't want to meet with Mr. Trump (who you say is your friend) to make fair and balanced trade. That seems like a one-sided friendship and we are about COMMON SENSE. Trudeau, you are putting Americans and Canadians through this because you don't want to see that Mr. Trump just wants fairness and for some reason you want tariff wars. That's the truth and you need to start speaking truth and quit misleading people with lies! That's why the democrats have been defeated because they are corrupt and they lie to the people.

We Canadians may not agree with this trade war, but our bond with the Americans people runs deeper than politics. We've fought side by side in wars, stood together in times of crisis, and built friendships that no tariff can break. We may clash on trade, but never on our shared history, values, and respect for one another. Allies yesterday, today, and always. ??❤??

As a US veteran, I have no idea why trump is making these ridiculous decisions. Our country is being lead by blind, ignorant and arrogant people.\nPlease know the majority of Americans do not support this stupidity.\nI love Canadians and always have, Trump will never destroy the friendships made there.

All of Europe wants to develop cooperation with the Canadian nation and a close friendship with all the Canadian people. ❤

I believe that the ultimate wet dream of Trump is to have a bigger nation ie. performing hostile takeovers of neighboring countries and of strategic importance for him (Greenland, Canada, Panama Canal and others). For that to function, he has agreed with his best buddy Putin to allow him his share of the Europian countries. China will probable be on the same hostile takeover trip all over the pacific as well. He and Putin think that they will loose out against China otherwise. What the poor man doesn't realise is that the community of the UN were and are the best deterence against China. His willingness to break that up will actually lead to a very big world dominating conflict. The clear thinking US politicians need to act quickly before more damage is done to the American people and country. He is on the path of destroying vital friendships to pay for his sick qunon infested mind...(eating cats and dogs....say no more)

This is how we treat our friends and allies now. It's as if Trump has chosen to go to war against the American people directly, ruining our friendships like a jealous mate who wants to isolate you from his friends. He doesn't want us to have friends other than an equally abusive one like Russia. Did the voters really want this, even the ones who voted for him?

We are prepared to suffer until 'Made in America' is the global standard once again.\nThe American people are the most creative on the planet. We will prevail\nAmerica doesnt need your friendship.\nPay us/ Pay us/Pay us

Awesome speech - kudos! It will be a hard, difficult road, but as Canadians NO backing down!! Sad but some people don’t understand friendship and cooperation!!

When I was growing up in Canada, hearing of someone being a “Proud American” was something I admired. Today it’s a punch line to a joke about the American education system. They have nothing left to be proud of, and I’m so thankful to be from this country instead. Trump administration or not, the American people can not be trusted to vote in their own self interest, let alone the interests of the allies that stood with them for the last century and who have lost lives sending men and women over seas to answer the American call for friendship, justice, and loyalty. America wants to stand alone so let them. The global order is shifting, and Canada needs to plan accordingly. Don’t listen to what people say, watch what they do, and Americans have done enough.

Thank you Mr. Trudeau. Wish we had politicians of your caliber. And do what you have to do to help our people see how bad Trump and his ilk are for the US, the rest of us will be ready to heal our friendship when we can get rid of him.

nice try Canada and we the people love you. but we've had half the country brainwashed by a russian operative and his rich weirdo nazi-wannabe's. and the under educated have been lied to endlessly into believing this is good somehow. ? when we figure our shit out we'll come back and ask for your friendship again. really, people of canada, it hurts so many of us to be doing this to the world. im so sorry.

Americans didn’t vote for trump because he is a good person. Americans voted for trump because he is a bad person. I have close friendships with many trump supporters and they all embrace war for this country. They all support Donald in his greed and obsessive behavior. Americans are generally bad people. Canadians need not have pity on us. We brought this on ourselves

Trump’s thirst of power is destroying this beautiful country, its people, its friendship with other countries. Is there a way Trump can get fired? He is useless and stupid.

This is really sad becuase life after deportations is tough for somebody who was raised in USA. I was taken to the U.S. as a baby and grew up there, but at 19, I was sent back to Mexico—a country I had no memory of, no connections in, and barely spoke the language. My entire family had migrated when I was little, so I was left to figure everything out on my own.\n\nComing back felt like being thrown into an unfamiliar world. I wasn’t fluent in Spanish, had a weird accent, and my mindset was completely different from those who grew up in Mexico. I used to be outgoing and got along with everyone, but now I’ve become more introverted. I struggle to relate to people, have trouble socializing, and often feel like I don’t belong. I feel completely alone, with no one to talk to in person because everyone sees me as an outsider. Many even think I’m a terrible person for coming back after being raised in the very place they dream of moving to.\n\nMaking friends has been challenging too. Many assume that because I grew up in the U.S., I have more money, and friendships often come with the expectation that I’ll pay for everything.\n\nOn top of that, daily life is a struggle. Renting a place is extremely difficult because I don’t have a co-signer from Mexico, and they won’t accept one from the U.S. Getting legal documents like a passport is nearly impossible because my parents haven’t been in the Mexican system for over 19 years, and officials tell me they have no way to prove who I am. Unlike in the U.S., where there are laws against discrimination, I face rejection at every turn here.\n\nThis life is hard. I wish my family had never migrated—or at least had done so after I was old enough to understand the risks and what could happen in the future.

As a current international student I can say I am happy for all this changes Canada is doing in the immigration system sadly it was taken advantage by too many indians and people from africa that came here with not the best intentions, I can confidently say if in my case is not possible to stay I will happily return to central america with good memories and good friendships and start working again. thats life

I agree with all you said. I left Canada in 2018 after struggling there for 20 years. I am fortunate to also have American citizenship. Unsure why I held out in Canada as long as I did. So much easier to live in the USA. One thing you missed were the lockdowns. It caused massive disruption to people’s lives and many friendships and families were destroyed. My mother left in 2022 for exactly those reasons. Many others that she’s met now in her current country of residence left for the same reasons. Trudeau. What can I say…??

And these are the people my people have been fighting for to come here? BLACK AMERICANS LISTEN TO HER YOU ARE FIGHTING FOR PEOPLE WHO WILL ALWAYS BE AGAINST YOU THERE HAVE NEVER BEEN A BLACK AND BROWN FRIENDSHIP THEY HATE US JUSY AS MUCH AS THE OTHER GROUP!

Hi… I totally agree with just about everything you stated in all aspects of the Indian community. I’m a Canadian who happens to be living in Brampton for the past 12 years. I’ve watched Brampton go from a beautiful community to a dark dreaded place to live , and this is truly because of Indian behaviours. Mind you I have many genuinely good intelligent respectful Indian friends, but there’s the others that thinks they owe the city, province, and country. They don’t respect no one, and I mean no one. NOT EVEN THEIR OWN KIND (Indians/ Punjab). And yes as a Canadian citizen whenever I see something I do call them out on it. However; the moment you say something to them they assume that you’re cursing at them and what was ment to be a respectful comment becomes a situation where they want to argue and even get into a physical fight. Then there’s the bad, careless driving on the streets with no regards to the next person’s life. They drive like their car is the only one on the street yet always looking for someone to race with not to mention the illegal U-TURN creating major accidents. I personally experienced this when a Tractor Trailer Driver tried making a U-TURN on the city street with only 4 lanes for both direction at 4AM in the morning. This caused me to almost ran under the trailer body which would have been the end of my life. They butt into lines and interrupts as much as business conversations thinking their concerns are way more important than anyone else’s and That’s just to name a few things.\nNow on the other hand I do have VERY GOOD RESPECTFUL INDIAN FRIENDS who I will never let go of our friendship because of their genuine respectful relationship although even those close friends are now pulling themselves away from their own country people and all because of the others behaviour.\nThirdly; YES, the Canadian government invites foreign students into the country with improper sources to monitor and direct a governing body to monitor and process the activities of foreign students .\n\nI love your honesty in your stories back your video clips as proof of your country men behaviour. Keep up your good work and try spreading your positivity among your community.

Divide and conquer. Friendships are mostly made because of similarities or similar interests. Same goes for small communities, ethnicities cuz of shared cultural values and traditions.\n\nDump a bunch of different people together and make them hate each other because they will fight for the scraps and you will rule them all. \n\nSad to see this happening btw I am also a first gen migrant. My 4 grandparents came to The Netherlands from Suriname. I am an Indian descendant 5th gen. \n\nCanada helped us a lot during WOII see we see you a close ally. Love from The Netherlands and India ❤

My experiance with German culture is kind of simillier. All though I am not from Germany but from Austria.\nThe simillierities are kinda parallel. \n- The housing market is getting worse everyday.\n- Compared to the other countries the job market is not that matured. Specially in tech. The salaries are capped and you can reach the ceiling super quickly.\n- All though I don't have any friends here, my overall experience with people weren't that bad, specially considering I don't speak German.\n- Occational racism? sure. But there were good people as well. And I think there are bad people everywhere.\n\nAll though I was mentally at a bad place after a year living in here, what helped me better my mental health was realizing that my worth does not comes from other people, and not everyone needs to me my friend. \n\nTips if you're a newcomer.\n- Realize that people are not cold because you look different, but sometimes its the culture, so do not take it personally.\n- Be polite to other people and don't be apologetic if you can not speak german while taking services, often time speaking in easy english without thinking of grammers helped me making people feel easy to communicate with me.\n- Meeting people would be hard, so rather than trying to make friends everywhere try to join an activity that you actually enjoy, often time you will meet likeminded people that you can build true friendship with.\n- And be respectful to their culture.

Math is simple: countries like Turkey pay almost the same salary in euros, yet the cost of living there is much lower. In countries like the USA, Canada, or certain Arab nations, the salaries can be 5-10 times higher. In places like Turkey, there are plenty of affordable yet high-quality restaurants, as well as effective marketing strategies that appeal to skilled professionals. To retain talent in Germany, you need to offer something special. If you’re paying a top-level engineer the equivalent of a hairdresser’s wage, why would they stay unless they’ve developed deep connections with the community or environment? Friendships and relationships can be crucial factors in retaining talent.\n\nBut with this current pay structure, I’m really not sure what to say. If you put high educated people in a bad position, plenty of contries offering them higher life conditions. It is same for Germans, Germany creating very good engineers, doctors, etc and they are leaving the country.\n\nMaybe instead of creating making migration easier. It is aslo good idea to retain yours.

You are doing nothing but disobeying Allah clear statement that Yahuood & Nassara never be a friend in any circumstances but you people are inviting them for friendship ?

P.S. The friendship thing is true about Canada in general. Canadians like to show good face and they're super friendly on the streets. But. When you actually try to get close to people, you quickly realize they're incredibly selfish and all about themselves. I've lost all my friendships recently (my choice), because I saw how toxic they were all becoming, and I've found trying to make new friends that they're just plastic copies of the old friends I had to get rid of. - From someone who was born and has lived in Canada for 36 years.

In the old country people are generally less polite but true friendships are made of rock. In the west people have a lot of polite acquaintances but very few close friends. Most family folks here have no time for new friends between their jobs which is how they eat and their families which depend on them.

I was born in Toronto and bought a house in Ajax in 2013 (before the housing market exploded). \n\nEverything you said in your video is correct. As a new comer, I know it’s hard to advance your career, make friends or buy property. \nMy son is 23 and will probably never be able to own a home and he wants to leave Canada for a better quality of life. \nRaising taxes, high rent, the failing healthcare system, and poor quality of life (plus the cold weather) are all factors that should make immigrants NOT want to come here. \n\nAs far as making friends, you hit the nail on the head. People in Canada are polite, but not friendly. I find it the same here in Toronto. You’re most likely to build friendships with people you work or go to school with. I feel we lack the sense of “community” and don’t put in as much effort to maintain friendships. \nI blame the weather for this.

One of the main reasons you don't make friends in Canada isn't cultural or personality issues but objectively, Canadians have to try and work any and all shifts, any days, holidays and weekends are disappearing. They need to work full-time + side jobs. So, with distance involved, most people won't be free for friendship at the same time as any others. It's that simple really.

You have a very very good assessment on all the topics you discussed and yes its very hard to make lasting friendships in Vancouver. Part of the problem is people come and go here so the region is full of transient people.

I lived and worked in TO in a few areas for several years. I left in 2016. I am glad I left before it got bad. I started witnessing more racist comments on subway and platforms were becoming too crowded. After 30 plus years I moved to live in a rural area before moving to live in a similar setting to where I grew up in Oakville. I do love TO and it has so much to offer. I worked downtown and just could not keep up. I spent my spare time walking along the beaches especially Scarborough Bluffs and skating at Harbourfront on a weekday. These are fond memories that I will cherish.\n\n I heard that the shelters were over crowded and unhealthy places. I met a nice man in my building who was successful, lived on street for 13 years before successfully integrating into low-income housing. I learned the most from his stories and met some of the most fabulous people in the worst buildings. I had to leave for safety and mental health reasons. I could not see myself remaining in TO without support. \n\n I made the right move in the right time. Not everyone can afford city living. My quality of life and mental health are better but I cherish the friendships I made in TO. My Grandfather was a Mcleod and I am amazed how much you look like my mother when she was younger. She modeled for Ford and volunteered for a local Vet and hospital. I wish you well. I appreciate your honesty. Since I left, I have driven by TO on 407 a few times. I just didn't have the right mix of education and work to survive in the city any more.

My husband and I lived in Columbus, Ohio for 12 years. During that time we had two babies, but we had insurance so the price tag wasn't too bad, overall. We made good friends there, all different political views but we got along well and it was great. We lived in Ohio both pre and post 9-11. I definitely noticed a difference in the growing patriotism around us. Even pre-9-11 there was a higher level of overt patriotism than I was used to in Canada. For instance, more people had flags in their yards or America-themed bumper stickers than I was used to in Canada. But post 9-11 patriotism grew immensely, and we started to feel like political views were starting to have an effect on friendships. Also, Ohio passed a conceal carry law (firearms), and I found my awareness that anyone around me might have a concealed weapon unsettling. In Canada the only guns anyone I knew owned were hunting rifles, locked up. But suddenly I had to worry about if there were guns in the houses that my children were visiting. As a Canadian, I just wasn't used to the idea of everyone having guns around. Anyway, we overall enjoyed living in Ohio. The cost of living there was reasonable, the people were friendly, and we only moved when the real estate bubble burst and my husband lost his job. We went back to Canada and, honestly, I've been relieved to be back as I watch the news and see how divided the American people have become. Even some of the friends that I had in Ohio have changed and become a lot less accepting of different opinions. It makes me scared for the future of the US, and the effect it all will have on the rest of the world.

If you are in Canada...move to a smaller city....or move to another country ❤ ❤ Btw i agree about everything you say!!+ BIGGEST ISSUE is sense of real community and connection and meaningful friendship. So far BEST CITY i have found unbelievably...is WINNIPEG. WHY? Houses and car inauranmore affordable and the people are genuinely lovely and kind. They get out together and talk to their neighbors. (Unless in brand new area with all newcomers). Only advice is stay away from north west...that is a nasty area. Rest of city is great. Downtown not best to live in. Work in is fine. Winnipeg was best city.

That's very bad ,don't make friendships with the white people and keep limitation with them ..

I laughed so hard at the truth you speak. Im a Canadian & I complain about these same things. I hear you sisters. My family are immigrants & they busted there butt working hard and still trying. I agree with this & it shouldnt be this way Canada can be a beautiful place full of culture, peace & friendship. I believe it starts with the people & the gov't reducing taxes.

My best friend isnt even feeling best friend anymore , working so much no work life balance , we got work to do in this country , people focus so much on work , truth friendship relationship feels like is a thing for the super rich .like high end education now .that is messy .

Who wants that kind of streets, communities of Lagos, Nairobi or slums of Mumbai or Rio de Janeiro, and so on? Everyone must live in its boundaries otherwise conflicts emerge. Neighbors can be friends regardless of the country they live but friendship doesn't mean to be getting along all the time, crowding to he streets with children shouting madly . See how silent and peaceful this place is, no one is shouting, no garbage, no motorcycle running around, no cars with loud sound, no people messing up around. This is civilization.