A hateful graffiti with the words “Indian rats” was recently discovered near a children’s park in Mississauga, sparking concern within the Indian community. An investigation has been sought into the hate-motivated incident targeting Indians in Canada.

Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), an advocacy group, took to X to condemn the graffiti, describing it as part of a “growing pattern of racism, intimidation, and Hinduphobia” faced by the Indian community across Canada.

Calling out the incident, CoHNA said in a post on X, saying, “We are deeply disturbed by the hateful graffiti discovered next to a children’s park in Mississauga with the words Indian rats.”

Notably, the incident came to light on the same day when Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged to attract skilled foreign workers, following the US’ decision to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications.

CoHNA emphasised that the graffiti, located in a family-friendly public space, is not an isolated incident but a symptom of escalating hate that requires urgent attention.

“This is not an isolated incident; it is part of a growing pattern of racism, intimidation, and Hinduphobia faced by Indo-Canadians and Hindus across the country. The hate is growing more visible but the actions by law enforcement and lawmakers have not kept pace,” it added.

The organisation has called on Peel Regional Police to investigate the vandalism as a hate-motivated incident.

CoHNA calls for formal recognition of “Hinduphobia” as a distinct form of hate alongside other types of racism.

“We reiterate the importance of stronger anti-hate mechanisms at municipal, provincial, and federal levels to track and address racism against Hindu and Indo-Canadians,” the advocacy group also said.

The Peel Regional Police are yet to issue a statement on the incident.

CANADA SEEKS INDIAN H-1B VISA TALENT

Carney described the Trump administration’s changes as an opportunity for Canada to attract skilled workers that US companies might find difficult to keep.

Indian workers, who make up the majority of H-1B visa recipients, are expected to be hit the hardest by this policy change, given that about 71% of H-1B approvals in fiscal year 2024 were granted to Indian nationals, particularly in technology-related fields.

“Not as many H-1B holders will get visas in the US. These are skilled people—an opportunity for Canada,” he declared. “We’ll have an offering soon,” Carney said on Saturday.

“This is not just about numbers—it’s about talent, innovation, and Canada’s future economy,” he added.

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