HALIFAX — He first fled from the United States to Hong Kong, now Edward Snowden is seeking asylum in Ecuador. The former NSA contractor, however, might want to reconsider that choice and go further North instead, suggests the LA Times.
“Here’s a guy who’s on the run and Canada has a history, like in the Vietnam era, of course to take in Americans who are fleeing for one reason or another,” says Paul Whitefield, the author of an opinion piece pitching Halifax to Snowden.
“Having just spent more than a week there, I can tell you, Eddie, that you’ll be made to feel more than welcome.
“The Haligonians (that’s what the people from Halifax, the provincial capital, call themselves; apparently, Halifaxians sounded too much like a Xerox ad) are, hands down, the friendliest, most courteous bunch of folks you’ll ever meet,” he writes. “So forget Ecuador, Eddie. I’m telling you, go north, young man (or is that north by northwest?)”
That friendliness is exactly what Pat Lyall tries to convey when she’s promoting Halifax to clients. The president of Destination Halifax says Whitefield’s piece hits on one of the city’s strongest assets: it’s people.
“So much of the product that we take to market is fueled by the people,” she says. “There is a sense here of welcome, that people really want you to come and take it personally that you’ve chosen Halifax versus anywhere else, and want to ensure that they contribute to you enjoying your stay.”
Joe Dasilva, a tourist in Halifax, agrees.
“If I had to hide somewhere, this probably will be a good place to hide.”
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