Now in Alberta, immigrants and newcomers are raising their alarm. They are shocked by the increasingly frequent use of harmful racial epithets and insidious microaggressions in their presence. Shamaila Akram, a local advocate and service provider, has reported numerous incidents involving her clients, including harassment and aggressive encounters. The recent increase in hostility has compelled the Centre for Newcomers to up their security measures. They are scaling up ancillary support services to tend to the increasing anxiety permeating immigrant communities.
The Canadian Anti-Hate Network has reported that contentious discussions around immigration policy in both the U.S. and Canada are creating a toxic environment. These conversations are creating an environment that is more hostile and polarized. With these rising tensions, advocates stress now more than ever is the time for creating a safer, more inclusive society.
Escalating Incidents of Harassment
Akram has experienced firsthand a worrying increase in racially charged slurs. She has experienced physical forms of intimidation, including having people yell at her when she’s out with her kids. “Clients are coming with severe anxiety and sometimes panic attacks after hearing racial slurs outside our door,” she stated. These experiences reach far beyond her clients, impacting everyone in the community who no longer feels safe because of the increasing hostility.
Many clients and employees connected to the Centre for Newcomers have experienced this kind of harassment in the past year. Akram highlighted that these incidents are not isolated, emphasizing the need for collective action to address the root causes of such behavior.
“Immigrants have been contributors to the economic and social fabric of Alberta, and they deserve to feel safe and respected in their communities.” – Shamaila Akram
Kelly Ernst, chief program officer, at the Centre for Newcomers, the nonprofit, told CBC that hostility against the organization has been on the rise. Surprisingly, in reply they have taken remarkable steps to address the crisis. To provide a safe environment for everyone, we are increasing building security. Apart from that, we’re reducing online advertising for our programs and increasing crisis line services for newcomers.
Calls for Education and Community Support
Laurie Hauer, interim executive director of Edmonton’s Newcomer Centre, emphasized the role of education in combating racism. She highlights its power of promoting empathy in our neighborhoods, towns, and cities. She commented on the need to educate the public on the ways that immigrants greatly benefit society.
“Immigration is vital for our economic growth, and it’s really important to get that message out to people and understand those elements because what’s coming out right now is just constantly, ‘Immigrants are the problem,’” – Laurie Hauer
Akram agreed with this sentiment, explaining that communities need to work on building safer spaces instead of targeting and blaming marginalized communities. She stressed that ignorance is what fuels most false narratives surrounding immigrant communities and the harm this is causing. “I hear from people in my own communities — women specifically who wear hijabs — many bad things, and we realize there is a need to educate people,” she said.
This motto for education is a powerful crusade against ignorance and prejudice. It highlights the important role immigrants are contributing to Alberta’s economy right now.
A Complex Political Landscape
This toxic political environment has been nurtured by anti-immigration rhetoric from all levers of politics, including the provincial and federal governments. As a new video designed to educate would-be immigrants explains, it’s the provinces that fund the bulk of the social programs newcomers depend on. For one thing, critics say recent immigration policies have made those already simmering tensions a lot worse.
“(Former prime minister) Justin Trudeau’s Liberals upended Canada’s immigration system for over a decade by instituting essentially an open borders policy that permitted millions annually to enter Canada, often without any sort of proper vetting, job prospects or needed employment skills.” – Anonymous political source
Other critics argue that this boom has resulted in even more pressure on an already depleted housing and job market. As Kelly Ernst told us, “It’s not the people themselves that are creating that particular strain.” Comments like these illustrate the unique challenges at play with the immigration conversation in Alberta.
Sam Blackett, another new Canadian, shared his thoughts on the issue, emphasizing that our creation of space for newcomers to Canada needs to be sustainable. He called on governments to stop blaming immigrants for larger problems pertaining to housing and infrastructure.
“If Alberta isn’t satisfied with the number or economic qualifications of newcomers moving to our province, we may have the option to withhold provincial social programs to any non-citizen or non-permanent resident who does not have an Alberta-approved immigration status.” – Video speaker
Moving Forward Together
Emergency procedures Advocates are now calling for immediate, unified action to be more proactive and improve safety and respect for all residents. Akram is confident that communities can come together to figure out solutions that enhance security for everyone. He argues that the real issue is how law enforcement is targeting marginalized communities.
“We’re very proud of our diversity but we need to make sure that this pride is reflected in how we protect and support each other.” – Shamaila Akram
