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Canada rescuing Canadians from Lebanon and all they get are complaints (pg. 5)
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| colonelcrisp |
all i was saying is that i dont htink he will pay any tax on the principle,
where as someone who works in canada pays tax on their income, and the income generated by the interest on their savings |
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| Allegory |
Here are some sources to illustrate that the majority of Lebanese Canadians are in fact residing in Canada and went to visit for the summer.
Source: Globe and Mail
Thousands won't join Lebanon exodus
Most Canadians in country choose to stay in war zone as evacuation winds down
GLORIA GALLOWAY
From Tuesday's Globe and Mail
OTTAWA — Fewer than one quarter of the Canadians registered with their embassy in Lebanon have taken up the government's offer to get them out of the war-torn country, as officials say dwindling numbers mean the evacuation is winding down.
By late yesterday afternoon, after five days of exodus, slightly more than 7,900 people had boarded ships chartered by Canada to take them to safety. Only 2,800 of that number had actually reached Canadian soil, leaving thousands of evacuees in transit on ships headed for Turkey or Cyprus, on the ground there, or on airplanes headed to Canada.
There are more than 38,000 people registered with the Canadian embassy in Beirut. While Foreign Affairs representatives refused to say publicly how many of that total they believe to be tourists and how many have settled permanently in Lebanon, one official estimated yesterday that the temporary visitors account for about 20 per cent of the total.
That number roughly corresponds with the number that have fled so far, which suggests that many of those who live in Lebanon have decided to tough it out.
There are an estimated 1,000 Canadians still trapped in the dangerous southern part of the country, where a ship is due to arrive tomorrow to remove some of them from the port of Tyre -- though Foreign Affairs officials said yesterday that there was no way to guarantee safe passage from the border villages.
Israel's aerial bombardments diminished as the ground battle intensified in Hezbollah's southern strongholds, where soldiers fought pitched battles with dug-in militants.
Hezbollah rockets were still falling on Israel yesterday, but Israeli bombing of Beirut fell silent as U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visited the Lebanese capital seeking a diplomatic solution before moving on to Israel.
Canadian soldiers made a perilous journey into Hezbollah territory yesterday to whisk stranded Canadians from the most violent city in the fight in southern Lebanon.
A dozen civilians were outnumbered by about 15 Canadian military personnel, including several in plain clothes, as they rushed onto a ship in Tyre, a southern Lebanon port reduced to ruin by constant Israeli bombardment.
But it was clear that the number of Canadians desperate to escape through Beirut was dwindling. Fewer than 1,200 people boarded Canadian ships leaving Lebanon yesterday, down substantially from the 2,415 who left Sunday.
"We are putting out a call to all remaining Canadians who wish to leave," one senior government official told a briefing yesterday. They should "report to Beirut or Tyre so they can be put on boats." Those leaving through Beirut were asked to arrive by 9 a.m. today.
In the first chaotic days of the evacuation, the Canadians eager to escape the bombing had been told to wait until they were contacted before arriving at the port.
There will be no more direct communication between the embassy and those who indicate a desire to leave, said the official, adding that members of the Foreign Affairs staff have spent much time trying to reach people, only to find that they have already left the country.
Jean Ghosn, a baker, has four children, two elderly parents and a Canadian passport. He would like to go to Canada, but he can't imagine how he will house and feed his clan with no savings and no job prospects. His brother, Ziad Ghosn, also a Canadian, is worried about his wife, who is four months pregnant with twins. He will go back to Canada, he said, just not now.
While the Canadian government is paying the cost of the evacuation, Foreign Affairs officials refused again yesterday to give an estimate of the final bill.
"We're not in a position to say how much this is going to cost because we're not finished the operation yet," he said. "I would be very reluctant to offer a figure that would turn out to be only partially correct."
In most cases where the government is called in to help get Canadians out of dangerous situations abroad, those rescued are expected to pay their own expenses. But Prime Minister Stephen Harper decided last week that taxpayers would pick up the cost of what is acknowledged as the largest evacuation of this sort in Canadian history. One Foreign Affairs official explained that the government does foot the bill in large-scale operations that involve extraordinary circumstances. Besides, he said, logistically it would be difficult to collect the fees charged.
The government officials refused to estimate yesterday exactly how many more Canadians would want to leave the country. But, despite their call for the remaining evacuees to report to the boats today or tomorrow, they insisted they will continue to help Canadians evacuate in the days and weeks ahead.
Of the nearly 8,000 who have departed on Canadian-chartered ships, all but 15 to 20 per cent held Canadian citizenship. The rest were permanent residents of Canada and people of other nationalities -- Brazilian, Ukrainian, Australian and American -- who sought Canada's assistance.
Back in Canada, a debate about how much Canada owes to evacuees who have made permanent lives in other countries continued.
Conservative MP Garth Turner said last week that he believed people travelling to Lebanon as tourists should get precedence on the boats over Canadians who now live in that country. He also questioned whether the government was responsible for the costs of evacuating the people who no longer make their homes in Canada.
Those comments have prompted hundreds of calls and e-mails to his office. "I would say we are probably nine out of 10 supportive if not more," he said yesterday.
With a report from Canadian Press
Source: The Toronto Star
Canadian relief effort picks up pace
Complaints about rescue dwindling
Many evacuees express relief, gratitude
Jul. 24, 2006. 01:00 AM
OAKLAND ROSS
STAFF REPORTER
LARNACA, Cyprus—She is a young mother with a baby in a stroller, she's just been through one hell of a day, and her nerves are clearly on edge.
It is midnight in Cyprus, and she has just arrived here after sailing for 11 hours aboard a Canadian-chartered cruise ship — the Princesa Marissa — that has borne her and roughly 1,200 other evacuees on a passage to safety after the fire and rubble of Lebanon.
You would think the woman — who does not give her name — might be relieved at her deliverance, maybe even grateful. Instead, as she pushes her child through the steamy darkness along the wharf at Larnaca, she seems downright peeved.
"It is just not good enough," she grouches, before launching into a tirade against the inadequacies of the Canadian relief effort, an operation aimed at rescuing as many of this country's nationals in Lebanon as want to be saved, out of the approximately 50,000 who are in the embattled land.
When pressed, however, she can identify just one specific inconvenience that she has endured — a broken escalator aboard the Princesa Marissa.
It seems she was obliged to manoeuvre her child and stroller down the non-functioning device by herself, and no one offered to help.
"We deserve better," she rails.
This proves to be too much for many of the other refugees crowded around her, all waiting in the night-time heat to clear local immigration formalities before continuing their long journey to Canada.
A man in a red polo shirt sternly chastises the woman for her ingratitude.
"You cannot blame Canada because of one escalator," he says and then raises his voice, to be certain a newspaper reporter can hear. "We are very proud to be Canadian. We are very grateful for what the Canadian government is doing."
Many other refugees promptly leap in, all warmly expressing their agreement with the man in the red shirt and distancing themselves from the woman with the stroller.
She, however, stands her ground, insisting she has a right to complain if she wishes.
Courteous but heated, the debate continues among the newly arrived refugees as they shuffle toward the customs house at the port of Larnaca, with their suitcases, their knapsacks, their children and their regrets.
But it is clear that the woman with the stroller is in a minority — in fact, a minority of one.
It just goes to show that some things do change. When Canadian refugees first began showing up here in substantial numbers last Thursday, they seemed all but unanimous in their condemnation of the treatment they had received from Canadian officialdom along the way.
Too much waiting. Too little organization. Too little water. Insufficient or inadequate food. Rough waters. Stuffy quarters aboard cramped boats. Too many people throwing up.
If such comments seemed ungracious, considering the evacuees were now safe and sound after having been plucked to security from a deadly war, they were also probably unsurprising.
By the time they reach this Mediterranean island, the Canadian refugees — like those from other countries — are hungry, thirsty, exhausted from lack of sleep, and raw-nerved from a surfeit of stress.
Little wonder that their tempers sometimes snap.
The Canadian relief operation had been slow to get underway, but the mission seems to be operating more smoothly now. Between Saturday and yesterday, roughly 1,750 Canadian refugees reached Cyprus from Lebanon, and by midday yesterday all but 600 of them were on their way back to Canada or had already arrived.
Additional boats were carrying more Canadians to the port of Mersin on the Turkish coast.
Many of the evacuees reaching Cyprus over the weekend seemed at pains to avoid the sort of diatribes unleashed by many who had arrived earlier, perhaps partly because such complaints have played poorly in some quarters in Canada.
They have also raised prickly questions — again, in some quarters — about just who "these people" are.
Don't most of the refugees have dual Lebanese and Canadian citizenship?
Aren't they "really" more Lebanese than they are Canadian?
The short answer to these questions is that all the Canadian refugees who have so far reached Cyprus are, indeed, Canadians. They hold Canadian passports or have permanent residence status in Canada.
But those factors are, in a way, technicalities. Surely there is more to being Canadian than possessing a certain document.
All you have to do is talk to the refugees as they scramble down from the boats that have brought them here.
Although they have friends and family in Lebanon — whom they often visit — they mostly live in places such as Mississauga or Lachine, where they drink Tim Hortons coffee and dread the daily commute along the Gardiner Expressway or Decarie Blvd. Their kids go to Canadian public schools and speak the same language as Don Cherry, only better.
They're Canadian.
"Yes, they are," said one member of the Canadian rescue operation here. "That's certainly my impression."
Consider Laren Chemali, a 29-year-old elementary school teacher who lives in Toronto.
She flew to Lebanon earlier this month in order to prepare for her wedding on July 28. Her fiancé, who also lives in Toronto, was to make the trip at a later date, but the war with Israel intervened.
Now the wedding has been called off, at least in its original form, and Chemali was among 1,200 refugees who arrived here Saturday, along with her mother, brother and two cousins.
"It's unfortunate," she said of the botched nuptials in Lebanon. "We had planned it specially for our grandparents."
But not everything is lost. Chemali is alive and safe, and there are banquet halls in Toronto as well as in Beirut.
"We're going to get married in Toronto now," she said. "Maybe on the same date." |
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| Allegory |
| Just trying to illustrate the point that the whiners are in the minority, and that most people seeking to leave are actually Lebanese-Canadians residing here. |
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| Jayx1 |
| quote: | Originally posted by simms327
no they shouldnt and, again, i never said that
i have flown out of canada to nigeria 3 times in the last two years. not once have i neen warned. |
taken from the canadian department of foreign affairs:
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OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW5)
You are advised against all travel to the Niger Delta and surrounding areas (including Delta, Imo, Rivers, Bayelsa and Anambra States) due to the ongoing possibility of violent protests. Canadians in the waterfront areas of the Niger Delta (especially in or around Port Harcourt and Bonny), and Canadians in Lagos should exercise vigilance at all times, due to the ongoing targeting of expatriate oil workers. Nigerian militants have recently increased the threat of attacks and kidnappings. A particularly high level of personal security awareness is to be maintained in the Warri area of Delta State, where the conflict between the Nigerian military and the Ijaw communities resulted in air attacks in February 2006. Near Okerenkoko, militants reportedly attacked a petrol tanker in March 2006, causing a considerable number of deaths. The danger of being in the wrong place at the wrong time is always present.
Expatriate workers, mainly in the petroleum sector, are sometimes taken hostage for short periods, either by their Nigerian co-workers or by organized militants in order to redress various grievances. The kidnappings of several foreign nationals, including one Canadian, in Port Harcourt and from an oil rig off the coast of Bayelsea State, Southern Nigeria, have been reported in June 2006.
Canadians in the Niger Delta should regularly review their personal circumstances to determine if their continued presence is warranted. If they feel their personal safety is threatened, they should consider departing from the region.
Violence and unrest, often sparked by tensions between ethnic and religious communities occur without warning in various parts of the country and have resulted in numerous deaths. A general increase in tension has been recently observed and is believed to be due in part to constitutional reforms as well as to sectarian conflicts. A series of incidents took place in February 2006, when riots in Borno State and in Anambra State, resulted in significant loss of life. It is difficult to predict where and when similar events might take place and, as such, visitors to Nigeria are advised to exercise vigilance at all times.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to the region(s) specified despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting other areas of the country for three months or more should also register. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).
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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
Oil rigs in the Niger Delta have been occupied by armed militants who demand jobs or compensation for damage done to the environment. You should always maintain a high level of security awareness and inquire about local conditions when travelling in the country. Avoid large crowds and demonstrations; and follow local news reports.
Armed robbery, hostage taking, rape, and violent assault occur and may be committed by persons posing as police or military personnel. Several incidents of armed robbery resulting in deaths have occurred at Ikeja domestic airport in Lagos. You should remain particularly cautious when undertaking road travel to and from all International Airports in Nigeria, regardless of the time of day. An increasing number of attacks and armed robberies have occurred, including on Bill Clinton Dr. near Abuja International Airport. As these areas tend to be scarcely monitored by local authorities, ensure you are accompanied by an escort vehicle with police when arriving to or leaving from an airport.
House robberies, particularly in the expatriate areas of Lagos, are common. Theft from hotel rooms can also occur. Personal belongings, travel documents and original identification documents should be stored in hotel safes. Carry photocopies of passports, visas, and travel documents needed daily at all times. Avoid carrying large sums of money. You should visit beaches only in large groups and during daylight hours, particularly those in the vicinity of Victoria Island (Lekki and Bar Beaches).
Canadians intending to conduct business in Nigeria or with Nigerians should be aware of the high rate of commercial fraud. Further details are available in section 17 of this report. Canadians are reminded never to accept, under any circumstances, requests to carry envelopes or small parcels into Nigeria.
When travelling to Nigeria, you should inform your relatives in Canada before you leave that there are scams in which fraudulent calls are made to relatives in Canada from hospitals/doctors in Nigeria, saying that the relative visiting Nigeria is in hospital and money is required for medical treatment. Your relative in Canada must check that the call is genuine before any money is transferred, as there are frequent.
Canadians should be aware of other increasingly frequent scams conducted through Internet. These involve a Canadian “target” (victim) and a Nigerian scammer meeting via a chatroom or online network and forming a cyber romance relationship. The person in Nigeria expresses intentions to come to Canada, pretends to have applied or been granted a visa to do so or feigns to be a Canadian (male or female) who is stuck in Nigeria due to unfortunate circumstances: he/she has been robbed, had a serious accident, or is held against his/her will. In all cases, the chiseller claims that he/she has no relative or friend to turn to and asks for funds with different explanations, such as the need to pay for hotel bills, hospital services, visas and/or airfare. Fake names, pictures, and contact details are used, copies of fraudulent passports and identification documents are sometimes sent to the victim. The funds are usually requested to be sent via Western Union, often not to the name of the person with whom the Canadian has been corresponding. These scams last as long as the “victim” continues to send money. Canadians should be careful when corresponding with a person they have never physically met and should never share personal information including banking and credit card details.
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4. LOCAL TRAVEL
Public transportation is unsafe and dangerous due to poorly maintained vehicles and the risk of petty theft. As of August 2, 2005, unmarried men and women are no longer allowed to ride together on public transportation in Kano state in northern Nigeria. This applies to buses, taxi motorcycles, and taxi cars. Passengers in taxis have been driven to secluded areas where they have been attacked and robbed.
Overland travel between cities, particularly at night, is dangerous due to robberies and carjackings with physical violence. Many strategies are being used in order to stop cars on the road, including people pretending to be injured or pregnant women, nails on the road, etc. Carjackings have occurred on Ikoyi and Victoria Islands in Lagos. There have been reports of attempted armed robbery on the Warri-Port Harcourt road, on the Jos-Bauchi road, on the Maiduguri-Gombe road, and less often on the road from Lagos to the border with Benin. Frequent road checks have had a deterrent effect on crime but add to traffic congestion and may be intimidating to foreigners.
Traffic congestion on the road to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos may put travellers at risk because armed attacks have occurred on this road. You should arrange to arrive during the day and be met at the airport by reliable contacts. If transportation is not arranged by hosts, you should hire cars and drivers with local knowledge from reputable companies, if at all possible, prior to arrival. Rental cars (self-drive) are not available in Nigeria. When arranging the hire of a car and driver, be sure to agree on a price and all details prior to accepting.
Roads are generally in poor condition and lack adequate lighting. Excessive speeds, unpredictable driving habits, and the lack of basic maintenance and safety equipment on many vehicles pose hazards. Roadside assistance is not widely available. Carry a mobile phone. Road travel may be disrupted due to chronic fuel shortages. In the event of an accident, if possible, do not stay at the scene or leave your vehicle to enter into a discussion with onlookers or others involved. If the vehicle is disabled, remain in the vehicle and contact help with a mobile phone. Proceed to the nearest police station and contact the Canadian government office in Abuja or Lagos (see below).
Some airlines, particularly those of Nigerian registry, may not maintain their aircraft to international standards. In light of recent crashes, sometimes fatal, Canadians should carefully evaluate implications for their security and safety before deciding to undertake internal air travel.
During the dry season, the Harmattan winds lead to high amounts of sand and dust in the air. Air travel within Nigeria can sometimes be restricted due to limited visibility. Occasionally flights must be rerouted from their original destinations.
Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.
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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
The rainy season extends from May to October. Roads may become impassable during this period. In summer, northern Nigeria periodically experiences heat waves. During the dry season, the Harmattan winds lead to high amounts of sand and dust in the air. You should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. However, Canada and Nigeria are signatories to the Commonwealth Scheme for the Transfer of Convicted Offenders, which enables a Canadian imprisoned in Nigeria to request to be transferred to Canada to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Nigerian authorities.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.
Canadians should be wary of Internet romances. Marrying a Canadian citizen does not automatically bestow Canadian citizenship on the new spouse. The process is long and costly, and travel documents for the waiting spouse will not be issued while the file is under review. For additional information, consult Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively (e.g., women should wear a headscarf and also cover their arms and legs). Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. The use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties.
It is illegal to import beer, mineral water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, fruits, vegetables, cereals, eggs, textile fabrics, mosquito netting, jewellery, and precious metals. It is illegal to export pieces of African art, particularly antiques, without written authorization from the Department of Antiquities. You should contact the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Ottawa (see below) for specific information regarding customs requirements.
Homosexuality is illegal.
The Sharia penal code may be applicable to non-Muslims in some parts of the country (e.g. cross-dressing is prohibited and punishable under the Prostitution and Immoral Acts law). The sentence may be severe.
Smoking in public is illegal.
Photography of airports, government buildings and military installations may lead to arrest.
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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
The consular program is run from Lagos. A Canadian warden system is in operation. Please contact the Deputy High Commission of Canada in Lagos (see below) for details on the warden in the area you will be visiting. You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:
Nigeria - LAGOS, Deputy High Commission of Canada
Address: 4 Anifowoshe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Postal Address: Lagos, Nigeria
Tel.: 234 (1) 262-2512, 262-2513 or 262-2515
Fax: 234 (1) 262-2517
E-mail: [email protected][/email]
Internet: http://www.nigeria.gc.ca
The High Commission of Canada in Abuja is located at the following address:
Nigeria - ABUJA, High Commission of Canada
Address: 15 Bobo Street, Maitama, Abuja,
Postal Address: Abuja, Nigeria
Tel.: 234 (9) 413-9910
Fax: 234 (9) 413-9932
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: http://www.nigeria.gc.ca
The Consulate of Canada, in Port Harcourt, is located at the following address:
Nigeria - PORT HARCOURT, Consulate of Canada
Address: 15, Ahoada Street, Rumuibekwe Housing Estate, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Postal Address: Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Tel.: 234 (8) 461-0434; 461-1601
Fax: 234 (8) 461-0899
E-mail: [email][email protected]
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Deputy High Commission of Canada in Lagos (country and area codes: 234-1/ tel.: 262-2512, 262-2513, or 262-2515 You may also call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.
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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Nigeria. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.
Tourist/Visitor Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Employment Visa: Required
Temporary Work Permit: Required
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Travellers are required to carry evidence of yellow fever vaccination if they are arriving from infected areas.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.
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9. MONEY
The economy is cash-based. The currency is the naira (NGN). U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted at some major hotels in Lagos and Abuja. We strongly advise against the use of credit cards and debit cards due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. Traveller's cheques may be difficult to cash outside Lagos and Abuja. It is illegal to export more than 500 naira.
Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
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10. GENERAL INFORMATION
Nigeria (capital: Abuja) is located in western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon. The official language is English. Tourist facilities are limited.
Power shortages and low water pressure are increasingly common. Telecommunications are somewhat unreliable. There are a significant number of mobile phone companies in Nigeria and it is becoming the preferred method of telecommunications due to the unreliability of the government-owned telecom company, NITEL. NITEL has cut off most emergency lines to the police in Lagos due to a financial dispute. There is no indication how long this will last. Those attempting to contact the police may have difficulty getting through.
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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is monitoring the continuing outbreak of poliomyelitis (polio) in Nigeria. Health Canada is also following the incidence of meningitis in and around the African meningitis belt. This belt extends from Guinea to Senegal in the west to Ethiopia and western Eritrea in the east. Epidemics most often occur during the dry season (December to June) in this region. Since the mid-1990s, meningitis has occurred on an unprecedented scale and has spread beyond the usual boundaries. Additional information and health recommendations concerning meningitis and poliomyelitis (polio) can be obtained through the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site .
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.
Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Medical facilities are basic and limited outside major centres. Due to the high incidence of fake medications, prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs, Canadians should not purchase drugs in Nigeria unless it is from a well-known, reputable clinic. You are strongly encouraged to bring all basic medications and prescription drugs with you, in their original containers. Leprosy is a chronic contagious bacterial disease still prevalent in Nigeria.
During the dry season, with the Harmattan winds, there are high amounts of sand and dust in the air. Persons with chronic asthma or breathing problems should also take this into consideration if travelling to Nigeria from November to February.
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13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.
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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.
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15. TRAVEL TIPS
Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.
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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
TIPS FOR BUSINESS TRAVELLERS TO NIGERIA
Recognizing a Business Scam
The Deputy High Commission of Canada (located at 4 Anifowoshe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos), along with many other embassies, frequently handles "scam" cases. Business people, many of them experienced in overseas transactions, have lost thousands of dollars to scams. Occasionally, persons who have gone to Nigeria to "finalize" deals have been threatened or assaulted. Local police and other officials have not provided assistance to those caught up in scams.
Caution should be exercised when contemplating any business transaction involving Nigeria. The scams range from attempts to engage business people in fictitious money transfer schemes to fraudulent solicitations to supply goods in fulfillment of non-existent Nigerian government contracts. The scams are very sophisticated and may take victims to staged meetings, often held in borrowed offices at Nigerian government ministries or at overseas locations. The persons involved do their research and can often provide plausible, but non-existent, orders written on seemingly genuine government stationery, replete with official stamps and seals.
Nigerian business scams are not always easy to recognize, and any unsolicited business proposal should be carefully scrutinized. There are, nevertheless, some indicators that are warnings of a probable scam. Look out for:
Any offer of a substantial percentage of a large sum of money to be transferred into your account in return for your "discretion" or "confidentiality";
Any deal that seems too good to be true;
Requests for signed and stamped blank letterhead or invoices or for bank account information;
Requests for urgent air shipment, accompanied by an instrument of payment whose genuineness cannot immediately be established;
Solicitation letters or e-mails claiming that the soliciting party has personal ties to senior Nigerian officials;
Requests for advance payment in U.S. dollars, in advance of transfer taxes or incorporation fees;
Statements that your name was provided to the soliciting party either by someone you do not know or by a "reliable contact";
Promises of advance payment for services to be provided to the Nigerian government;
Claims that a Nigerian visa is not necessary or that arrival in Nigeria should be overland from a neighbouring country;
Resistance by Nigerian partners to your checking in with the local Canadian government office;
Any offer to supply oil; and
Any offer of a charitable donation.
These indicators are some of the most common hallmarks of Nigerian scam operations. The list is not all-inclusive, as scam operators are constantly weaving new elements into their schemes. The best rule is to carefully check any unsolicited business proposal originating from Nigeria or involving Nigerians before any funds are committed, before any goods or services are provided, or before any travel is undertaken.
How Do the Scams Work?
Nigerian business scams are confidence schemes, designed to exploit the trust you develop in your Nigerian partner and defraud you of goods, services, or money. The scams are flexible, and operators adapt them to take the greatest advantage of the target.
Solicitation letters or e-mails received in Canada may sometimes originate in countries neighbouring Nigeria (i.e. Benin or Côte d'Ivoire), in Europe, or in North America; however, you may be requested to visit Nigeria to finalize the deal.
Here is a brief description of some of the most common schemes:
Money Transfer: The operator claims to have a large sum of money, usually millions of dollars, that needs to be transferred to a "safe" bank account abroad. The Central Bank of Nigeria is often, though by no means always, mentioned. You, as the bank account owner, are promised a percentage of the huge sum, just for allowing the use of your account. You may be asked to provide blank, signed invoices, letterhead, and bank account information, or to send money for transfer taxes. Some businesses have found their accounts looted by the persons to whom they sent account information.
Fraudulent Order: The operator usually places a small order, paying with a genuine cashier's cheque drawn on a foreign bank. The operator then places another, somewhat larger order, again paying with a genuine instrument. Then you receive an order by courier. Your Nigerian partner urgently needs a large quantity of your product air-shipped. Confident in your partner, you ship, but this time the cashier's cheque (which looks the same) is a forgery.
Experienced business people usually require full payment in advance of shipment or an irrevocable letter of credit confirmed by a reputable international bank.
Charitable Donation: The operator offers to make a donation to your organization, asking for bank account information (see Money Transfer, above). Then the operator loots the account or asks for advance payment of a fee to ensure conversion of naira into dollars.
Contract: The operator claims to have a Nigerian government contract and needs your company's expertise to carry out the job. The operator scams you by collecting thousands of dollars in "fees" before you can do business.
Crude Oil: The operator claims to have an allocation of crude oil to sell. Sometimes the operator claims to be working on behalf of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Then come demands for various fees to supply you with the crude; of course, you never get your cargo. Businesses lacking experience with Nigeria's petroleum industry should approach with great caution any proposal involving crude oil sales.
Business Opportunity: The operator convinces you to explore a business opportunity by visiting Nigeria. Once you arrive, the operator takes charge of your life, trying to keep you from contacting friends, family, or the Canadian government office in Lagos or Abuja. By various means, sometimes including violence or threats of violence, the operator extracts money from you. This type of scam becomes particularly dangerous for a victim who has entered Nigeria without a valid Nigerian visa, issued by a Nigerian High Commission, Embassy, or Consulate.
All travellers MUST have a visa prior to arrival in Nigeria and must pass through immigration formalities upon entry into the country. Letters addressed to immigration officials have no validity.
CONTACT INFORMATION
International Trade Canada
Africa and Middle East Trade Division
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0G2
Ask for the Commercial Officer responsible for Nigeria at 613-944-4000. If you already have a contact name, you can also fax your request at 613-996-9709.
High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
295 Metcalfe Street
Ottawa, ON
K2P 1R9
Tel.: 613-236-0521
Fax: 613-236-0529
Criminal Operations Branch
Economic Crime Directorate
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
1200 Vanier Parkway
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0R2
Tel.: 613-998-6050 or 613-998-6069
Fax: 613-993-4299
PhoneBusters National Call Centre
P.O. Box 686
North Bay, Ontario
P1B 8J8
Tel.: 1 888 654-9426 or 705-495-8501
Fax: 1 888 654-9426 or 705-494-4008
Web site: www.phonebusters.com
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Id say you've been warned ;) |
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| simms327 |
| quote: | Originally posted by colonelcrisp
where as someone who works in canada pays tax on their income, and the income generated by the interest on their savings |
becuae they are benefiting from healthcare, police services, roads, schools etc...
when abroad you have to pay for all of that yourself, and often have to pay income tax in the country you reside in. |
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| Allegory |
| quote: | Originally posted by colonelcrisp
no lebanon was quite a peacefulplace up until a couple weeks ago, but vertigo is right in saying that that part of the world is a an active show at all times. it is the most volatile place on the map right now..... |
That's what I said, that fighting transpired a few weeks ago...
People have been there since May or June; I highly doubt they woke up one day and decided to jump on a plane to war-bombardment. |
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| Jayx1 |
| quote: | Originally posted by simms327
you apply for a visa through the nigerian embassy in ottawa, and you board your plane.
I am sure there are warnings available on a canadian gov't website, much like the State Department in the US does... but wether that comprises a fair warning, is a whole different argument.
i found it
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/report...?country=218000 |
shouldnt it be UP TO YOU to research where you are going? Why do canadians expect the government to hold their hand at every turn?
I found the info on nigeria within literally 2 minutes. |
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| simms327 |
| quote: | Originally posted by Jayx1
taken from the canadian department of foreign affairs:
Id say you've been warned ;) |
yeah, i posted that before.
also its arguable that the internet is not an ubiquitos media.
many people still travel frequently who cannot access the internet.
like, i said, this is a whole different argument.
and from the article
| quote: | | But those factors are, in a way, technicalities. Surely there is more to being Canadian than possessing a certain document. |
no there isnt. the way the world works is on passports and citizenship. if you have a canadian passport, you are canadian. period. |
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| patpicos |
| quote: |
1. It's not Canada's responsibility to get these vacationers out of Lebanon. I think it's quite nice of Canada to do that, so they should be happy that anything is being done for them. When I've vacationed in Florida or Hawaii...I didn't complain that there was a hurricane and it was my countries responsibility to save me! I'm out of the country on vacation...why should Canada be responsible for my well being? |
pple are never happy. Canada should not spend a dime on sending troops to those countries, nor should canada spend billions on military equipment, they should spend it on education or somthing to improve our community, its our money not the money of other countries.
| quote: |
3. If these people are so ashamed of being Canadian, why do they want to be saved in order to come back to Canada? |
If ur too stupid to go on vacation in these nasty countries, they should be left there
| quote: |
4. They should be happy that Canada is going in period to get them back safely to their homes...is it truely necessary to have luxurious ships and planes to rescue them? Personally I wouldn't care how I got back, as long as I made it home safely! |
Stupid government wasting my tax dollars to pick greedy f*** in a f*** country
| quote: |
5. And as for the man that was complaining about how Canada could stand back and watch these children getting a tan in the sun and starving to death...I bet that man wasn't doing anything himself to help those children b/c all he cared about was his country flying a private jet in to save him! |
Lets ship him over there, go gandhi go
| quote: |
I know that not all of the Canadians that are in Lebanon do not hold opinions like the ones who wrote letters to the paper...but I think that some of those people are being a bit ridiculus. |
WORD. All i see on TV is people bitching, they should be happy they are still alive! |
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| Jayx1 |
| quote: | Originally posted by simms327
yeah, i posted that before.
also its arguable that the internet is not an ubiquitos media.
many people still travel frequently who cannot access the internet.
like, i said, this is a whole different argument. |
like who?
| quote: |
no there isnt. the way the world works is on passports and citizenship. if you have a canadian passport, you are canadian. period. |
if thats how people want to see it, then we should elominate the ability to abuse the system by reinstating the 1 citizenship rule. No more dual citizenships should be allowed.
I repeat.. Canada SHOULD NOT be a drop in centre for the world as it is now. |
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| simms327 |
| quote: | Originally posted by Jayx1
shouldnt it be UP TO YOU to research where you are going? Why do canadians expect the government to hold their hand at every turn?
I found the info on nigeria within literally 2 minutes. |
i have done lots of research, and was fully aware of where i was going and what could happen to me.
and i dont expect the gov't to hold my hand. for the 5th or so odd time, if i am in a country, and have dual citizenship/non resident canadian, and the canadian gov't decides to evacuate canadians, then i am a canadian, and i have the same right to an evacuation that a holiday goer does. again, only IF they decided to evacuate.
what you are all preaching is isolationism. dont let canadians go anywhere, dont help them out, etc. history has proven time and time again that that is not a sustainable policy. |
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| loconet |
| quote: | Originally posted by simms327
also its arguable that the internet is not an ubiquitos media.
many people still travel frequently who cannot access the internet.
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Ok, so how did people keep themselves informed before the internet?
The same way they can still do it today:
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/contact_menu-en.asp |
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