Housing Squeeze Down Under

The provided article details the escalating housing crisis impacting immigrants and international students in Canada, particularly in major cities like Toronto. It argues that the high cost of living, exacerbated by stagnant wages and inadequate social programs, disproportionately affects these vulnerable populations, forcing them into overcrowded and substandard living conditions. Landlords exploit their precarious immigration status and lack of established support networks, charging exorbitant rents for dilapidated accommodations. The article criticizes the Canadian government's immigration policies, suggesting they prioritize economic needs over the well-being of immigrants. It highlights the reliance on international students as a source of revenue for universities, while failing to provide adequate housing support. The article further asserts that the housing crisis is a symptom of broader capitalist inequality, intensified by decades of neoliberal policies that have eroded social safety nets and fueled real estate speculation. It points to the role of corporations and wealthy investors in driving up housing prices, leaving low-income individuals and immigrant communities struggling to find affordable and safe places to live. The piece concludes that addressing this crisis requires systemic change, including increased investment in social housing, stronger tenant protections, and a fundamental shift away from prioritizing profit over human needs. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/04/05/juzx-a05.html