OTTAWA: The rise of controversial Republican real estate billionaire Donald Trump has given an unlikely boost to a Canadian island offering to take in Americans.
Cape Breton Island, off the northeast tip of Nova Scotia province about 500 miles east of the US state of Maine, has put out a welcome mat for anyone who could not stomach having Trump as their president, should he win.
"Don't wait until Donald Trump is elected president to find somewhere else to live!" says the site.
A local radio disc jockey hatched the idea, designing a website linked to the local tourist bureau to provide an escape for Canada's wary neighbors to the south.
The Cape Breton promotion showcases the island's natural coastal beauty, food, sailing and whale-watching tours, and juxtaposes its affordable housing and universal healthcare with Trump's hardline rhetoric.
- 'Did America lose a bet?'-
"Of course, we don't care about political affiliations, everyone is welcome," Cape Breton tourist chief Mary Tulle told AFP, noting the island's strong trade and genealogical links to the United States.
"Donald Trump might even like to come up for a visit," she said, noting that his mother was a Gallic speaker, and that the majority of the islanders have Gallic or Acadian roots.
In the past week, the Cape Breton tourist website has received over 300,000 visits -- more than its usual annual tally. Some 5,000 Americans have also sought out specific information about the island, immigration rules, real estate and employment opportunities, Tulle said.
The site is among a growing number of satirical online commentaries on the US presidential campaign popping up in Canada.
Another quirky pitch, created by a US writer living in Canada and a Canadian actor, calls for more Canadian sensitivity in American politics. It asks, "What is this? Did America lose a bet?" alongside a picture of Trump stumping.
The video, which has racked up 37 million views, suggests what Canada being in charge could do for America: "We'll open one free day care for every closed Planned Parenthood (abortion) clinic. We'll legalize weed so you can stop worrying about terrorists and worry about your cat stealing your ideas.
"And we'll help you solve your race problem, as soon as we figure out why you still have a race problem."
Trump is currently leading the race to be the Republican presidential candidate in the November 8 election.
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