What major challenges did Irish immigrants face in Canada during the 19th century?

Irish immigrants in Canada during the 19th century faced significant discrimination and economic hardship, which were defining challenges of their experience. Upon arriving, many Irish immigrants were fleeing the Great Famine and were often met with hostility from those who were already established in Canadian society. This discrimination stemmed largely from anti-Irish sentiment, which was compounded by prevalent anti-Catholic attitudes, as many Irish immigrants were Roman Catholic. They frequently encountered barriers to employment and were often relegated to the lowest-paying, least secure jobs, exacerbating their economic difficulties.

Additionally, these immigrants had limited access to resources and support systems that might have helped alleviate their situation, contributing to their hardships. The combination of discrimination and the struggle to find stable economic footing made the experience of Irish immigrants during the 19th century particularly challenging and marked by adversity. This context underscores why discrimination and economic hardship are rightly highlighted as the major challenges faced by Irish immigrants during this period in Canada.