Massive delays on Canada's immigration website as Americans seek to flee

CANADA’S IMMIGRATION WEBSITE crashed earlier today as many Americans sought to emigrate north to escape the Donald Trump presidency.

Access to the site has become more difficult since the Republican candidate picked up key states last night, which were essential to his victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton.

The site displayed the following error message from early this morning when the swing state of Florida went to Trump, to 6.30 this evening.

Source: Screenshot

The website has since reappeared, but with an added message:

You may experience delays while using the website. We are working to resolve this issue. Thank you for your patience.

The immigration website explains the steps to take and the criteria necessary to be eligible for residency in the country or for Canadian nationality.

In a statement released today, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reacted to the US election result.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to congratulate Donald J. Trump on his election as the next President of the United States.

“Canada has no closer friend, partner, and ally than the United States. We look forward to working very closely with President-elect Trump, his administration, and with the United States Congress in the years ahead, including on issues such as trade, investment, and international peace and security.

The relationship between our two countries serves as a model for the world. Our shared values, deep cultural ties, and strong integrated economies will continue to provide the basis for advancing our strong and prosperous partnership.

Mass exodus

Americans in recent months had vowed to decamp to Canada, led by the Liberal government of Trudeau, if the US mogul were elected.

Canadian real estate agencies and some regions with sparse populations have used the election to launch marketing campaigns.

Early this year, when Trump was just one candidate among a dozen Republicans, the island of Cape Breton in Nova Scotia on Canada’s east coast, offered to welcome Americans who wanted to avoid a Trump presidency.

Under the slogan, “Cape Breton if Donald Trump wins”, it said jobs and cheap homes are available in a region “with a population problem” just 250 miles (400 kilometres) from the US border.

Many celebrities have pledged to move north if Trump prevailed over Clinton, including Breaking Bad actor Bryan Cranston, singers Cher and Barbra Streisand, and Lena Dunham, star of the TV series Girls.

The Canadian foreign ministry’s website was also difficult to access during the late hours of last night as votes were counted.

- © AFP 2016

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