留學生can find relatives or friends who can co-sign with them. Just like in Hong Kong , landlord will check employment reference.
But there are "Chinese" landlord in Chinese area that can rent out rooms without credit check. That's up to the landlord. It is not a law.
In Canada , tenant protection is very good. It is not easy for landlord to "kick out" a tenant. Therefore, landlord is very very careful when choosing tenants.