Brampton food bank faces backlash over 'NO International Students' sign

A Brampton-based food bank has come under fire after a photo of its whiteboard with a controversial message went viral on social media.

The message, which read "NO International Students" among other instructions, has sparked outrage online.

The incident has led to a heated debate on social media about the requirements for international students to stay in Canada on a temporary visa. While some argue that they should prove their financial ability to afford their studies, others believe that those in need should receive help regardless of their status.

Global News’s Sean O’Shea reports.

#GlobalNews #Bramptonfoodbank

[habtomhabtemariam]

Nothing wrong with their policy. International students come to study on a condition that they have enough financial resources to cover all their expenses not to depend on food banks

[tsbm]

to international students: you are responsible for your own food. if you can't afford food, don't come.

[malcolmbrown]

These international students were blogging and advertising where other students could get ‘free’ food! There’s no way the Brampton food bank should be facing ANY

[sinephase]

backlash from who? Canadians are tired of food meant for the poor being stolen by people trying to save a buck with "free food" not meant for them.

[henrygreenwood]

I applaude this food bank for saying something, and writing it down for all to see. This is not right. For them to get any blacklash is got to be very hard for them. Thank you for putting your foot down.

[hooplaplooza]

This makes my blood boil. Even in my city international students primarily from India are ransacking our food banks. I had one friend who is a volunteer say they have to turn people away because they ran out of food to give.

[ryanell]

Food Bank isn't wrong, nor is it racist... If you have the money to come here and study, buy your own damn food.

[cruithin]

The only problem with this sign is that it was in the wrong place. It should be in the airport at the arrivals gate.

[lizg.]

I support "No International Students" Policy they are advised prior to coming to Canada. If you cannot support yourself, then leave

[horstwidl]

Foreign nationals attend seminars and courses in their homeland on "how to live free in Canada."

[dasalekhya]

decades ago I was an international student ... and I *FULLY support this*
International student visa comes with the condition that the *student MUST be completely self supported* (either own money or scholarship)
and for emergencies, most schools have Students Support Centres

[Aiphiae]

Good for them. This is a *MAJOR* problem in Canada. It's so bad there are videos on YouTube of "New Canadians" teaching other immigrants how to *manipulate and lie* to get "free food" at food banks. They treat these places like a restaurant and know full well (as stated in their videos) that they know it's wrong but "it's free so who cares."

This is anathema to Canadian values and what these places are designed to do. They're meant to help those in need - not people who have no moral scruples and think they way things are in their home country is the way things are here.

[crazyliv]

I'm an immigrant and always paid my own way even when it was tough in the beginning. That's because it's not a RIGHT but a PRIVILEGE to be an immigrant or an international student. You have to show you can support yourself. If you cannot then you are either a scammer wanting to take advantage of the lovely and kind Canada society, or you miscalculated and must leave

[douglasvermeeren]

All students who abuse the food bank should immediately be sent home.

[ronaldcumpsty]

It is about time that signs like this were posted on every food bank door. One of my friends who vaulunteered at a Brantford Ontario food bank decided to stop when she heard that the University was in fact advising their international students to go there for food. Many of them came from wealthy parents and were in fact receiving the food. Food banks are for the needy living in Canada, and NOT for international students.

[Owen]

I hate how our polite, hospitable demeanor as Canadians gets so taken advantage of.

[NoNopeAndNo]

Fantastic, the SIGN should be bigger and surrounded by flashing lights

[kirtanforthesoul]

Bravo.. standing ovation for the food bank. I stand and support the food bank decisions

[marciloni]

The Indian community is huge in Brampton and finding housing is nearly impossible when they want "Indian Boy Only". Gas stations, Tim Hortons, Walmart, etc... only hires Indian people, so go and ask them for help.

[Narrator_Isahim]

Hey Global News. Why don’t you interview and get an explanation from those international students from India as to why they get food from the food bank. You know, those students who make videos on how to get free food in Canada. They’re probably getting money for doing that as well with all those ads on their videos