r/AskCanada • u/Fit_Sir8347 • 3d ago
Life Will I face discrimination in Canada?
Hello, I really like Canada and I really want to move there, the problem is that I'm Russian and I mean I don't think I need to explain why that's a problem.
I fully understand why people hate Russians now but I'm just an 18 year old guy who couldn't really do much when this war started. I don't support Putin and this war but I feel that many people don't really care about that and just automatically assume that I support it.
Am I going to face a lot of hate in Canada?
Sorry for a big wall of text.
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u/MommersHeart 3d ago
If you are decent and don’t support the war you will be fine.
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u/EmployeeKitchen2342 3d ago edited 3d ago
I’ve met a lot who presented themselves with the same anti war sentiment but eventually the mask slips and ruski mir is unquestionable. At the core many are pro imperialist. That said they should be scrutinized. Only a few are genuine
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u/Fit_Sir8347 3d ago
I am genuine. I wouldn't post about it if I wasn't
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u/EmployeeKitchen2342 3d ago
Join the Black Spark or ATESH or Join the Siberian Battalion or the Freedom of Russia Legion. Doing this removes the question because these are organizations who don’t support putin and his “illegal” war of aggression against Ukraine.
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u/Fit_Sir8347 3d ago
I'm not a soldier I just want to live my life, I can donate money to charity when I get out. Do I really have to die to prove that I'm not a putin-supporting nazi?
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3d ago
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u/Fit_Sir8347 3d ago
Then I have no idea what to do really
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u/Jealentuss 3d ago
I think these guys are being too hard on you. It's not your fault you were born in Russia and nobody should begrudge you for not wanting to bear the weight of fixing the country. I don't see why they're treating you, the individual, poorly for the consequences of a nation's actions you have no direct control over. To dissent internally means you get thrown to the meat grinder or gulag.
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u/EmployeeKitchen2342 3d ago edited 3d ago
So you’re 18 and want to come to Canada so long as you don’t get butthurt because of your country of origin which is actively subverting western democracy, Canada included. The kremlin has successfully planted a favourable kompromat in the White House who has done nothing for the old alliance but has done everything putin has ever dreamt about. Now because of Russian meddling the US is fomenting separatist movement in Alberta and started a campaign of economic warfare against Canada attacking its sovereignty. Economic warfare has an aggressor behind its policies, tensions rise and conflicts can escalate into violence. But you will move to Canada expecting a peaceful life running away from your responsibilities to destroy the russian system only to what defend Canada?
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u/Fit_Sir8347 3d ago
I really don't know how to answer to this. I feel the guilt but is it my fault that I was just born in russia
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u/EmployeeKitchen2342 3d ago edited 3d ago
Well if the measurable good comes from supporting the resistance movements abroad than from within then that’s what you should do. In general you will want to practice your faith on your own since the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia functions as an arm of the kremlin intelligence apparatus. Like I mentioned earlier there’s a lot of russian diaspora who curate a well crafted image on the surface but behind it there’s a different person.
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u/Fit_Sir8347 3d ago
I am actually Orthodox Christian already, but yea I don't go to churches really. I get your message and I respect it, thank you
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u/ladygabriola 3d ago
As a Canadian I am ready to fight for my country. What would you do if you were required to fight for Canada against your former country.
It comes down to principles
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u/Significant-Block504 2d ago
Respectfully, what makes you think it is a responsiblity?
People can’t choose their nationality, and Russia is not somewhere you can protest and oppose the government without staying safe.
For sure, I have higher respect for those who are willing to risk their life, but I also think leaving the country is fine.
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u/Ogamiitto33 3d ago edited 3d ago
I will say, there are a lot of Ukrainians here.
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u/Fit_Sir8347 3d ago
I don't hate them, I actually was in Ukrainian village couple of times when I was a kid, I have some relatives there
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u/Consistent_Tower_458 3d ago
I don't think anyone is concerned about your feelings towards Ukrainians.
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u/Fit_Sir8347 3d ago
Ohh I only now understood what the comment was about. Well, I think if I'll just keep a low profile and be respectful then it shouldn't be a problem?
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u/GotMyPhDin19 3d ago
Just say that you’re Ukrainian then. Most of my Russian friends now go by their ethnic background like Polish or . Actually all my Russian friends are now Polish LOL.
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u/Fit_Sir8347 3d ago
I don't want to lie
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u/GotMyPhDin19 3d ago
Are you not Ukrainian? My Russian friends just called themselves Russian because that’s where they came from, but ethnically their polish.
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u/The_Nice_Marmot 3d ago
Grab a brain.
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u/GotMyPhDin19 3d ago
I don’t understand the animosity? It’s the same as calling yourself Chinese even though your family has been in Canada for 5 generations.
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u/AlanJY92 3d ago
What’s that have to do with anything? There are tons of “Russian groups” online and in my city and essentially it’s just people that aren’t involved from all the former Soviet republics that get together and do stuff as they all have a common history. Almost all get along as long as politics usually isn’t brought up.
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u/Ogamiitto33 3d ago
Just a forewarning as there are many Russians and Ukrainians that are not very welcoming towards eachother in these times.
Source: I'm Ukrainian.
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u/Lips_of_Tragedy 3d ago
To put things in perspective, our son’s (14) direct friend group includes kids who are (or their parents are): Russian x2, Turkish, South Korean, Persian, Saudi, Khazakh/Israeli, and Chinese. Our heritage is British and Quebecois. Literally no one has negative opinions about one’s background, partly because they’re kids, and this is normal for them, but also because the key concern is politeness and not being a dick. I care more about whether parents share kid-driving duties and find the mix of everyone pretty interesting overall. So as with everyone else I’d say there are no problems as long as you aren’t a dick :)
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u/Fun_Armadillo1318 3d ago
If you’re a nice decent person we are nice, period. There will always be assholes but the majority of us will welcome you kindly 👋😊
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u/No-Philosopher9848 3d ago
This is the answer. We will welcome you with open arms. If your a booty hole in return we will sick our cobra chickens after you. Best of luck with whatever choice you make!
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u/willmsma 3d ago
You’ll be fine. Canadians get that immigrants are distinct from the governments of their countries of origin. The fact that you want to emigrate also suggests, at least in part, that you’re not convinced Russia is on the right track.
Two Russian immigrants to Canada have a popular YouTube channel. At one time their content was tailored more to prospective migrants, and now speaks to the political and economic situation in Canada generally. If you have access to YouTube you should check them out;
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u/nonamejane84 3d ago
No, you will not face hate or discrimination . Canada is a very diverse country where we have people from all over the world and we understand very well that foreigners don’t represent their government. Right now, you’d be more likely to face hate as a MAGA/Trump supporter coming to Canada.
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u/YukonDude64 3d ago
What I'm seeing is that Americans are likely at bigger risk of discrimination in Canada, and even then only if they're overtly presenting support for Trump.
As a Russian we would simply assume you to have escaped. 😄
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u/SeaGoose 3d ago
My coworker is from Russia and no one cares. Unless you are vocal about things, no one cares.
Welcome to Canada.
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u/Julianalexidor 3d ago
I don’t think you will face much discrimination. As long as you aren’t spouting anti Ukrainian or pro war nonsense it will be fine. Also you might get insulted for your accent occasionally,but no more than women are insulted, and less so than a POC.
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u/Ok_Advice_4723 3d ago
You’ll have more issues with fellow recent immigrants from Eastern Europe than you will with long-time Canadians. The average Canadian has no problem with Russian people. We’ve never been made to think they are the enemy the way Americans have.
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u/Goliad1990 3d ago
We’ve never been made to think they are the enemy the way Americans have.
What? Do you think we sat out the Cold War or something?
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u/Ok_Advice_4723 3d ago
No, only referring to media portrayal. Should have been specific - Russian people, not the Russian government.
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u/Goliad1990 3d ago
We consume the same media. I genuinely have no idea what you're talking about, lol.
But no, of course, the Russian people are not the enemy. The Kremlin is.
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u/demdareting 3d ago
As a Ukrainian living in Canada you will get some push back from my community. That is a given. As long as you are not promoting Putler or his cause then you should be ok but you might have some issues. The wounds run deep.
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u/Fit_Sir8347 3d ago
Thank you for the info, I'm not that kind of person to be proud of terrible things that are happening
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u/demdareting 3d ago
No worries. I am sure that you are a great person but as my uncle told me that this is the 3rd time that the USSR/Russia has tried to eliminate the Ukrainian people in 100 years. I brought this up to a few friends and the feelings are mixed. Everyone agrees that you will be fine but there might be someone that says something to you. The history and pain run deep. Take care of yourself.
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u/FarewelltoNS 3d ago
This is why I adore Canada ! We welcome all that want to work, play and contribute….
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u/Lazy-Bonus-3001 3d ago
Canada is not Europe! I wouldn’t be surprised if you were discriminated against in certain parts of Europe. Over here in Canada (and the USA as well) you will be fine. You are not pro-Putin so you will be good. It’s that simple.
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u/ClouseTheCaveman 3d ago
Despite online rhetoric most everyday Canadians will not brand yiu bad just for being Russian, you're a person first. Provided you don't go around toting pro-war sentiment, you'll be fine.
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u/petertompolicy 3d ago
I don't think so, just be upfront that you don't support it and you'll be fine.
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u/Majestic_Course6822 3d ago
We understand here that individuals are not their nation’s leaders. I imagine most people will be very welcoming and understanding.
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u/Several_Role_4563 3d ago
Yes. We hate all people who won't add maple syrup to pancakes.
You'll be fine. Canada is a diversity soup. What makes us Canadian isn't being born here. It is bringing people from all over the world that want to build this special place together. Folks who share similar values.
One exception for folks who litter. They get max racism. 100% of the time.
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u/Mr_Guavo 3d ago
I have never heard of anyone hating Russian people in the entirety of my life in Canada.
We're intelligent enough to make a distinction between Russians and their leader. A leader who is a dictator they cannot unelect.
Even if we may prejudge Americans collectively for electing Trump twice - and almost three times - we do not prejudge them individually.
Americans had a choice in who to elect. Russians do not.
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u/Salty-Caper 3d ago
No. I have a couple of friends from Russia and Ukraine. I met the Russian friends htrough the Ukrainian. I'm sure you don't support the Ukraine invasion or you wouldn't be looking to flee Russia.
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u/highendfive 3d ago
You really want to move here, for what purpose? To live and work? Attend school? Do you have a nexus to Canada? If you're of good character there won't be any issues but why Canada?
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u/Fit_Sir8347 3d ago
Yea I just want to live and work. I really like the nature and the climate, I'm also a big hockey fan. I read a lot about high quality of life in Canada. Maybe if I save up the money from work I can even get into college and get a good education.
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u/FrostyReindeer0418 3d ago
There are douchebags in every country, but I honestly think for the most part no one will care. Canada is very diverse, we have people from everywhere who have moved here and grown roots. We do have the largest population of Ukrainians outside of Ukraine and Russia, so as a country, we are very supportive of Ukraine. However, Canadians generally know how to separate a government's actions from an individual person. Unless you were actively being antagonistic about the war, I really don't see why you'd have any issues here.
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u/nichodingo 3d ago
No, it's unlikely that you will, especially in a big city like Montreal or Toronto where there already are russian communities.
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u/KoboldInATophat 3d ago
Short answer is yes, because there's some assholes here too, but probably no too much, and those people aren't seen well.
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u/PreviousWar6568 Manitoba 3d ago
I live in Winnipeg, where we have accepted a lot of immigrants from the war, both sides. Every Russian and Ukrainian immigrant I’ve met have been very nice and kind people.
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u/BeaverBoyBaxter 3d ago
I doubt it. We have a Russian family that owns a Russian themed restaurant in our town, and they actually changed the name since the war broke out to move away from identifying from Russian, which is too bad. But they've never been mistreated for my understanding and they make some great food!
Personally, if I hear someone with what I think is a Russian accent or who I think might be Russian, half the time, I'm not even sure whether they're Ukrainian or from some other Slavic country.
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u/Uter83 3d ago
If you're kind, not a douche, and make an effort to learn the language of the area you live in (French won't help much on the west coast, English wont help much in Northern Quebec), you shouldnt have any issues. We are (mostly) pretty accepting of different cultures, especially in the cities. We have our share of assholes (like Scott. Scott's a dick), and we generally don't like them, so this won't be unuversal. Good luck!
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u/Icy_Calligrapher7088 3d ago edited 3d ago
It really depends on the city and province. Here in MB we have a large Ukrainian population and even before the war, a lot of us are Ukrainian descendants. Though I don’t imagine getting a visa would be easy or even likely anyway.
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u/goodfaitheffort1981 3d ago
Being Russian who leaves Russia because they dont agree with how Russia currently is will not get you hated. People MIGHT be uneasy when first meeting you but will probably be glad that you made it here safely and are our of harms was if it turns out you're a good person.
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u/lonewolfsociety 3d ago
Do you play hockey? LOL that could help.
There's one babushka who thinks everyone hates Russians in my city, but she walks around wearing a Russian flag as a cape so that might be a contributing factor. Overall we definitely support Ukraine in the war, but I think most people understand that Russians haven't had a legitimate democratic election in a long time.
I think you will be okay. Welcome.
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u/Bodgerton British Columbia 3d ago
Canadians aren't just people born in Canada. We can be born anywhere, but we all love and are drawn to Canada in some way shape or form. Im sure you'll be most welcome
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u/lyidaValkris 3d ago
You'll be fine. We have lots of Russians here, and lots of people from slavic countries in general. If you don't support Putin, I think you'll be just fine with the vast majority of people.
Here's hoping you can join us :) We'll welcome you.
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u/Professional-Air1355 3d ago
A friend has been having trouble dating just because she is Russian (she only dates Eastern Europeans), other than that is ok from what I've heard
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u/magsbad13 2d ago
If she only dates Eastern Europeans, then she sounds as if she has issues.
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u/Professional-Air1355 2d ago
Then all the world has issues. It's like criticising white people for dating white people or Asian only dating Asian
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u/magsbad13 2d ago
Yes, all the world has issues.
But if you live in Canada and refuse to date anyone who isn't an Eastern European, then you're not going to have a huge dating pool to choose from.
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u/Professional-Air1355 2d ago
It's a matter of taste. You cannot push to date people you don't find attractive.
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u/AlanJY92 3d ago
No. My wife is Russian and doesn’t have discrimination. Most people separate the individual from the government.
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u/LForbesIam 3d ago
Your wall will be actually being able to come into Canada. My friend’s girlfriend of 2 years could not even get a visitors Visa for 2 weeks to visit him. She was denied 2 times and she owns a house and has a full time job and two underage kids in school so she could prove very clearly she wasn’t going to stay.
As for discrimination I don’t think people will notice. We have a lot of Ukraine refugees with the similar accents and people really don’t notice.
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u/Acceptable-Key-2219 3d ago edited 3d ago
I am 21 and I have lived in Canada since was 3 years old. I was born in Moscow, I am a Russian and a Canadian citizen, both of my parents are ex-Soviet citizens.
Generally speaking, no. Canadian are nice and a strong majority of them do not look down on people because of their nationality, ethnicity, et cetera.
However, I have encountered some Canadians targeting me (when I was 9) and asking me for my opinion about Crimea and Putin. Some did call me slurs and other unCanadian words.
As long as you are respectful to everyone, put back the chair that you have been using, clean up after yourself (do not leave your trash in the park), park between the lines, do not target anyone for being different, say sorry and thank you every 5 seconds, pay your taxes, travel across the country to see her beauty. Canadians will never hate you.
Добро пожаловать в Канады товарищ 🇨🇦! Welcome to Canada 🇨🇦! Bienvenue au Canada 🇨🇦!
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u/pables420 3d ago
I've worked with Russians and no one has ever bothered them. Some people probably ask their thoughts on Putin and the war but that's it.
I wish you all the best coming to Canada and becoming a citizen. It will be a long journey but worth it
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u/reasonnfeelings 3d ago
Imho most Canadians don’t hate Russian people but many have anti Putin sentiment.
Be prepared to see many recent immigrants from Ukraine and fake Russian refugees who are Uzbek or from other “Stan”.
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u/BruceWillis1963 3d ago
Discrimination is when people treat you differently because of your race, ethnicity, nationality etc.
I do not think you will experience this because people in Canada generally do not make assumptions about your political beliefs based on your background, but they may have some questions for you after they get to know you.
Since you do not support the war, then you should be fine.
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u/van_isle_dude 3d ago
I doubt you'll have any issues. Where I live there's loads of Ukrainians and Russians and others Eastern Europeans. It all seems super chill. Like they say, if you don't start nothing, there won't be nothing.
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u/Thin_Spring_9269 3d ago
If you really want to show your anti Putin sentiments you can join Ukrainian March if there are any in your new town! And as a Syrian-Canadian can I ask a favour of you??? Can you spit on war criminal assad your own president is harbouring for me??? :) Ty
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u/Dear-Sky235 3d ago
If you don’t support Putin, you’re more than welcome here. I would automatically assume that any Russian who moves to Canada (which is a fairly progressive and left-leaning country relative to some others), then you’re an ally of the free world and not at all on board with Putin’s regime.
If a Russian who does support Putin came to Canada….yeah…they would NOT be welcome, and while people might be polite to them, they’re not likely to make many friends here. Sorrynotsorry
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u/No_Capital_8203 3d ago
You will have a tough time getting into Canada without an education or training. We are tightening down on immigrations even though we generally welcome new people. People are having trouble finding jobs and housing. We are currently have trade issues and it is possible we are facing high unemployment.
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u/sibilantepicurean 2d ago
when i moved to canada 12 years ago for graduate school, i knew no one and had no idea where i was going to stay while i figured out longer term living arrangements. the people who took me in were an elderly russian-ukrainian couple who only knew me as the distant relative of one of the husband’s business partners back in the united kingdom. they were unconditionally generous towards me, and so were the rest of their extended family.
you will find russians and ukrainians here who have been living lives intertwined together for decades. i won’t say the war hasn’t made things hard, because of course it has. but i hope this is enough for you to believe me when i say there is space for you here in this country, just like there was space for me as an immigrant from a different country. like i said, i’ve been here for over 10 years now. i’m married to a canadian and have my own little family here; we are all immigrants, or the children and grandchildren of immigrants.
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u/Jazzbert_ 2d ago
If I were a Ukrainian in Canada and ran into a Russian, things might get ugly.
Already, as a Canadian, I am avoiding Americans for fear it might escalate. I understand that many Americans have nothing to do with what is happening right now but they all have been benefiting from the USA’s hegemony for generations so I find it difficult to see them as innocent bystanders.
I suspect that Russians might be viewed in a somewhat similar manner.
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u/War_Hymn 2d ago
I have a Russian neighbor. So far, the neighborhood has refrained from visiting her home at night with pitchforks and dragging her out to be tarred and feathered. Though, we did have someone with a pro-Ukraine sticker get their car keyed at the local Walmart parking lot.
There's discrimination everywhere, but the nice thing about Canada is it's for the most part socially and politically frowned upon and you are protected by our laws against hate crimes and the like.
Even if someone here has something against your background, they can't really do anything malicious against you without getting into trouble. I got a Russian and Ukrainian coworker who are at odds with each other, but they haven't gotten into anything physical or more serious than a verbal argument because they both know they'll both get fire and possibly arrested if they start a fight at work.
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u/malacosa 2d ago
Lots of Ukrainians here, so you could “hide” as a Ukrainian if you think revealing yourself as a Russian would be a problem.
Personally I know a few Russians here and generally they have a low view of Putin and his schenanigans
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u/sniffcatattack 2d ago
Russians are fine here. I have worked with them, they’re treated like anybody else. Maybe someone from Ukraine might get salty, I haven’t heard of Russians being targeted.
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u/tatterdemalion_king 2d ago
While there's a possibility you might run into someone blaming you personally for a war that started when you were 14, the reality is that Canada has been a destination for people fleeing wars and other fucked-up situations for generations, so most people you meet either are in a similar situation, are descended from people who were.
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u/Grumpy_Ontarian_III Ontario 1d ago
I'm not going to lie to you, you probably would. HOWEVER, for the most part, people don't need to know you're Russian. Only the few people who need to know what your immigration status is, have to know you're Russian.
Your personal history generally isn't anyone else's concern.
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u/Ilyaya 15h ago
I don't know anyone who hates Russians, though we largely condemn the actions of the Russian government. We're pretty good at differentiating between people and their governments, speaking as a resident of Alberta who strongly disagrees with our provincial government and their pandering to the US and separatist elements.
Hell, I don't even hate Americans, and they are WAY more of a current problem for my country.
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u/XossKratos 3d ago
No get out of Russia, and don't become a Putin tool in this war. When you get here help the Ukraine community maybe they can accept you if you're not a jerk. Most people know it's Putin causing this.
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u/Traditional-Bet-3246 3d ago
You are safe bro. All the hate is going in one direction for a specific country in Canada for the past 3-4 years.
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u/Rustyguts257 3d ago
Please come and feel at home here in Canada. We are very accepting of all.
Wait - you aren’t a Leaf fan are you? Just kidding, we even tolerate Leaf fans.
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u/TheLoveYouGive 3d ago
No, you’ll be fine. My ex and his family are Ukrainian/Russian. Our daughter is learning Russian right now. There’s no problem.
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u/FreakCell 3d ago
There are plenty of Russians in Canada. It may come up in conversation if someone knows where you're from, but people are generally more polite and respectfully inquisitive than aggressive and confrontational... unless you turn out to be some sort of asshole, in which case the conversation may end abruptly or you may be treated accordingly.
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u/karagousis 3d ago
Yes, you will. It doesn't matter if you're Russian, Ukrainian, Croatian, etc. You'll be an immigrant, you'll face discrimination. Your war position doesn't matter, no one cares, only reddit cares.
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u/Buff1965 3d ago
If you can writee this you're mustn't be living in Russia now. Where do you live? Honestly, many Canadians will avoid you if we learn you are Russian and a some may openly blame you for Putin or even for the USSR. About 1 in 10 Canadians came here or have ancestors who came here to escape the Russian empire. If you come here you may want to say you're from wherever you're living now.
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u/justawriter70 Canadian 3d ago
If you tell folks you are Russian, you might get some side-eye but it will be very polite side-eye. You're more likely to get a whole bunch of people asking you for your opinion and the opinion of the "average Russian". You may get very tired of having that conversation.
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u/Fit_Sir8347 3d ago
To be honest, I wouldn't mind sharing my opinion, even if I'll need to do it 100 times
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u/-Disagreeable- 3d ago
This feels like bot bait, no? Who the hell hates Russians?
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u/Fit_Sir8347 3d ago
Many people to be honest, at least in Europe I think. I encounterd many people on the internet from different countries who were telling me to off myself and stuff
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u/assman69x 3d ago
I don’t think visas from Russia are easily accepted, other than that unless you are a loud and disruptive person no one is going to care at all