Cape Breton if Donald Trump wins.
The headline for a new local tourism campaign out of Nova Scotia reads:
"Donald Trump may become the President of your country! If that happens, and you decide to get the hell out of there, might I suggest moving to Cape Breton Island!"
It started out as a "tongue-in-cheek way of saying [to Americans] to put your money where your mouth is," says creator Rob Calabrese of Cape Breton's radio station The Giant. Calabrese notes that every election there's a group of people who say they will leave the country, but this year he knew it would be especially pronounced. "We expected it for the size of personalities in this election. But [the website] has served its purpose now."
In reality, Calabrese just wanted to help fix the plunging population in his Nova Scotian maritime hometown.
"We really have a major population problem here. We would gladly accept and welcome any Republican, Democratic, or Trump supporter." Cape Breton's population sank 4.7% between 2010-2014, significantly better than the loss of 8.8% in the four years prior, but still an ongoing concern. Since 2003, 26 schools have had to close their doors leaving only 51 others to remain. The aging population weighs heavily on top of that. According to Statistics Canada, there are now more Canadian residents over the age of 65, than there are under the age of 15.
While the website has drawn attention from both Trump supporters and opponents, Calabrese maintains that he welcomes all walks of life. "I'm over the moon that people want to learn more about Cape Breton," he says. "Just hop on a bus to start your new life in Cape Breton, where women are legally able to choose an abortion, Muslim people can roam freely, and the only 'walls' are holding up the roofs of our extremely affordable houses."
He finished by adding, "If you do come, we'll have a big barbecue in my own backyard; lobster tails, scallops, and all."
It's no surprise that Canada is rated the #4 friendliest country in the world by Forbes.