A report published by The Rover on September 26 highlights the rise in hostile comments against immigrants on social media during Quebec’s election campaign. The article examines criticism of the Parti Québécois’s rhetoric on immigration and draws on testimony from researchers and human rights advocates, including Manuel Salamanca Cardona, a community organizer at the Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC-CTI).
Manuel explained that the Centre, which traditionally focuses on defending labour rights, is increasingly dealing with immigration and deportation issues. He noted that many migrant workers feel politicians are blaming them for the housing crisis, problems in healthcare, and concerns about the French language, despite years of working, settling, and building their families’ lives in Quebec.
He also reported an increase in hostile and misleading comments on the Centre’s social media pages, particularly as the election approaches. These attacks go beyond political criticism and include accusations challenging the legitimacy of the Centre’s work defending the rights of immigrants and refugees.
The investigation also explores the role of social media in amplifying anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric. Researchers interviewed for the article warn about the effects of online polarization and the possibility that hostility in digital spaces could spill over into everyday life.
Read the original article in English: Quebec Election: PQ’s Tactics Criticized as Immigrants Face “Aggressive” Online Campaign – The Rover
Leer el artículo original en inglés: Quebec Election: PQ’s Tactics Criticized as Immigrants Face “Aggressive” Online Campaign – The Rover
Quebec Election: PQ’s Tactics Criticized as Immigrants Face “Aggressive” Online Campaign
Comments are closed.