Hundreds of Americans accept B.C. man’s social media invite to visit Canada

Months after a British Columbia man’s social media invite to Americans went viral, hundreds showed up in Nanaimo, B.C., over the weekend to show their support for Canada. Tod Maffin, a digital marketer and former CBC radio host, floated the idea to Americans in February, encouraging them to visit his hometown of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. The response was overwhelming, with thousands expressing interest in the invitation.

Maffin’s goal was to create a bridge between the two countries during a time of heightened political tensions between Canada and the U.S. due to President Donald Trump’s threats to make Canada the 51st state and the ongoing tariff war. Many Americans who attended the event expressed their support for Canada and apologized for the political turmoil caused by their government.

One American, Tom Schnetter, shared his concerns about the increasing tensions across the border and expressed his desire for peaceful relations between the two countries. He and his friend Zach Prigger, both first-time visitors to Canada, were impressed by the warm welcome they received in Nanaimo.

The weekend event, known as Nanaimo Infusion, attracted over 500 people, including locals and tourists from various U.S. states. The festival featured a pub crawl, visits to local businesses, and a group photo to commemorate the solidarity between Americans and Canadians.

Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog expressed his gratitude for the support shown by the American visitors and reassured them that the political tensions would eventually pass. The festival also drew attention from Americans considering a move to Canada, such as nurses Rachael Smith-Taylor and Lisa Owens from Texas. They were particularly drawn to the inclusive environment in Nanaimo and expressed interest in relocating to the city.

Smith-Taylor and Owens mentioned the welcoming attitude of the Canadians they met and the potential job opportunities in the healthcare sector. With the B.C. government’s push to recruit more U.S.-trained healthcare professionals, the couple began exploring the process of becoming registered nurses in Canada.

Overall, the Nanaimo Infusion event served as a symbol of unity and friendship between Americans and Canadians. The festival highlighted the importance of fostering positive relationships between the two nations and showcased the welcoming spirit of the community in Nanaimo. As attendees shared stories and experiences, they reinforced the idea that despite political differences, people from both countries can come together in solidarity and mutual respect.