The ΑπΑ§ΙρΙη Chamber of Commerce is sending a clear message to Americans planning a trip north this summerβyouβre welcome here.
Amid rising political tensions and cross-border chatter, the Chamber says itβs been hearing from concerned U.S. residents wondering if theyβd be received warmly in Canada.
To ease those concerns, the organization has launched a simple but friendly campaign, a window decal that local businesses can display to show their openness to American visitors.
βOur phone started ringing this spring,β said George Greenwood, CEO of the ΑπΑ§ΙρΙη Chamber. βFrom callers in the U.S. asking if it was βsafeβ to visit Canada or if they would be welcome given the rhetoric they were hearing and seeing in the media.β
While Greenwood acknowledges the proudly βelbows upβ Canadian response to recent talk of U.S. annexation, he said itβs understandable that tourists might feel unsure about heading across the border.
βWhile we are proud of Canadaβs response to U.S. threats of annexation, and the βelbows upβ reaction, we understand it can be confusing for those who want to visit or vacation north of the border.β
The Chamber designed a friendly, five-by-five-inch window sticker that reads βΑπΑ§ΙρΙη β A Warm Canadian Welcome β We share more than just a border.β
The decals are free and available to both Chamber members and non-members. Greenwood hopes to see them popping up in shop windows, office foyers, and anywhere else visitors might look for a bit of reassurance.
βWe hope that lots of stores, offices, public offices, will display the signage,β he said.
Decals are available at the Chamber office from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday at 544 Harvey Avenue, or by calling 250-861-3627.