Canadian universities offer mental health support, security to students amid India-Canada faceoff

The jury is still out on the reciprocal action that the Canadian government may take after India suspended visa services to Canadians.

Canadian universities are keeping watch on the impact of souring India-Canada ties on their Indian student-base and offering support to them amid uncertainty.

University of Toronto, McGill University, and UBC Sauder, among others, are offering mental health support, security, and awareness on the latest developments to Indian students in Canada.

“We understand the current diplomatic tension between Canada and India may be having a real impact on the day-to-day lives of our Indian students, and those of Indian descent, causing them some uncertainty and distress,” McGill University said in response to Moneycontrol’s queries, sharing the efforts it has taken to support its Indian diaspora.

The university has made available facilities including round-the-clock mental health support for the students, it said.

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“If students need to explore academic considerations because of the current situation, they can speak directly with their instructor and explain the situation. If they run into problems, they can reach out to the Dean of Students office,” it said.

McGill University, based in Montréal, is among the top destinations in Canada for overseas students, and is home to about 800 Indian students. International students from more than 150 countries make up almost 30 percent of McGill's student body, according to its website.

Reciprocal action

The University of Toronto, home to over 2,400 Indian students, said it is monitoring the impact of the developing situation on its community.

“We want to assure all impacted members of our community – and in particular international students – that you are welcome here and we are deeply committed to supporting your wellbeing,” the University of Toronto said in an advisory on its website.

Also read: All about studying in Canada

In addition, the university said it is committed to its partnerships in India that support academic collaborations and opportunities for students.

The jury is still out on the reciprocal action that the Canadian government may take after India suspended visa services to Canadians. Many universities had advised new applicants from India to skip the current intake in light of potential delays in visa approvals.

Indian higher education platforms are encouraging students to explore universities in the UK and the US as alternatives, Moneycontrol reported.

ApplyBoard, a Canadian higher edtech company, said the Canadian government continues to process study permits and visas of Indian students seeking to study in the country.

“There has been no halting of processing for Indians coming to Canada. There have been no disruptions or pauses in this process for Indian students seeking to come to Canada,” ApplyBoard said in response to queries by Moneycontrol.

Also read: What is MADAD? All about the govt portal helping Indian students in Canada

The University of Toronto said that while the suspension of visa processing for travellers from Canada will hinder face-to-face connections, it will continue to build student relationships through online interactions.

UBC Sauder said it is monitoring the situation and will share new information with those impacted as it becomes available. The university urged its students to foster a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful campus and working environment for all “in times of uncertainty.”

“The safety and wellbeing of our community is our priority,” it said.

UBC urged its students to use services such as the campus security team and emergency phones for assistance on the campus.

Queens and Ivey University did not respond to queries seeking comment on the matter.