Immigrant groups say racism rising in Alberta as referendum looms

Racism and hate towards immigrant communities in Alberta have escalated recently, with Muslim and Sikh groups reporting a rise in offensive comments and violent attacks, according to local immigrant support organizations. Saima Jamal, co-founder of the Calgary Immigrant Support Society, expressed that the level of hatred she has witnessed among immigrant communities is unprecedented.

In response to a Muslim Heritage Day festival, Calgary police attended despite no credible threat, while Edmonton police have dealt with 43 hate crimes and 139 hate incidents this year, mostly targeting newcomers. Following a Sikh temple attack in Edmonton, where two men were stabbed, Edmonton Police Chief Warren Driechel expressed concern about rising tensions and noted the growing polarization globally.

University of Alberta political science professor Jared Wesley warns that Alberta's upcoming referendum debate could exacerbate the climate of hatred. Five of the 10 referendum questions put to Alberta voters on October 19th address immigration policy, including one that concerns the government taking control over immigration to decrease immigration to more sustainable levels, prioritizing economic migration, and giving Albertans first priority on new employment opportunities.

Wesley believes an independent Alberta is perceived as predominantly white and Christian by many separatists, which may be subconsciously projected. Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith rejected any claims that the referendum questions could be linked to an increase in anti-immigrant sentiment, stating that the questions simply address the current unsustainable immigration levels in Canada.