Trumpism in Canada

Nov. 23, 2024

It's been silence. In the almost two weeks since a dozen hooded and masked individuals gathered in Hamilton, Ontario rallying behind the racist slogan "mass deportations now", no federal leader has condemned it.

South of the border, the terrifying reality of Trump's America is becoming more clear. And here in Canada, we are seeing a rise in brazen racism and anti-immigrant sentiment.

Instead of speaking up against it, the Trudeau government has shown their willingness to double down on scapegoating immigrants with a slew of cuts to existing immigration pathways. They are playing into the far-right's hands and by dividing us, they distract from the real issue: corporations making life harder for everyone.

Silence is unacceptable. We must reject racism and all forms of hate, loudly.

We're calling on federal leaders — Trudeau, Singh, Poilievre, Blanchet, and May — to denounce the racism in Hamilton and beyond. Over 7300 members of the Leadnow community have already signed. Will you add your name now?
 

With determination,
Jesse and Aidan, on behalf of leadnow
 

Sources:
CHCH, Hamilton leaders speak out over weekend ‘Mass Deportations’ protest downtown
The Star, Donald Trump’s fear-mongering about migrant crime is fuelling hate in Canada and the world
Globe and Mail, Immigration Minister says ‘not everyone is welcome’ to come to Canada as concerns grow about U.S. deportation plans

Here's our original email for more information:

Everyone has the right to live with dignity, free from discrimination and hate. Yet, this past weekend, a dozen hooded and masked individuals in Hamilton, Ontario gathered to rally behind the racist and xenophobic slogan popularized by Trump: "mass deportations now".

Just like in 2016 when Trump won the election, we are seeing a rise in racism, xenophobia, and white nationalism, fuelled by political rhetoric that emboldens hate.

We can't give in to Trumpism here. As the cost of living soars, people are struggling and political and corporate elites are stoking division for their own gain. By pitting individuals struggling against each other by promoting racism and scapegoating immigrants – they are hiding the real culprits: corporations who are making life harder for all of us and political leaders who enable them.

We must reject racism and all forms of hate. Susan, we're calling on federal leaders — Trudeau, Singh, Poilievre, Blanchet, and May — to denounce the anti-immigrant racism in Hamilton and beyond.

Will you join us in standing against hate and demanding action from our leaders?

The rise in such brazen racism in Canada is terrifying. Instead of standing up against this divisive rhetoric, the Liberal government is caving to the right and just last week they announced cuts to pathways to immigration. Refugees are reporting a rise in racism — it’s no surprise that after the latest rally like the one in Hamilton, racialized communities are feeling unsafe.

Here at Leadnow, we have team members who are feeling this rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric and hate in their everyday lives — on the streets, as they read the news, and as they scroll social media. It's heartbreaking and a reality no one should have to face.  

Canada — a country that was built on settler colonialism and white supremacy — has a long history of racism. But there is another history too: of people fighting for an equitable Canada, that is free from hate and racism, where everyone is welcome, and no one is left behind. And we need to step up and defend it.

Susan, as white nationalism and xenophobia is getting louder, we — from community members to the top political leaders — must loudly say NO to all forms of hate. Add your name now to stand against racism and xenophobia and demand federal party leaders do the same.

In solidarity,
Jesse and Aidan, on behalf of Leadnow

Sources:
CHCH, Hamilton leaders speak out over weekend ‘Mass Deportations’ protest downtown
The Star, Donald Trump’s fear-mongering about migrant crime is fuelling hate in Canada and the world
Globe and Mail, Immigration Minister says ‘not everyone is welcome’ to come to Canada as concerns grow about U.S. deportation plans
Global News, ‘You’re not wanted’: Newcomer to Canada says racism forced him onto streets