Don't feel as welcomed in Toronto this trip

[Pugdog007]

Yikes! Lightening!

OK... I'm attending a tradeshow at the Metro Toronto Conv Centre. This year, I'm getting a weird vibe from some people when they realize we're from "the States." More than one person walked away from my booth today when they realized I wasn't Canadian. Some from ON, but other provinces as well. I love coming up here... but this is a real downer and has upset me.

Of course, I got into a taxi tonight and the driver restored my faith in Torontans.

 

[WCMouse]

Rest assured we luv ya... sometimes people just have off days, and others are just the way they are, but like you know... most of us like our neighbours to the south and enjoy having you up here..eh.....

 

[MikeJ]

Many people have difficulty separating official government policy from personal beliefs. There is a large anti-American sentiment in Canada (and elsewhere) because of the rationale (or lack thereof) for the war in Iraq. It doesn't matter whether or not you support Bush's decision - you're American and you elected him.

You can find ignorant people wherever you go, even Toronto. (I can hear everyone from my home province of Saskatchewan snickering right now. ) Rest assured that most of us aren't like that.

- Mike

 

[eleanor]

Dont feel badly ,some people in TO treat other canadians that way. :thewave:

 

[Susan--Ontario]

If I was at the trade show I wouldn't care where you're from as long as you had a hidden Mickey nearby I'd stand and talk for hours.

Mind you, us peons never get to go anywhere except occassionally the ladies room. Enjoy Toronto, but if you want fun come to a London DisMeet.



Have a good time and a safe trip home!!

 

[damo]

You need to remember what Canadians went through last year and the reactions we got from Americans. Sars was so blown out of proportion in the US and Americans refused to even come close to Canada, the BSE problem out west has turned many Canadians against Americans because of their hasty decision to blame Canada and the bans on beef. There is still the softwood lumber issue and top that off with the Iraq problems. Then we have the US putting misleading ads in their national newpapers about the seal hunts. There are many issues that affect many Canadians.

 

[Scratch42]

Sorry you had to go thru this. I guess the weather is getting to most of us! I know no excuse but..........

Love you, mean it!

Scratch

 

[Skywalker]

What show is it? Will you be back at the convention centre? What booth? If you need some good old Canadian hospitality I can drop by and treat you to a Tim Horton's coffee!

 

[Mortlives]

Please don't let a few bad apples spoil the view of the majority of us. You are most welcome in our city, province and country. We hope you have a lovely stay, and visit often.

Kungaloosh!
Mort.

 

[Amberle3]

Don't take it personally, lots of Canadians don't feel welcome in Toronto either!

 

[jaysue]

That is unfortunate - regardless of whether we agree with government policies or not, we should always be kind and cordial to guests in our country

I apologise for my fellow Canadian's behaviour in your unfortunate incident. It is inexcusable

Warm regards
jaysue

 

[Pugdog007]

Thank you for your kind replies. We just returned from The Producers. It's excellent!

We are in booth 912 of the South bldg through tomorrow afternoon. It is the IAPA Health & Safety show. I'm not here to promote any political issues... I'm just here to talk about health & safety in the workplace!

I came up at the same time last year, in the middle of the SARS scare & right after the travel advisory was issued. So obviously, it did not concern me. I even came back in July on holiday!

Today was better as my friend from Newfoundland visited me! He says Ontarian's are sometimes mean to him too!

I will not be discouraged. I love Canada even if you don't like me! I even purchased a Maple Leaf jersey.

 

[Susan--Ontario]

Make sure you wear that jersey tonight so that the Leafs will win, win, win

 

[melindaandrob]

Don't let a couple of bad apples spoil your trip, the majority of us Canucks appreciate our neighbours to the south. I'm praying for my U.S. customers to come back! I depend on them during the summer sales months!!


Melinda

 

[maryliz]

Originally posted by Pugdog007
I even purchased a Maple Leaf jersey.

You ROCK !!! And you have impeccable taste in NHL teams (or at least their jersey's)! Since we blew Philly away last night, I'm assuming you must have been wearing it! If you're ever doing a show at the Convention centre in London, Ontario be sure to post and let us know. I too will come and visit, bearing gifts (at least a Tim's coffee)

Mary Liz

 

[jersey shark]

I too sometimes get a weird vibe when doing business in Canada and it becomes apparent that I'm from "the States" (I love that...never "America"...always "the States")...but it's the overwhelming minority. Most Canadians I've met are very welcoming, gracious, friendly etc...even if in a non-assuming sort of way.

The political comments I get are very amusing to me...especially on issues like Iraq....I didn't sign up to be ambassador!

Since I'm in the pharmaceutical industry, my one "sore spot" is the drug price issue...Cdns act like lower drug prices (vs US) was a God-given right and blessing....I wonder how many know that the Cdn govt ensures prices are artificially lower than they should be and that US consumers basically subsidize the costs of drug research (that ultimately brings better and better new drugs to market).

(Time to step down off my soap box)

 

[jaysue]

Originally posted by jersey shark
I too sometimes get a weird vibe when doing business in Canada and it becomes apparent that I'm from "the States" (I love that...never "America"...always "the States")...but it's the overwhelming minority. Most Canadians I've met are very welcoming, gracious, friendly etc...even if in a non-assuming sort of way.

The political comments I get are very amusing to me...especially on issues like Iraq....I didn't sign up to be ambassador!

Since I'm in the pharmaceutical industry, my one "sore spot" is the drug price issue...Cdns act like lower drug prices (vs US) was a God-given right and blessing....I wonder how many know that the Cdn govt ensures prices are artificially lower than they should be and that US consumers basically subsidize the costs of drug research (that ultimately brings better and better new drugs to market).

(Time to step down off my soap box)

How about drug prices are lower in Canada since litigation is not as pervasive here and the legal awards involved are nowhere near as high.

Drug prices are still too high in Canada and they are just plain outrageous southside

cheers
jaysue

 

[Debbie]

Originally posted by jersey shark
I too sometimes get a weird vibe when doing business in Canada and it becomes apparent that I'm from "the States" (I love that...never "America"...always "the States")...

Me, me, me! That's an easy one. The name of your country is the United States, so I would say that you hail from "The States". Also, somtimes Americans give off the impression that they are the only "americans" around. All natives of America-North and South- could be considered American. I am a Canadian north american. So, I could be from "America" (north).

Originally posted by jersey shark I didn't sign up to be ambassador!

I guess that that would be a human failing of everyone around the world, starting in elementary school. You know. When the teacher says, "Now, boys and girls, I want you to be on your best behaviour when we are at _______. Remember, you are representing our school."

Hopefully, most of the people that one meets, realizes that we are not our governments. Maybe (fingers crossed that it is so) the people asking are just trying to learn something about the politics. That is something typical of Canadians. We like to be informed.

Have a great day!

 

[tigercat]

As long as you aren't asking me about my igloo and dog sled or trying to find Ontario in a book listing all the store in the United States I don't mind talking to you and enjoying your company. Actually I have been asked many times what do I do with my dog sled when I go away and I have been very frustrated in finding a store near me and having to explain to the lady at the store that Ontario is in Canada and Canada is a different country. As for the rest of the people I have met in the States I have found them to be really nice people. I have some very good friends that live near WDW and love to visit them. Sorry to hear about the problem with some people. I guess you will find them everywhere.
tigercat