Gobindbir Singh, representing Khalsa Aid Ottawa, sheds light on the mounting stress faced by international students in Canada, exemplified by heart-wrenching stories of financial struggle and desperation. One such narrative involves a student on the brink of financial ruin, forced to resort to extreme measures due to unaffordable tuition and living expenses.
As the number of international students in Canada surges, reaching over 900,000 in 2023, concerns about their welfare intensify. The reliance of post-secondary institutions on international student tuition fees exacerbates the situation, raising questions about the adequacy of government funding.
Moreover, stories of students enduring substandard living conditions and resorting to food banks underscore the pressing need for intervention. Singh, drawing from personal experience as a former international student, emphasizes the detrimental impact of financial burdens and cultural adjustment on mental health, exacerbated by a lack of accessible support services.
Thushara Rodrigo, Sri Lanka’s consul general in Toronto, voices similar concerns, cautioning against the challenges faced by Sri Lankan students in navigating Canada’s high cost of living and competitive job market. Despite their aspirations for a better future, many students grapple with financial strain and isolation, leading to mental distress and, in tragic cases, even substance abuse and suicide.
The dire situation prompts calls for urgent action to address systemic barriers and provide comprehensive support for international students. Advocates stress the need for equitable rights and protections, as well as accessible mental health services, to alleviate the immense pressure and ensure the well-being of these students striving for a brighter future in Canada.