Even with a more expensive U.S. dollar, Canadian snowbirds will still make their way to Florida as they do every year in search of warmer climates. With the weather already cooling down in Canada after a very hot summer, Florida highways will soon start to see Canadian licence plates heading down Highways I-75 and I-95 and the Florida Turnpike. Last year, 3.5 million Canadians visited Florida − equal to the number of visitors from the next four countries combined, including the United Kingdom and Brazil. Thanks largely to the snowbird community, who are fleeing the winter cold, Canadians spend about $6.5 billion annually and contribute about $600 million into Florida’s tax coffers, according to Visit Florida. Most Canadian snowbirds will go to Florida and return without any problems, but some will require emergency assistance. The Consulate General of Canada in Miami has been helping Canadians in need of consular assistance for the past 25 years and is available to provide this assistance not only in Florida, but also in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The demand for consular services is likely to increase if the current U.S. congressional snowbirds’ bill to increase the length of stay is approved. In addition, cannabis was legalized in Canada on October 17 of this year; however, it remains illegal to cross the border with any related substances. The penalties and consequences can be severe in the United States. The staff at the consulate is passionate about their work and a day in the life of a consular officer is never the same, often rewarding but also challenging. One case may involve helping a Canadian who lost their passport on Miami Beach; the next may involve a Canadian who has been arrested. Consular staff are also ready to assist Canadians after emergencies such as natural disasters (hurricanes). Although the Consulate General of Canada in Miami doesn’t offer visa services for Canada, and our services have evolved over the years, the variety of services provided remains extensive and often surprises clients who contact our office. Canadians can often have most of their questions answered by visiting travel.gc.ca or following our social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Canadians often don’t realize that applying for an emergency passport abroad is very expensive (US$320 instead of US$200 for a 10-year passport) and, as a result, everyone should make sure to secure their passport since passports cannot be returned by airlines, for example. It is also important for Canadians to register abroad by using the Registration of Canadians abroad system located at www. travel.gc.ca. The service is confidential and free, and enables consulate staff to reach out to Canadians or contact their families in case of an emergency. Beside consular services, the consulate has a mandate for business development, political and public affairs, and security and defence co-operation. The Trade Commissioner Service helps companies navigate the Floridianmarket, as well as helping to attract investment to Canada. They can provide key business insights and access to an unbeatable network of international contacts. The political and public affairs section promotes Canadian interests (NAFTA, tariffs) with key decision-makers and influencers at the local, state and national levels. This section also works on cultural diplomacy and environment and energy files, among others. Finally, we have customs, migration and law enforcement officers at the consulate, and we co-ordinate with the members of the Canadian Armed Forces stationed throughout Florida. The Consulate General also participates in numerous outreach activities throughout the year, to connect with Canadians and help answer their questions. Greeting Canadians at a hockey game, at CanadaFest in Hollywood, or at the Snowbird Extravaganza in Lakeland gives us a chance to meet the community. See you in Lakeland! Source of stats: www.visitflorida.org/resources/research/ Consular Report Canadian citizens requiring consular assistance in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands should contact: Consulate General of Canada in Miami 200 South Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 1600 Miami, Florida, U.S.A., 33131 Telephone: 305-579-1600 Fax: 305-374-6774 website: www.miami.gc.ca Facebook or Twitter: Consulate General of Canada in Miami Canadian citizens requiring consular assistance in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas should contact: Consulate General of Canada in Dallas 500 North Akard Street, Suite 2900 Dallas, TX 75201 Telephone: 214-922-9806 Fax: 214-922-9296 website: www.dallas.gc.ca Facebook or Twitter: Consulate General of Canada in Dallas Canadian citizens requiring consular assistance in Arizona, Nevada and Southern California should contact: Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles 550 South Hope Street, 9th Floor Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., 90071-2327 Telephone: 213-346-2700 Fax: 213-346-2703 website: www.losangeles.gc.ca Facebook or Twitter: Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles Canadian Consulate in Miami 12 | www.snowbirds.org
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