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But those students, unable to return to their home countries due to closed borders, have been fending for themselves in Canada.

Canadian government please do better.

Being a student whether international or not have equal and benefits

International student is part of canada and all student deserve the all benifits like canadian people

Government should also help to international students so that they get some relief the students who have come in January. Atleast provide money to that student who has started their job and now because of this situation they had lost their jobs. So its request to government to help financial to international students.

I think the canadian government did the right thing, its means alot

I really believe that it's right that Canadian government render support to international students. The reason i believe this is because it's not everyone of them that is rich, as some may think.

Those international scholars are not intended to benefit from this relief provision because they don't pay tax unlike Canadian people.

I Have learnt so much from your article, Thanks for sharing it.

we DO pay taxes on the income earned through part-time jobs or summer internships. We also pay GST/HST and the likes. And also pay much higher tuition fee and health insurance

It鈥檚 a nice factor to consider but it makes is more contradicting

It鈥檚 not the duty of the Canadian government. It I鈥檇 the responsibility of the government I. Your home country. They should be doing something for their international students abroad. No one is doing anything for Canadian students abroad.

honestly need financial support from the canadian government. it will be so hard for the students.

Wow ..this is quite unfair. The international students have contributed billions to the Canadian economy

Government is among the backbone source for students after parents they need to know that so should help

The government should really try to help the student not everyone is financially bouyant

I think International students in Canada should be given financial aid. They deserve it

International students honestly need financial support from the canadian government. it will be so hard for the students.

You are right. Think even three times about it. There is no future in Canada anymore, especially for international students. All you do is pay outrageous fees for something useless outside Canada and the sad part is that as you as your work permit expires, that is if you are lucky enough to find a small job, you will be sent back to your country with nothing else than tears to cry....
Well, at least, that was my experience with CANADA. NOTHING BUT OBSTACLES AND DISAPPOINTMENTS....

International students in Canada deserve financial help from the government because their parents are sometimes unable to meet the financial costs of their studies.

Forget it. If you can't afford it don't bother coming here. Canada is an increasingly attractive destination for highly educated professionals as climate change worsens and Canada becomes a safe haven. And read this: https://immigrationwatchcanada.org/2013/08/23/are-canadian-taxpayers-actually-subsidizing-international-students/
The math used to calculate contributions to the economy by foreign students is wrong. Also there are too many who take advantage of the system just to immigrate here and work low skill jobs. That just drives up the price of housing during a housing crunch and Canada does not need 100,000 more gas station attendants, 7-11 cashiers coming here every year since many plan to bring their elderly relatives as soon as they get their permanent residency or citizenship and take advantage of the free medical care and other social services and benefits. The quality of the international students is so low at some schools (Indians fighting each other or Chinese cheating) that in the long term it is going to hurt the reputation of Canadian schools. I've met Canadian students who get all their clothing through donations, sleep on their friend's couches, etc and they should be receiving help first. Canada is multicultural but there are Canadian standards that international students don't always uphold so to be asking for money from a foreign government in addition to being allowed to study here is too much. Also they bring their racisms and class-isms with them like higher caste Indian students bullying Dalit lower caste students or Chinese students threatening Tibetans and Uyghur people here so I think setting quotas for student visas from each country and limiting the number from any one country, besides Canada, on any campus is crucial to maintain the mutlicultural-ness of Canada without having certain groups dominate other minorities. I think that additional help can be given say to students who belong to persecuted ethnic groups back in their home country but for those from the majority population, if you can't pay go home.

Getting support from the government is not a bad move. International students especially from those under developing continents like Africa, need help for This government.

International students in Canada deserve financial help from the government because their parents are sometimes unable to meet the financial costs of their studies.

Well I have been trying to get support but seen none

Canadian government should really support International students, not all of them are rich as suppose by some persons.

Wow.. Great. They really contributed a lot

Some folks in this commentary who are against benefits for international students sound very entitled. I presume many of these folks are Canadian citizens by birth rather than naturalization. I am a Canadian now, but I was once an international student and only folks like me know the long and tiring processes that we have to endure before becoming a naturalized citizens in Canada. And that is completely okay, because Canadian citizenship is something we have to earn, and not just simply deserve. But during our time here as international students, we DO pay taxes on the income earned through part-time jobs or summer internships. We also pay GST/HST and the likes. And also pay much higher tuition fee and health insurance. Some of the commentators here presume that all international students are super rich. Thats just plain stupid. Families of many international students are form lower middle class. They save just enough money to show proof of financial support for at least the first year of study (which is what the Canadian government requires). For the following years, students survive on a combination of family support, university merit scholarships, and part-time jobs.

Majority of the international students remain here after graduation and work towards becoming Canadians. Given that they are integral to the Canadian economy from the beginning, its entirely reasonable for them to expect support from the Canadian government.

I believe majority of Canadians are sympathetic to the struggles of international students now, but if you are one of those who choose to be so indifferent to their hardships, perhaps you should go advocate to your government on limiting international students coming into this country. Let's see how responsive your government is in doing that.

As a recent graduate and on a work permit, I have been affected by the covid 19 pandemic. I have paid an amount significantly more than a domestic student in tuition fee. I have also been paying domestic taxes. Due to travel restrictions, I cannot go back home at present and there is no clarity on when the restrictions will be lifted.
Like everyone, I need to pay my bills and the CESB would be of great help.
If the CESB can extend to include international students and recent graduates with the condition that they repay it in future, that would be of great help.

Wow ..this is quite unfair. The international students have contributed billions to the Canadian economy

I'm planning to study in Canada for the benefits it promising to international students, but, the way the government respond to situation and the comments of some citizen discriminating international students for a help in this time of pandemic makes me think twice of pursuing my studies... International student boast Canada's economy, They may not paying taxes but they contribute for the nation's economy, therefore, it is humane to extend help to them I this time of uncertainties.

Who says that international students are not tax payers? Don鈥檛 they pay tax and VAT or other government cost while banking, buying items at the stores or other expenses? What extra ac are being paid by Canadian students? International students have created thousands of job, bringing lots of foreign currency in Canadian society and also improving the economy by labour etc. US try s lost students over the last few years and lost many foreign currency. If Canada follows US, students will move to other European countries in the future.

We dont need any assistance just make our fees same as canadian student to lower the impact of COVID19. Rest we will manage by our own.

I am a single mother with two kids full time international student at Sheridan never worked during the semesters because had no help with my kids reason being i had to be there to pick and drop them to and fro from school and at the same time concentrating on my studies.I was planning to work in summer but due to Covid-19 all plans mashed up and because I didnot work part time during my semesters i am not eligible for CERB. right now somuch stressed and dont know what to do stuck in a position where all doors are closed. each time i see my kids face i feel guilty that i promised them a better future and now here i am fighting to make the ends meet. on the other hand rent is piling up dont know how i am going to manage.

Very disappointed in the CESB that excludes international students and foreign workers. Lot of people in the workforce were once international students and foreign workers. Why are they not important until they become citizen and PR. Aren't they paying tuition and taxes to contribute to the economy. This is so wrong..... It is actually unbelievable... These are the people separated from their families. The economic impact will effect all students.

I don't know who started this " internal students are not taxpayers" thing. International students pay all the taxes like any Canadian does, and now the government gives benefits to only Canadians by using the taxes which international students also pay.

@Ami you got it all wrong - please check your facts before you keep on spreading misinformation.

International Students pay TAX when they work in Canada like everybody else here.
They pay HST/GST/PST like everybody else here. They pay medical insurance and bills like everybody else here.
They pay higher tuition fees than locals
They support local industry by spending money they bring from overseas.

Provide support when needed, goes a far way to support the future of ones country and builds commitment and appreciation to the hosting country.

It is indeed very unfair, uncaring and highly worrisome to have left the international students out of the emergency relief package for students. Int'l students pay taxes and boost the economy of Canada, they are far from home and can't go home because of global travel restrictions. Some have booked flights to return to their countries for summer where the would get summer jobs and quality family time which is made impossible by covid19 induced travel ban. They are now belaboured with rents, feeding and general upkeep while the government of their host country treat their plight with such insensitivity! Many of these students are miserable knowing the govt only care about them paying school fees. The student reps should cry out once more for a reconsideration by the Canadian government.

This proves how heartless Canadians are
They know that in such situation international students are gonna be affected the most and still they regarded helping Canadian and PR students when in fact they already get a lot of support from their parents and government. We international students have no one to support us and at this time no one can actually even transfer us money overseas. We are one who are paying high fees. If such behaviour will be I assure you in upcoming time no one will think of coming to Canada to study and unfortunately the economy will be very less for Canada. So it鈥檚 a kind hearted request for PM as if he can please help us with some amount even if needed we can pay the government money back.

I don't know what these International students think of themselves...this incentive is meant to be for CANADIANS who are taxpayers. I'm sorry but if international students can afford to come here and study, they can sure as hell pay for themselves by bringing in money from wherever they came from. Gosh, for once Trudeau is doing something for us Canadians and the non-citizens want to get in the way as always...

International students have an extra worry even. Since this crisis is international our home countries ecknomies are beng affected too. Most countries have a less stable economy than Canada and a weaker currency. I bet you most students currently living in Canada no longer have the ammount required by the imigration to support themselves for the period they stay in Canada.
I am Brazilian, any savings I had in brazil are worth a third of what they were when I came to Brazil in 2017 with the dollar quickly aproaching 6 brazilian reais.
Without income of some sort I am forced to rely on help from my parents that send me what they can with this huge exchange rate.
Luckily I was able to find good friends to take me in or I might be living on the streets and facing deportation at this point.
Although I understand that the canadian governament can't provide for everyone because even the canadian economy has limits, I believe at least some help should be provided...
Perhaps if not a grant can be offered to foreign students than maybe offer tax excemptions to people and companies that offer lower rents, discounts and support to foreign students. Something to let us know the government cares.

Parent's too are facing financial issues due to lock downs globally.
Children need to be taken care off.
Yes international students should be added in the benefits list during such turbulence.

Its not our responsibility to give money to the international students here, that's their own government's job. Ours covers Canadian students other countries can cover their students

Yes international students should be added for relief because their tuition fees is also double than Canadian students and they are equally contributing in economy by paying taxes

I鈥檝e tried to apply for the CESB and cannot find the link . Was it supposed to begin May 1st ? Thanks

International students pay more money than domestic because they are paying the "full price". Domestic student's fees are subsidised.

I think it's the country that they are from, are responsible for supporting them. It doesn't make sense for Canadian government to be giving money to internationals since 1/4 - 1/2 of them may leave in the future.

I am a Canadian citizen studying in the USA. The US will not be financially supporting me. But Canada will. I'm not pushing the US government to include international students in its COVID programs, nor is it their responsibility.

It's not the duty of the Canadian government. It is the responsibility of the government of your home country. They should be doing something for their international students abroad.

Stop watching what Canadian students are paying for tuition. It their country. It could be free if they decide. That is non of you'll business.

No one is doing anything for Canadian students abroad.

Canadian relief funds are for Canadian residents.

you don鈥檛 pay taxes, it鈥檚 us it鈥檚 going to have to pay all this money back not you. get assistance from your country.

Yes international students should be added for relief because their tuition fees is also double than Canadian students and they are equally contributing in economy by paying taxes

The sense of entitlement here is overwhelming. International students generally comprise the wealthy elite of their own country - it鈥檚 why their parents can afford to spend insane amounts of money to have them live and study abroad. Go ask your parents for help, or perhaps, you know, the government of your own country. The idea taxpayers should shell out cash for citizens of other counties who take up spots that used to go to us is so bizarre.

Why can't the countries that these international students come from provide financial support for their citizens during this pandemic? Why does Canada have to foot the bill, when many of them probably have never even paid income tax? Considering how much money we send to these foreign countries, you would think that they would have something left to give back. We can't carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. We are already being very generous with international students and foreign temporary workers.

I am delighted with the initiative to help international student in Canada. And I also applaud the government for providing jobs during summer time with working experience opportunities. These opportunities are not there for international students in Switzerland. International student in Switzerland went through horrible experience, no job, no little working experience , after graduation, 6 months visa extension is given to look for a job but that is just political, no company would hire you in fact they will require you present working permit of which they Know immigration will not give, immigration in the other hand will tell you to apply for the job. They played the game until the 6 months expired and u are forced to leave the country. Immigration may not border u as long as you are paying rents and other bills. If by chance you approach recruiters they tell you that as long as you have no German skill ,no job. Only Eu citizens are considered for job, any other citizens go to hell. Therefore with what I have read so far about Canadian international student concerning the treatment given to them by the government ,I will ask them to contribute graciously to the Canadian society. You will never have such good, quality opportunity in Switzerland because racism is in their official yellow paper.

My son came Canada for his university program last August 2019. He applied partime job which he hope can help him cover daily expenses. He has got confirmation of partime job in Jan 2020.the owner ask him to work in May 2020. But his job was canceled by pandemic. It is very hard for us if he doesn't have job and the support of Goverment also. Pls consider.

We have supported Canadian Economy by paying premium fees during good times and now it is Candian Goverment time to support our kids during this covid 19 financial crisis

I wish that the PM yield to all entreats. Am aware that all countries are going through financial difficulties as a result of covid 19. PM should try if not all but half of such fund can be refundable. This will encourage prospective students like me
God bless Canada!

I wish that the PM yield to all entreats. Am aware that all countries in the world are also experiencing financial challenges so I wish that PM should try as much as possible if half of such fund can be a refundable and the remaining half can be a refundable fund.
God bless Canada!

This is an odd circumstances for both the Canadian government and for the international students too. We believe that the government is much more capable than the students. Should extend the equivalent to the basics.

I'm a Canadian who is living abroad right now. No government in any country is supporting any other citizens in their country. US isn't even able to support it's own citizens. saying said that, it's time to find it in our hearts to be humain and help everyone who is in need regardless of their citizenship, religion or color. It's time to give and not make money, we should all stop being greedy and share what we have. I'm sure the Canadian government will find a way to help all Canadian and International Students in every way they can. That is the Canada that I know and the Canada that I'm very proud of.

One of my friend living in canada from 8 month and she earn 4200 dollar but she has very less money to servive in canada and she is not eligible for relief package . But these type of international need support . The canadian government should pay 1200 every month like may to august it is really appriciated. Thanks

Why should the international students study overseas if they cannot afford or have the funds to back-up their tuition fees, accommodation etc? Why don't they just stay at home, where they have the support of their families? As far as I know, before a student is granted a study visa, you have to show that you can afford it and not expect the others to pay for you?

Moms and dads are struggling across the world Mr PM.
And these students are contributing huge income during normal times to canadian economy

international students in Canada should be supported financially because their parents are also sometime not in a position to support them financially in the middle of their education

Sir, This is a great message.

Why should the Canadian government be responsible for financially supporting citizens of other countries? This is a worldwide pandemic. The countries these students are citizens of should be held financially responsible. This would also violate the terms of their student visas, as they are not permitted to work over a certain number of hours, nor should they be entitled to the same financial benefits of eligible Canadian citizens. The CERB is not a handout.

Good luck

One more example of discrimination.

A significant no. of Canadian universities hold multiple international educational fairs every year and some even offer on-the-spot admission. International students pay much higher fees than their domestic counterparts.

There is a Student Direct Stream (SDS) in place which processes study permits of eligible students within 20 days.

All said and done when they are getting money you will find the quickest and best ever options and services available. However when it comes to shell out the money, specially during tough times, they reveal their true face.

I hope the government will extend there hands to us international students or rather all people around this country because all of us were victims of this virus. This issue is for all humans around the world. I'm hoping to the government to see this pandemic as a problem to be address to all people.

Appreciating

Yes, ofcourse the immigrants should get these financial relief as others, as they play an viral role in the economy of Canada.

Allowing international students to work more than 20 hrs a week was a nice decision as it can help many international students to earn some income in this pandemic but again the PROBLEM is, its not easy to find job in many parts of Canada for international students. Most of my friends are still struggling to find a job and are unemployed. This problem needs to be addressed.

I am Roshan Nawawathne who arrived from Sri Lanka two months before as a Student. Since my arrival I had to suffer from this pandemic and I could not able to attend my university here and find a job as well.
I expected some benefit from the Canadian government as a newly arrived international student but unfortunately I am not eligible for CERB or CESB program.
So I am confused about this situation and hopefully looking forward some reasonable assistance from the government during this difficult period of time..

Under very rare and extraordinary circumstances like now foe which the whole world was not prepared.. Even world's super powerful nations are so much shattered.... every nation should extend help to everyone living in their land forgetting boundaries. I believe this is the verdict and lesson of Nature to re-establish forgotten human virtues. I request Canadian govt to be considerate to International students too as a gesture of universal harmony.

Honourable Mr Prime Minister, since you have provided relief to certain groups of students, we International Students who pay nearly 3 times tuition fees have been left out. Sir most are without jobs, & we have to earn our bread, pay rents, buy groceries, etc. Humble request to please urgently provide us financial relief for some time. Regards

International student is part of canada and all student deserve the all benifits like canadian people

International students pay three time the fees the Canadian students pay....this shows how unwelcome they are. Many students who wished to study further may have to park their plans and head home as this could be a glimpse of the hostility they will face in times of a crisis. Students are locked in for fear of the virus and not able to take up jobs as they know if sick they will again get second preference ...very sad and discriminating .

I am a parent of an international student doing MBA -ISP at Brock University.
I fully agree with the views expressed in this article regarding the mental state of mind that our children are going through in a foreign land away from family.
I will deeply appreciatiate anything that the concerned authorities will do to lighten their mental stress and anxiety, especially hrough some cash transfers to their account.
I am sure in the years to come they will contribute to the Canadian economy as well.
Thank you.
Roger Ferreira.
Parent.

Government should also help to international students so that they get some relief the students who have come in January. Atleast provide money to that student who has started their job and now because of this situation they had lost their jobs. So its request to government to help financial to international students.

I find this to be quite fair. International students are not Canadian citizens, and so the Canadian government has no obligation to give them any financial support. I am sympathetic to their concerns, but they should really be looking towards their university for financial aid opportunities rather than trying to look towards a foreign government for assistance.