Fatshimetrie: The Issues of International Student Protests in Canada in 2021
During 2021, Canada witnessed unprecedented protests, bringing together approximately 70,000 international students in different provinces, such as Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia. These protests echo deep discontent with recent changes in government policies that have had a significant impact on students coming from abroad.
One of the most controversial measures was the abolition of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program in 2021, a key pathway for students to gain work experience in Canada after completing their studies. Additionally, the previous year, the government tightened immigration rules by imposing a two-year limit on international student visas.
These changes have far-reaching implications. In 2023, international students made up 37 per cent of Canada’s student visa holders, but the government is projecting a 35 per cent drop in their numbers due to the new visa cap. The move comes amid growing concerns about housing shortages and unemployment, with some accusing international students of making these problems worse.
Student advocacy groups such as the Naujawan Support Network are warning that many graduates face deportation once their work permits expire at the end of the year. “I took risks for six years to come to Canada… but the government took advantage of us,” said Mehakdeep Singh, a former international student facing deportation.
These protests illustrate the challenges facing international students in Canada and highlight the need to review government policies to ensure they successfully integrate into Canadian society. This movement highlights the systemic imbalances that can affect international students’ opportunities and underlines the importance of finding balanced solutions to meet the needs of all stakeholders involved.