Toronto Star highlights ISD’s dispatch on the rise of anti-South Asian bigotry in Canada

ISD’s latest dispatch exposing a sharp rise in anti-South Asian hate in Canada was featured in the Toronto Star, which led its coverage with ISD’s findings and quoted ISD’s Steven Rai. 

Between March 1 and April 20, 2025, ISD tracked more than 2,300 posts from Canadian accounts using anti-South Asian slurs. The dispatch highlights how extremist groups—such as white supremacist accelerationists—are using Canada as an example of how immigration policies can result in an “invasion” of South Asian migrants.  

“Canada is held up by a lot of racists as the example of what happens to a country when it’s supposedly overrun with South Asians,” said Steven. 

The dispatch also revealed a significant increase in racist posts leading up to the recent Canadian election, particularly targeting NPD leader Jagmeet Singh. Steven explained that Singh was likely singled out not only for being a high-profile South Asian man, but because he’s articulate and reached the upper echelon of society. 

“A person like that is really seen as a profound threat,” Steven added.  

Read the full article on the Toronto Star.