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New York / AFP
Donald Trump’s inflammatory presidential campaign and the prospect of the brash-talking tycoon actually becoming commander-in-chief has left progressive Americans obsessing about one thing: moving to Canada.
Stars from Cher to Lena Dunham have declared their intention to head north if the former reality star, famous for insulting Muslims and Mexicans, and under the microscope for alleged sexism, reaches top office.
According to one recent Morning Consult/Vox poll, 28 percent of Americans would “likely†consider moving to another country if Trump wins in November. Google said the search “how can I move to Canada?†surged 350 percent on March 1 when Trump won seven Republican state elections.
Money makers on both sides of the border have turned the hype into a savvy marketing tool. “Leaving the country if TRUMP is elected PRESIDENT? Give me a call and LET’S GET YOUR HOME SOLD!!†advertised one US realtor.
A millennial entrepreneur in Texas set up dating site Maple Match promising to help Americans “find the ideal Canadian partner to save them from the unfathomable horror of a Trump presidency.â€
The site is the brainchild of 25-year-old Joe Goldman, who always wanted to set up a dating site but used the Trump bandwagon to drive publicity.
While actual introductions and dates are a way off, Goldman says that more than 30,000 people hungry for love have already signed up.
“The Donald Trump campaign for president has provided us with an opportunity to make something positive,†he said. “But ultimately Maple Match itself is not political. It’s about bringing Americans and Canadians together.â€
Fear stoked by election
After Cape Breton Island, off the tip of Nova Scotia, offered a refuge to Trump-hating Americans earlier this year, visitors to its tourism site exploded from 65,000 last year to 600,000, says tourist chief Mary Tulle.
US academic Neda Maghbouleh moved to Toronto three years ago with her husband when they were offered attractive faculty jobs at a university.
Their daughter was born in Canada, the couple have acquired permanent residency and now they want to sponsor Maghbouleh’s parents to join them.