'Absolutely Staggering': Anti-South Asian Hate Surges 1,350% in Canada Amid Immigration Blame Game

A chilling report from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) has revealed that a 1,350% surge in anti-South Asian hate on social media in Canada from 2023 to 2024, with police-reported hate crimes against South Asians rising 227% between 2019 and 2023.

Fueled by anti-immigration rhetoric and economic anxieties, this wave of hostility, detailed by CTV News, targets Canada's South Asian communities, particularly in cities like Brampton and Surrey.

Confront the Rising Tide of Hate

The ISD's report, titled 'The Rise of Anti-South Asian Hate in Canada,' used the social media monitoring tool 'Brandwatch' to uncover a staggering jump in hateful posts on X, from 1,163 in 2023 to 16,884 in 2024.

The Economics Times highlights a spike during the 2025 federal election, with over 2,300 posts targeting former NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, often laced with slurs like 'pajeet.'

Far-right groups like Diagolon, described as 'white supremacist accelerationists', amplify narratives of South Asians as 'invaders,' tying them to housing shortages and job competition.

X posts echo this sentiment, with accounts like @CanHindusurvive noting a 200% rise in hate crimes, though some argue the data conflates intra-community tensions, such as Sikh-Hindu disputes, with broader racism.

Unmask the Roots of Scapegoating

Canada's immigration policies, which saw temporary residents rise from 924,850 in 2021 to over 3 million by 2024 (7.2% of the population), have been weaponised in public discourse.

The Conversation notes that South Asians, especially international students and temporary workers, are blamed for straining housing and healthcare systems, despite contributing to low-wage sectors like food services.

The Great Replacement Theory, a racist narrative claiming white Canadians are being 'replaced' by racialised immigrants, has gained traction, with influencers like 'EndWokeness' (3.7 million followers) stoking fears of South Asians 'overtaking society.'

Real-world incidents, like a South Asian man in Waterloo told to 'go back to India', reflect how online hate spills into daily life, costing communities an estimated £80 million ($109 million) in social and economic damage annually.

Act to Build Safer Communities

The surge in hate demands action. The South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario urges reporting incidents to police or groups like the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, despite underreporting due to distrust in authorities.

CBC News highlights tools like the 'Eradicate Hate' toolkit by the Council of Agencies Serving South Asians, offering resources for victims.

Communities can engage with local diversity initiatives, such as Sudbury's police advisory committee, and push for national campaigns against hate, as suggested by lawyer Shalini Konanur.

X posts from @CTVNews call for awareness, while individuals are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-8477) or local police with tips. Education and dialogue, as advocated by Queen's University's Reena Kukreja, are critical to countering stereotypes and fostering inclusion.

Hate's Heavy Toll Demands Unity

The 1,350% surge in anti-South Asian hate is a stark warning: Canada's multicultural promise is under strain.

As economic frustrations fuel scapegoating, South Asian communities face real-world harassment and violence, threatening social cohesion.

By reporting hate, supporting advocacy, and challenging divisive rhetoric, Canadians can rebuild a safer, more inclusive society, but the clock is ticking to stop this alarming trend.