It's not just economics - Canada doesn't have slave history. Many of these neighborhoods are predominantly AA and descendants of freed slaves; many residents v

It's not just economics - Canada doesn't have slave history. Many of these neighborhoods are predominantly AA and descendants of freed slaves; many residents view these neighborhoods as their territory and however bad the crime might be, at least it is something that is 'theirs' in a country that stole their land, families, etc. Encroachment is often viewed as racial assault and non-natives are often treated with suspicion at the least, or outright hostility. The crime and poverty is a separate issue - but if you'll note, when this is solved, the neighborhoods become gentrified and existing poor residents are rapidly displaced.. for these, it was almost preferable to have the crime since they could still live in 'their home' in a neighborhood they grew up in, etc.