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Sticking with kindness: Āé¶¹¾«Ń” Chamber decal ā€˜Welcomes American friends’

'Callers in the U.S. asking if it's safe to visit Canada'
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The Āé¶¹¾«Ń” Chamber has launched a simple but friendly campaign, a window decal that local businesses can display to show their openness to American visitors.

The Āé¶¹¾«Ń” Chamber of Commerce is sending a clear message to Americans planning a trip north this summer—you’re welcome here.

Amid rising political tensions and cross-border chatter, the Chamber says it’s been hearing from concerned U.S. residents wondering if they’d 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.

ā€œOur phone started ringing this spring,ā€ said George Greenwood, CEO of the Āé¶¹¾«Ń” Chamber. ā€œFrom callers in the U.S. asking if it was ā€˜safe’ to visit Canada or if they would be welcome given the rhetoric they were hearing and seeing in the media.ā€

While Greenwood acknowledges the proudly ā€œelbows upā€ Canadian response to recent talk of U.S. annexation, he said it’s understandable that tourists might feel unsure about heading across the border.

ā€œWhile we are proud of Canada’s response to U.S. threats of annexation, and the ā€˜elbows up’ reaction, we understand it can be confusing for those who want to visit or vacation north of the border.ā€

The Chamber designed a friendly, five-by-five-inch window sticker that reads ā€œĀé¶¹¾«Ń” – A Warm Canadian Welcome – We share more than just a border.ā€

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.

ā€œWe hope that lots of stores, offices, public offices, will display the signage,ā€ 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.



About the Author: Gary Barnes

Journalist and broadcaster for three decades.
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