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Canada's major cities are currently grappling with a housing crisis of monumental proportions. With skyrocketing rent prices rendering living spaces increasingly unaffordable, a significant segment of the population finds itself in dire straits. Amidst the national discourse surrounding this crisis, one vulnerable group often overlooked is international students. These students, numbering over 800,000 in 2022, face a myriad of challenges when seeking housing, ranging from discrimination and exploitation to outright abuse.
Discrimination against international students in the rental market is disturbingly common, often rooted in factors such as gender and ethnicity. Research conducted by Prof. Tania Das Gupta sheds light on the plight of Punjabi newcomers in Canada, revealing how some landlords blatantly discriminate against international students based on these characteristics.
A cursory glance at online rental listings reveals the insidious nature of this discrimination. Ads targeting international students, particularly those from India, often include preferences such as vegetarianism or specific regional/religious backgrounds. While these preferences may seem innocuous, they serve as veiled forms of discrimination, preying on the vulnerability of international students. Furthermore, landlords frequently demand exorbitant upfront payments, exploiting students' recent arrival in Canada and temporary migration status, which often deters them from lodging complaints.
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Such discriminatory practices not only violate the Ontario Human Rights Code but also perpetuate a culture of exploitation and abuse. Despite the legal framework in place, these ads continue to proliferate on public platforms, further exacerbating the challenges faced by international students in securing suitable housing.
Das Gupta's research delves deeper into the experiences of international students, uncovering instances of infantilization, over-monitoring, and, alarmingly, sexual harassment and assault. Shocking statistics from a 2018 survey conducted at McGill University reveal that nearly 40% of international students experienced sexual harassment, while over 23% reported incidents of sexual assault.
Compounding these issues is the sub-standard, overcrowded, and often illegal nature of housing aimed at international students. Many rental units lack basic safety features such as fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, posing significant risks to occupants. Cities like Brampton, Ontario, with a vacancy rate well below the acceptable threshold, witness the proliferation of illegal housing units, exacerbating the crisis.
Tragic incidents, such as a recent fire in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, resulting in the death of an international student due to overcrowded housing, underscore the urgency of addressing these issues. Additionally, overcrowding remains a pervasive problem, with students forced to share single rooms, sometimes with strangers, due to exorbitant rental costs.
Stories of landlord harassment and wrongful evictions further highlight the precarious situation faced by international students across Canada. Compelled by the exorbitant rental market, many students find themselves homeless, with some resorting to sleeping in their cars as they struggle to afford rent.
While advocacy efforts by students have brought some attention to these issues, meaningful change necessitates structural reforms by governments and post-secondary institutions. Municipalities must also play a role in regulating illegal rental units to ensure the safety and well-being of international students. Importantly, any solutions proposed must involve consultation with and heed the voices of international students themselves.
As Canada grapples with its housing crisis, it is imperative that the plight of international students does not go unnoticed. By addressing the systemic barriers and discriminatory practices they face, we can strive towards a more equitable housing landscape that ensures the well-being and dignity of all residents, regardless of their nationality or status.
