Canadian-American singer Paul Anka said crime in Canada has gone “through the roof” during a conversation with Bill Maher, tying his comments to recent immigration and cultural change in major cities such as Toronto.
Anka made the remarks during an appearance on Maher’s “Club Random” podcast, where the two discussed Canada, America, immigration and how major Western cities have changed over time.
Maher began by recalling Canada as a place he associated with politeness and a different social atmosphere than the United States.
Anka agreed that Canada had historically felt different, describing the country as more “homogenous” in the past. He then argued that Canada is now experiencing pressures linked to demographic change.
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“Only now are they feeling it,” Anka said, referring to Canada. He added that Toronto has seen major immigration and claimed the city’s crime rate has gone “through the roof.”
Maher responded by comparing Canada with England, saying both countries have changed significantly over the decades.
The conversation then shifted to London, where Maher reflected on how different the city looks compared with the 1980s. He said he was not arguing that the past was better, but suggested that rapid cultural change has become difficult for some people to discuss honestly.
Maher also criticized progressives, saying they often refuse to acknowledge social progress even after major changes have taken place.
The comments are likely to fuel debate because immigration and crime remain politically sensitive issues across North America and Europe.
Supporters of stricter immigration policies argue that governments need to be more honest about public safety, integration and pressure on local services.
Critics argue that linking crime broadly to immigration can oversimplify complex issues and unfairly blame immigrant communities for wider social problems.
Anka’s comments come as Canada continues to debate immigration levels, housing affordability, crime concerns and the future of major urban centers such as Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.
The podcast exchange reflects a broader political divide over how Western countries should discuss immigration, cultural change and public safety without ignoring either legitimate concerns or the risk of unfair generalizations.
Why It Matters
The discussion shows how immigration and crime have become central cultural and political issues not only in the United States, but also in Canada and the United Kingdom. Public figures are increasingly willing to question whether rapid demographic change has created social strain, while others warn that the debate must avoid blaming entire communities.
What Comes Next
Anka’s comments may draw criticism from immigration advocates and progressives, while conservatives are likely to highlight the clip as part of a broader debate over crime, borders and national identity.
Canadian singer Paul Anka just blew the lid off Canada’s multicultural experiment NIGHTMARE on Bill Maher’s show.
He forced Maher to acknowledge the direct link between Canada’s unchecked immigration policy and EXPLODING crime within its cities.
ANKA: “We’re not a homogenous… pic.twitter.com/PFt2vrZzXd
— Overton (@overton_news) May 25, 2026
