Latest news with #socialCohesion
Globe and Mail
29-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Canadians remain optimistic about national unity regardless of political differences, data show
In the leadup to recent political disruptions, including tensions with the U.S. and growing discussion of Western separatism, most Canadians were hopeful about the future of national unity and appeared to harbour positive or neutral feelings toward each other, regardless of differences in political views, according to newly released data. Two Statistics Canada reports published Wednesday delve into measures of national unity and social cohesion, a relatively new area of exploration for the federal statistics agency. As the research was conducted in April, 2024, it does not capture recent shifts in sentiment in response to more recent developments such as the trade war with the U.S. However, one of the reports says, the data 'serve as a useful baseline for Canadians' sense of national unity and their societal outlook prior to these events and future comparisons.' Most respondents were hopeful about the future of Canadian society. More than eight out of 10 said they were hopeful about unity, and a similar proportion said so about democracy. A slightly lower proportion – 75 per cent – said they were hopeful about the economic opportunities. However, difficulty meeting financial obligations and poor health conditions were linked to relatively lower hopefulness about unity. Majority of Canadians think Western separatism is serious: poll The data also suggest that national unity had rebounded last year, after declining during the pandemic. The research found 80 per cent of respondents reported a strong or very strong sense of belonging to Canada by late 2024. That's up from 72 per cent in mid-2022. (Statscan warns that comparisons across time should be made with caution, because different methods were used to measure unity.) The new data also sheds light on how Canadians felt about each other, including those who may hold different political views. More than three quarters of respondents had warm or neutral feelings about people whether they share their political views or not. 'That stands in slight contrast to some other work that's been done in this area, and only 2.4 per cent who had very warm feelings towards people with similar political views also had very cold feelings towards people with different political views,' said Samuel MacIsaac, a senior research analyst at Statscan who authored both reports, in an interview. However, Canadians were less forgiving toward those who hold different views on racism and gender identity, according to the data. About a quarter of respondents who held very warm feelings toward people who share their views on racism held very cold views on those who do not. Dr. MacIsaac acknowledged that Statscan hasn't historically delved into the interplay between social cohesion and politics, making these studies novel: 'There was definitely a lot of caution taken, because as a national statistical agency … we have an apolitical mandate." He added: 'You'll notice, right off the bat, these questions differ from pollsters and academics that may have more liberty in terms of measuring people's political views.' Statscan has in the past looked into how Canadians feel about others who belong to the same social circle, such as friends, colleagues and neighbours. However, Dr. MacIsaac said overlooking how they feel about people who do not belong to their 'in group' could overstate the level of social cohesiveness in society. Since spring last year, when the data were collected, the issue of unity has risen to the top of the political agenda because of tensions within the country and with the United States. While the federal election had sparked discussions about Western provinces seceding from the country, recent polling shows only a minority of Canadians in those regions are interested in separation. U.S. President Donald Trump's talk of annexing Canada as well has his decision to impose tariffs have also reignited a sense of national pride in this country. Prime Minister Mark Carney will have a chance to put his approach to national unity to the test early next week in Saskatoon, when he meets with provincial and territorial premiers. Mr. Carney has said he wants to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers and support large nation-building infrastructure projects.
CBC
28-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Quebec passes bill requiring immigrants to adopt shared values
The Quebec legislature has passed a bill requiring immigrants to embrace the common culture of the province. Newcomers to the province must adhere to shared values including gender equality, secularism and protection of the French language. The law is Quebec's answer to the Canadian model of multiculturalism that promotes cultural diversity. The Quebec government believes the Canadian model is harmful to social cohesion. Quebec can use the new law to withhold funding for groups and events that don't promote Quebec's common culture. Critics have said the legislation is an attempt to assimilate newcomers and could stoke anti-immigrant sentiment.
Malay Mail
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Singapore Muslim affairs minister condemns Gaza remarks by expat commentator Critical Spectator, warns of threat to social harmony
SINGAPORE, May 24 – Singapore minister Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim has condemned recent anti-Gaza remarks made by social media commentator Critical Spectator, warning that such rhetoric risks undermining social cohesion in Singapore. The minister in charge of Muslim affairs said while it is legitimate to highlight suffering in other parts of the world, it is unacceptable to make statements that diminish the pain endured by Palestinians in Gaza. 'I'm gravely concerned about the recent remarks made by Critical Spectator,' Faishal said in a Facebook post yesterday. 'While it is valid to draw attention to suffering in other parts of the world, we should reject any statement that minimises the suffering of Palestinians'. Critical Spectator was reported to be the online pseudonym of Michael Petraeus, a Polish pro-establishment blogger and commentator based in Singapore known for his controversial and often provocative views usually directed at the Opposition. The Facebook account had mocked former Singapore president Halimah Yaacob who warned that any silence on Israel's atrocities in Gaza mean that the republic is complicit in the violations of international humanitarian laws and encourages similar aggressions elsewhere. Faishal stressed that such comments, whether from local or foreign voices, are harmful and could erode the mutual respect Singaporeans have worked hard to maintain in a multicultural society. 'In times like these, we need more understanding, not division. We must never allow dismissive or divisive rhetoric — local or foreign — to erode the mutual respect and unity we have worked so hard to build in our multicultural society,' he said. Faishal noted that many Singaporeans, including members of the Muslim community and Halimah, are deeply affected by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He praised Halimah's recent Facebook post on the issue, saying her concern reflects the compassion and moral courage shared by many across Singapore. Faishal also reaffirmed the Singapore government's position, stating it has consistently called for a humanitarian ceasefire and supported the rights of Palestinians to a homeland. He highlighted that Singapore and its citizens have contributed over S$19 million (RM64.5 million) in aid to Gaza and continue to support Palestinian state-building efforts through the Enhanced Technical Assistance Package. The minister previously described Israel's actions in Gaza as 'oppressive and unacceptable', remarks he said he has made publicly on various platforms, including a recent podcast.
News.com.au
19-05-2025
- Politics
- News.com.au
NSW Jewish group ‘overwhelmed' by anti-Semitic incidents as landmark inquiry gets under way
A leading Jewish organisation has described being 'overwhelmed' by the 'sheer volume' of anti-Semitic incidents in NSW as a landmark state government inquiry gets under way. Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers MP Robert Borsak is chairing the first hearing in state parliament on Monday of the NSW Legislative Council's inquiry into anti-Semitism in NSW, alongside Greens MLC Amanda Cohn and MLCs from Labor and the Liberals. The inquiry seeks to examine the underlying causes behind the 'increasing prevalence and severity' of anti-Semitism in NSW, as well as the 'threat to social cohesion' it presents and how the safety of the state's Jewish community 'might be enhanced'. NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip told the inquiry that 'the past 20 months had seen an unprecedented and shocking rise in anti-Semitism' following the October 7 attack in Israel and the subsequent protests over the invasion of Gaza. 'For the first time, the Jewish community of Australia and NSW has felt unsafe and at risk, not because of anything it has done, but because of who we are,' he said. 'There have been moments where we have been completely overwhelmed as an organisation by the sheer volume and seriousness of anti-Semitic incidents which have been reported to us … No sphere of life has been immune to the virus of anti-Semitism.' The inquiry was told of incidents reported to the organisation in which students were targeted because of their Jewish identity, including one in which a student was asked 'Are you Jewish? F**king Jews. You should kill yourself'. 'This all previously would have been unthinkable,' Mr Ossip told the inquiry. In its submission, the board said there was a 339 per cent increase in incidents. It comes after a spate of high-profile anti-Semitic incidents across Greater Sydney this past summer that led to the passing of controversial new anti-hate laws that outlawed protests outside places of worship among other strict measures. NSW Jewish Board of Deputies chief executive Michele Goldman told the inquiry that the board welcomed the new anti-hate speech laws, and it was 'something we've been advocating for some time' and a 'first step' but called for more action to be taken. 'What we really need to see now is consistent application of the law to ensure that those people who are guilty of vilification, of harassment, of intimidation face the law and that there is effective deterrence to others,' Ms Goldman told the inquiry. 'A clear message is that this is not OK in our society. This is not for Australia.' Opponents of the laws, including civil society groups and Jewish groups and individuals who made submissions to the inquiry, claim the laws limit free speech and were a 'kneejerk' reaction and warned about conflations between criticism of Israel and anti-Semitism. Asked about those concerns, Mr Ossip said 'getting into this discussion is a bit of a red herring' and the overwhelming majority of incidents reported to the organisation were 'textbook anti-Semitism … (which) have nothing to do with Israel or Zionism'. 'I think where the line is crossed is where hatred of Israel spills over into suspicion of Jews more broadly or a view that Jews are pernicious, dangerous, or particularly egregious in their actions,' Mr Ossip told the inquiry. 'I think it's when protesters will deny the rights of Jews for self-determination and saying that Israel's very existence is illegitimate or inherently racist.' Mr Ossip told the inquiry that Holocaust education 'isn't sufficient to combat anti-Semitism'. He singled out 'tropes' that were often 'subtle and pernicious'. On far-right extremism, Mr Ossip went on to add that 'they're obviously an immense concern to us, but we've been making mistakes just to describe it as anti-Semitism'.
Mail & Guardian
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Mail & Guardian
Undocumented migrants put pressure on SA – but there are ways to manage it
Xenophobic attacks remind us of what happens when the government fails to deal with citizens' needs. South Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its democratic journey — a time when it must confront the growing debate around undocumented foreigners with nuance, courage and truth. What was once a quiet undercurrent in public discourse has become a daily flashpoint in our politics, media, and town hall meetings. The presence of undocumented migrants is now a polarising issue, challenging our legal systems, social cohesion and moral compass. Yet, amid the loud voices and sensational headlines, the country must ask: what are the real effects of undocumented migration, and how should a just society respond? South Africa's advanced infrastructure, relatively robust economy and democratic institutions have long made it a destination of choice for migrants escaping war, corruption, famine, and economic collapse in their home countries. From Zimbabwean teachers to Congolese traders and Mozambican labourers, South Africa has become a sanctuary — but not always a welcoming one. While many migrants enter legally, thousands more slip through borders without documentation. Others arrive on legal visas but overstay because of bureaucratic hurdles in renewing them or seeking asylum. Over time, these individuals become invisible in the eyes of the law, surviving in the shadow economy and vulnerable to abuse, exploitation and scapegoating. There is no denying that undocumented migration places a burden on public services. Clinics, public schools, housing, and sanitation systems — especially in urban townships — are stretched thin. In areas already grappling with high unemployment and poverty, the perception that foreigners are 'taking jobs' or 'draining resources' has fuelled frustration, resentment and violence. The tragic waves of xenophobic attacks in 2008, 2015, and as recently as 2021 stand as horrifying reminders of what happens when government failure meets public desperation. Foreign-owned shops have been looted and burned, migrants attacked and killed — often with impunity. But behind the anger lies a more complex reality. Many undocumented migrants fill labour gaps in sectors that rely heavily on informal or underpaid workers: agriculture, domestic work, construction and hospitality. These are jobs that many South Africans are either unwilling or unequipped to do. Additionally, migrants contribute to the economy by renting housing, purchasing goods and even starting small businesses that create employment for locals. One of the biggest contributors to the undocumented migration issues is the dysfunction in South Africa's own immigration system. The department of home affairs is plagued by corruption, inefficiency and underfunding. Delays in asylum processing leave thousands in limbo for years, unable to legally work or access services. Border posts lack the infrastructure and personnel to effectively monitor illegal crossings, while internal enforcement is inconsistent and often abusive. The legal framework itself is outdated and poorly enforced. South Africa's immigration laws fail to distinguish clearly between different types of migrants — refugees, asylum seekers, economic migrants and undocumented entrants. As a result, enforcement is arbitrary, and public discourse is muddled. Politicians, eager to score populist points, often blur these categories deliberately, casting all foreigners as illegal and dangerous. The lack of regional cooperation also worsens the problem. While South Africa bears a disproportionate burden of migration, efforts to coordinate border control, refugee processing and development aid with neighbouring states remain limited. In this vacuum, South Africa is left to carry a regional problem on its own. A frequent claim made in the media and by political figures is that undocumented foreigners are driving crime in South Africa. This narrative has led to aggressive police operations like Operation Dudula and targeted raids in foreign-dominated neighbourhoods. But credible data tells a more restrained story. While some undocumented migrants are involved in illicit activities — such as smuggling or trafficking — there is little evidence to suggest that foreign nationals commit crimes at a higher rate than citizens. In fact, undocumented migrants are more likely to be victims of crime due to their inability to seek police help without risking arrest or deportation. Still, the lack of proper identification and documentation does present real security risks. It hampers efforts to track criminal networks, manage border security, and ensure public safety. But these problems are not solved by vilifying migrants — they require intelligent policy, investment in systems, and regional diplomacy. South Africa is a sovereign state with the right — and duty — to regulate its borders. No country can afford an uncontrolled influx of undocumented persons without social and political consequences. But sovereignty must not come at the expense of humanity. Too often, undocumented foreigners are treated as less than human. They are denied access to justice, exploited by employers, and brutalised by both police and vigilantes. This violates not only international law but also the values enshrined in South Africa's Constitution. A democratic society must find a balance between enforcement and empathy. It must build systems that distinguish between those who need protection and those who pose threats, and it must invest in humane, efficient, and transparent immigration processes. To address the issue of undocumented migration, South Africa must move beyond reactive politics and adopt a multi-pronged, pragmatic strategy: 1. Modernise immigration laws: South Africa's legal framework must be updated to reflect the realities of regional migration. Clearer distinctions between migrant categories are essential for fair and effective policy. 2. Fix the home affairs department: Without a functional department, no immigration reform will succeed. Transparency, efficiency, and accountability must be prioritised. 3. Strengthen border management: This means investing in both physical and digital infrastructure and cooperating with neighbouring states to manage flows proactively, not just punitively. 4. Create legal pathways: Allowing for temporary work permits and legal migration channels reduces the incentive to enter illegally and protects the rights of those who contribute to the economy. 5. Address root causes: South Africa must lead in fostering peace, development, and stability across the region, especially in countries like Zimbabwe and Mozambique, where instability drives migration. The presence of undocumented foreigners in South Africa is not just an immigration issue — it is a mirror reflecting the failures of governance, the fragility of regional solidarity, and the tensions within a deeply unequal society. To respond with fear and repression is to ignore both our obligations and our potential. To respond with leadership, empathy and clarity is to affirm the promise of the South African dream — a nation built not on exclusion, but on justice, dignity, and hope for all who reside within its borders. Monwabisi Ncayiyana is a member of the ANC in eThekwini Ward 32 and a former Eastern Cape provincial executive committee member of the South African Students Congress. He writes in his personal capacity.
