We, the undersigned draw the attention of Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism to the following:

THAT Croatia is a democracy. Croatia is Canadas strong ally and friend. Croatian citizens travel freely, without visas, to all European Union countries and to many other allies of Canada.

THAT the visa requirement is an unnecessary burden on both Canadians and their Croatian family and friends wishing to visit Canada.

THAT the Canadian Embassy in Zagreb, Croatia does not issue visas meaning that Croatians must obtain visas from the Canadian Embassy in Vienna, Austria and are burdened with additional costs and delays.

THAT the requirement for Croatians to obtain visas is a substantial hindrance to business and trade between Canada and Croatia.

THEREFORE your petitioners call upon you to remove the visa requirement for Croatian citizens wishing to visit Canada.