Toronto: Ramanjeet Singh, a Canadian citizen originally from Faridkot in Punjab, says life in Canada has become increasingly difficult due to rising inflation, job insecurity and mounting debts.
Speaking to the media, he said that even dreams are now filled with anxiety about electricity bills, house installments and financial stress.
Singh, who moved to Canada a decade ago and now works in construction, said that while he loves Canada and considers it a great country, the situation has changed drastically since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The second name for the struggle is Canada, but I cannot say Canada is a bad country. It is the best, and I love it. But after Corona, the situation has completely changed,” said Singh.
Canada is currently preparing for general elections, with issues like housing shortage, unemployment and inflation dominating public discourse. Many have linked these concerns to the surge in population caused by unrestricted immigration policies in recent years.
Before migrating, Singh worked as an ad-hoc lecturer in Punjab. Recalling his journey, he said he and his wife initially bought a house and managed life comfortably. Later, they upgraded to a larger house at double the price. However, things took a downturn after the pandemic.
“The housing market started falling, but the mortgage payments kept increasing. Expenses have shot up drastically. I don’t know what to do now,” he said.
Singh added that he now questions his decision to migrate. “After ten years of experience, I feel the decision to come to Canada was not right. Life is halfway through. We sold everything back home, so going back is not an option anymore,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Singh acknowledged that Canada remains a land of opportunity. “This country is very beautiful and gives everyone a chance to progress without any discrimination, but due to the current situation, it is very difficult to live here now.”
The deteriorating economic environment has led to growing mental stress among immigrants, who feel trapped between their dreams and the harsh realities of life in Canada.
‘House prices and bills are the biggest worry’: Indian-origin café worker in Canada voices concerns ahead of elections
Like many other immigrants, Mitul Desai from Gujarat also moved to Canada with his family in search of a better life. Now living in Brampton, Ontario, Desai works at a café and says the rising cost of living and housing crisis are the biggest concerns for both new and existing residents.
“Earlier, everything was fine here, but now the biggest concern is housing,” said Desai. “Those who already have a house are stressed about the monthly installments, while new buyers are afraid to invest due to soaring prices.”
Desai added that these issues are taking center stage in the ongoing election campaign, with affordability, housing, and utility tariffs emerging as the top concerns for voters across the country.
