Mississauga, Canada – October 30, 2025: In a candid interview from Mississauga, Canada, as part of the Washington Global Forum program broadcast on Fourth Pillar TV USA, Editor-in-Chief Farooq Mirza engaged with Ijaz Ahmad, Bureau Chief for The Vigilant in Canada and a prominent sports writer. The discussion, conducted from a local coffee shop, delved into Canada’s escalating immigration and housing crises, triggered in part by the diplomatic fallout with India over the alleged assassination plot against Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. Mirza, who has been meeting local contacts to assess Canada’s infrastructure, agriculture, and economy—described as “unique and unparalleled”—highlighted how these crises are driving immigrants away, shattering the country’s long-standing image as a humanitarian haven.
Mirza set the tone, noting the crises intensified after the India-Canada conflict: “Relations between the two countries soured, but immigrants suffered too. Tariff wars led to border issues, crippling the economy. People are leaving Canada because of this. Our friend Ijaz Sahib, a seasoned sports writer and our Bureau Chief in Canada, can shed light on what’s really happening with immigrants’ issues and potential solutions.”
Turning to the core, Mirza asked: “Tell us where immigration matters are heading right now. From what I know, many immigrants are leaving the country. I’ve also heard that they’ve extended the complete immigration and passport rules to a full 7 years. What’s the story here?”
Ijaz Ahmed said that the situation has become extremely dire. I’m surprised that TikTokers and social media influencers are painting a different picture online, while the reality here is something else entirely.
“When an immigrant arrives, they face numerous problems—health issues, financial troubles, and as you mentioned, housing shortages. As newcomers, no one takes responsibility for them, so housing becomes a nightmare. I’ve seen places where 8 to 10 people are crammed into a room meant for one or two, simply because they can’t find affordable accommodation elsewhere.
“The latest immigration steps are even worse. When you apply, they give you a name and a duration for your Permanent Residency (PR) acceptance or family reunification. Imagine being told you can only reunite with your family—your children—after 7, 8, or even 9 years. For every new applicant whose case has been accepted, they’ve imposed more than 99 weeks—over 7 years. Even the acceptance period has stretched to two and a half years, or longer.
“This challenges basic human rights. How can they create such prolonged separations that leave families in despair? Canada, once a philanthropic and humanitarian country, is heading toward draconian laws. The concept of a compassionate nation seems completely gone.”
Mirza pressed further: ” what you’re describing goes against basic human rights—separating families for so long that it causes hopelessness. And this is Canada, a humanitarian country turning draconian. Do you think the idea of Canada as a kind, rehabilitative place is now finished?”
Ijaz elaborated: “This has been challenged on the assembly floor by various MPs, including Asian representatives and immigrants themselves. A huge number of immigrants are affected. The root cause is staff cuts at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)—they’ve fired so many that the workload is backlogged. They’ve turned to AI for processing, but it has calculated durations so excessively that everyone is under immense stress.
“An individual here, hoping to reunite with their children and family, is going under severe stress. This leads to new illnesses—mental unrest, sleeplessness, and various health issues. As you see, Nazreen [addressing the audience], due to these immigration laws, families are falling apart.”
Shifting to housing, Mirza inquired: “We’ve discussed the humanitarian concept ending, and people settling here are now leaving due to these laws. Let’s ask about the housing crisis—what are its root causes?”
Ijaz explained: “Immigrants often lack guarantors or references. Departments should take responsibility during registration—assure landlords they’ll provide housing. But landlords’ demands and documentation requirements are so high that it’s nearly impossible for an average immigrant to meet them. This forces them to seek shelter anywhere they can.
“A major factor is the unemployment rate, raised in the assembly: 800,000 people are unemployed in Canada—higher than in many third-world countries. The government gives immigrants $737 [likely CAD] monthly, meant to cover shelter, food, travel, and living expenses. How can anyone survive on $737? It’s impossible for an ordinary person’s life to sustain on that.
“Isn’t this pressure designed to make people leave? Canada was once the world’s attraction for safety, money, and jobs. Are they trying to end that appeal so no one dreams of coming here?”
Ijaz continued: “If we look at the true picture, financial issues are inevitable. You face housing and health challenges—waiting months for appointments. You might pass away before your turn comes. Unemployment affects 800,000, mostly immigrants. Even the educated class—born and trained here—are well-qualified but jobless, so they’re the ones leaving. They’re a ready, educated lot benefiting other countries.”
Mirza linked it back to geopolitics: “This immigration crisis and law changes started with the India-Canada conflict—after the plot to kill a Sikh here, Canada began changing. How are the Indian or Sikh communities faring? Are they being singled out and expelled?”
Ijaz responded: “They’re a major community. By language, it’s English, French, and then Punjabi third—encompassing Sikhs, Hindus, and those who speak Hindi mixed with Punjabi. They form a huge part of Canada’s infrastructure. But if you don’t feel safe and secure, anxiety spreads. They worry they could be targeted anytime for speaking out, facing consequences. Yes, they have to endure that if they raise issues.
“They’re a major community, with significant shares in IT, health, trucking, franchises—serving Canada immensely. So, yes, there’s a wave of anxiety among them.”
Concluding from the coffee shop, Mirza signed off: “Nazreen, we’ve taken a deep look from Kamariya Coffee Shop and informed you about the current state of Canada’s immigrant community. With us was Ijaz Sahib, Ijaz Ahmad Sahib, Bureau Chief at *The Vigilant*—an American newspaper. He’s a big name in sports journalism. As an immigrant himself, he provided insights. Nazreen, we’ll return with more topics to keep you updated on Canada’s challenging situation. Until then, this is Farooq Mirza. Pakistan Zindabad.”
This interview underscores a stark transformation in Canada’s immigration landscape, from a beacon of opportunity to a land of prolonged hardship, amid economic strains and diplomatic tensions. As immigrants vote with their feet, questions loom over whether Canada can reclaim its humanitarian ethos. Fourth Pillar TV USA will continue covering global forums like this one, now extended to Canada.
