Canadian universities are taking steps to reassure Indian students and provide them with support amidst the ongoing diplomatic crisis between India and Canada. With the start of a new semester approaching, some students are considering postponing their courses while others are concerned about the potential impact of the crisis on their higher education plans.
The diplomatic rift between the two countries began in September when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested that India may have been involved in the murder of a Khalistani terrorist in British Columbia. The Indian government vehemently denies these allegations.
India is the largest source of international students in Canada, accounting for approximately 40% of study permit holders. International students contribute over C$20 billion ($14.6 billion) to the Canadian economy each year.
As a result, top universities are reaching out to students and offering courses that range in cost from C$40,000 a year to short-term and more affordable options. The goal is to ensure that the ongoing diplomatic spat does not harm Canada’s reputation as a destination for international students.
To provide reassurance, universities and consultants in both Canada and India have been taking measures to support students. Joseph Wong, Vice President of the University of Toronto, stated that the institution has been in contact with educational institutions and foundations in India to demonstrate their commitment to collaboration.
While Canadian universities remain hopeful that the diplomatic impasse will be resolved soon, concerns about safety in Canada persist among students. Indian consultancies, such as IDP Education, are sending video messages to help alleviate these concerns.
Conestoga College in Ontario has received inquiries from a hundred students regarding the possibility of deferring their courses. The college is also addressing the support and safety concerns of current students, allocating C$50 million a year to assist them.
The international student sector has experienced significant growth in recent years, making it one of Canada’s leading export sectors, surpassing industries like auto parts, lumber, and aircraft. Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller has described international students as highly valuable assets.
Despite the optimism of university leaders like Rhonda Lenton, President of York University, families and prospective candidates in Punjab, India are worried. In Punjab alone, nearly one-fourth of families have a member studying or planning to study in Canada. In a city like Amritsar, which houses the Golden Temple, over 5,000 students migrated to Canada last year.
The tension between the two countries has caused uncertainty among families. For example, taxi driver Jiwan Sharma is reconsidering whether it is wise for his son to travel to Canada as planned. He had invested his life savings in his son’s education abroad, hoping he would settle there and provide financial support in their old age.
With no signs of tensions easing, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly recently expressed Canada’s desire for private talks with India to resolve the diplomatic dispute. Meanwhile, students like Gurbakhshish Singh in Amritsar express disappointment that India’s relationship with a welcoming country like Canada has deteriorated, putting their future prospects at risk.
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