In today’s Canada, the hunt for affordable housing feels more like a wild goose chase for many, with rent prices soaring to new heights. This crisis hits everyone hard, but there’s a group often left in the shadows of this discussion—international students. In 2022, over 800,000 students from abroad came to Canada, each one hoping to find a place to call home while they study. Yet, what many of them find is a harsh reality marked by discrimination, high costs, and sometimes even danger.

Facing Discrimination Head-On

Imagine trying to find a place to live, but being turned away because of where you’re from or what you believe. That’s the stark reality for some students from overseas, with reports highlighting particularly tough experiences for students from Punjabi backgrounds. It’s not rare to see rental ads that seem to cherry-pick tenants based on their diet or cultural background, subtly excluding many international students. These ads aren’t just unfair; they go against what we stand for in Canada, and yet, they persist.

The High Cost of Living

For these students, not only is finding a place difficult, but the financial burden can be overwhelming. Some landlords take advantage of students’ unfamiliarity with Canadian laws, demanding large payments upfront. This isn’t just a financial strain—it’s a barrier that keeps students from speaking out against unfair treatment.

Living Conditions: From Bad to Worse

On top of financial hurdles, the living conditions many students find themselves in are far from ideal. Overcrowded rooms, missing safety measures—it’s a recipe for disaster. The news has reported tragic incidents where students have lost their lives, a sobering reminder of the dangers of inadequate housing.

A Cry for Change

This situation is crying out for action. Students have been raising their voices, but it’s going to take a concerted effort from everyone—governments, universities, and communities—to make a real difference. Solutions need to include everyone’s input, especially those who’ve lived through these challenges. We need to ensure our cities are welcoming places where students from all corners of the globe can come to learn and grow, without fear of discrimination or unsafe living conditions.

To Sum It Up:

• Canada’s housing market is tough for everyone, but international students are particularly vulnerable.
• Discrimination based on ethnicity or lifestyle is a significant barrier in the rental market.
• Many students face exploitation and live in dangerous conditions due to the housing shortage.
• Calls for reform are growing louder, with a push for policies that protect the rights and safety of international students in the Canadian housing market.