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Travel Warning Issued: For Canada?
The move was in response to Canadian diplomats walking out of the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday before Iran president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad spoke about his vision for a "new world order," reports CBC news.
Beating out Australia, Sweden and Switzerland for the second year in a row, the annual RepTrak study rated Canada number one after polling a panel of 36,000 people representing the G8 countries.
But earlier this month, the Canadian government announced the closing of its embassy in Tehran and expulsion of Iranian diplomats. After the boycott this week, Iran responded, saying criminals and "anti-Iranian groups" bent on revenge could now target Iranians visiting Canada, knowing they no longer have an embassy.
"I think it's absolutely ridiculous," Canada Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said when asked about the travel advisory, speaking to reporters in the foyer of the House of Commons as reported by CBC. "And I think 99 percent of Canadians would share that view."
Probably a lot of Americans too.
Flickr photo by SeattleRay
Filed under: North America, Iran, Canada, United States, Travel Security
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Steve O Sep 27th 2012 10:53AM
It does sound pretty ridiculous and is likely retribution. However, you have to consider that the US just dropped MEK (a terrorist organization that targets Iranian civilians using assassination and suicide bombs) from the terror list. Canada is about to do the same and there is a good chance that their camp Ashraf in Iraq will be moving west. So theoretically Iran is correct. Canada and the US is about to give safe passage and harbour terrorists.
How did we all feel about that when it was the Taliban and the people being housed were Al qaeda? Was a travel advisory given there?
Clint Shepherd Sep 29th 2012 7:21AM
Just out of idle curiosity, I would be greatly interested to know what bearing Canada's diplomatic decisions has on its being voted "the world's most recommended country to visit?"
scott Sep 29th 2012 2:03PM
I agree with you on Canadian's, I live on the boarder between Canada and the USA and the Canadian's that come down to the USA to shop are the most rude people I have ever seen. You can find most Canadian's pushy at lines in stores and you can find all of there garbage in the parking lots were they shop, they just throw there garbage from the items they buy so that they don't have to pay duty on it when they cross back to there Country. I'm not sure where people get the idea that they are such nice people, this can only come from the mouth of a Canadian or somebody that has not had more than one encounter with them.
Garr Sep 29th 2012 9:48AM
I agree that Canada has some of the most beautiful country in the world. That said, now we come to the people. I have found them to be hard, cold, and indifferent. Totally an unfriendly nation. I have traveled to Canada a few times in my life but I will never go back again. The country is beautiful but the people suck.
Vicki Sep 29th 2012 10:13AM
I'm sorry that your visits to Canada were such a bust. But, maybe your attitude might have had something to do with it! I found Canadians to be warm pleasant people that would go out of their way to help and very proud of their beautiful country! My first visit was long ago, we were driving the Alcan and had finally stopped for the night, pulled into a motel, read the sign at the desk, found a room and went to bed..settling the bill the next morning! For exhausted travellers, it was wonderful! The sign said " Its late, go down hallway open doors until you find a room with enough beds for your party. We'll settle in the morning! Lock your door after you enter the room. Sleep well" What a hoot! Totally trusting! Find that in the US.
Sweet_One Sep 29th 2012 1:15PM
Well, I am not sure where you visited but, as a very proud and educated Canadian, I can tell you that most of us are kind, giving, loving and friendly. We will always go out of our way to help others and we, as a Country have much to be proud of, especially it's history. In WW1, Canadian forces took Vimy Ridge in 4 days, a ridge the British & French tried to take for 2 years! Although we have done much, (clearly, things you are unaware of) the one thing I am proudest of is that it was Canada who founded the Peace Keepers. Now, speaking of Americans, I can tell, from my travels that, they are loud, brash and. think they are better than others. Many European Countries and the Caribbean really hate Americans and their pompous, arrogant attitude. Canada is the BEST Country in the world and I am so, so proud to call it my home. In closing, please watch "Rick Mercer`s 'Talking to Americans`; it depicts just how intelligent & educated your populace is!
Kathae Sep 29th 2012 9:27PM
I lived there for 22 years, and you are right Canadians are cold and indifferent. I married a Canadian, and he agreed to move back to the US with me finally, and I was never so glad to be home in my life.
walk Sep 30th 2012 1:30AM
You must have been visiting Toronto to have such an opinion of Canadians! (Just kidding!!)
You will find rude morons in every city, particularly the larger cities in Canada and the US - with significant differences just based on the part of town you happen to travel through. I expect your attitude had a lot to do with it. Relatively speaking I would say Canadians are friendlier than Americans but rarely have I ever had anything to complain about with the Americans I encounter in Toronto, Niagara-on-the-Lake, etc. And the comments about the safety of Canadian cities is very true - the crime rates of the large cities in Toronto are significantly lower than anything similar in the US.
Now back to the article... this whole travel advisory is retaliatory nonsense .
Bill Sep 29th 2012 10:28AM
Canada the "Evil Empire"? Now I am really depressed!
R2 Sep 29th 2012 4:39PM
Weren't we at war with Canada a few years back? I think John Candy was leading the charge.
Gloria agat Sep 29th 2012 9:25PM
Watch what you say. I have relatives in Canada. Without Canada, the United States would be in more trouble than it already is at this time. Hopefully, next year it will be better.
eva1503 Sep 29th 2012 11:16AM
Yes we did get up and walk out and so did the Americans, others simply did not show up. Now i ask the simple question is it him or us who are wrong.
JP Sep 29th 2012 11:22AM
Him
calvin Sep 29th 2012 1:28PM
It's him,he's a idiot.
Jane Sep 30th 2012 7:31PM
I am proud of Canada's actions. As a close neighbor all through my youth (just across the border in NYS), I always admired the people. Of course, my family came down from Canada many years past, so I see them as family. Canada has much is common with us, but the place is so much cleaner and well cared for! There seems to be even more cultural diversity in Canada, than in the US. And, hopefully they have less political intrigue. We know they care more for their Canadian neighbor, than USians do!! Hooray Canada!! I yearn to visit Montreal again, and Western Canada for the first time.
waagtod Sep 29th 2012 12:07PM
Yeah, Canada is hot bed of social unrest and violence! And why are they all so polite, everyone is so nice? I think their hiding something!
Mimi Sep 29th 2012 12:34PM
Canadian's should be greatful the Iranian were told to not visit Canada. Wish it would happen in the U.S.
raynman Sep 29th 2012 2:36PM
Good news....Canada does not cowtow to jerks like Mr. Obama does!
Kathae Sep 29th 2012 9:26PM
Didn't Obama blow off the Canadian Prime Minister in the beginning of his term in office?
meri Sep 30th 2012 5:13AM
OH BROTHER! I would take this as a compliment. He could say the same about the U.S. except how else would he shop and spew venom at the U.N.? I have been to Canada half a dozen times, and it's one of the safest places on earth. You could go to the "worst" part of town and not worry that you're going to be a victim of a drive-by. He's a MORON.