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(Castries, St.Lucia )The Canadian High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Marie Legault, has asserted that her country would like to have more Saint Lucians visit Canada, but says there are too many visa refusals.

“The rate is very high because we don’t receive proper documentation for visas,” Legault said.

“Hopefully we can work on that and we can solve the situation in the future,” she said, adding that in addition to improper documentation, false information is also being provided to Canadian authorities.

The Canadian diplomat stressed that Saint Lucia and Canada have a strong relationship.

According to her, it was important to recognise the issue of Canadian security.

Legault spoke with reporters shortly after meeting Castries Mayor, Peterson Francis and representatives of the Castries Constituencies Council (CCC).

She said it was a wonderful visit  and her first opportunity to meet with the Mayor and his Councillors.

On September 11, 2012, the Canadian government  implemented visa requirements  for all visitors to Canada who are Saint Lucia or Saint Vincent citizens.

According to news reports, a key reason for the move was unreliable travel documents.

Canadian authorities were reported to be concerned that criminals from both countries could legally change their names and acquire new passports.

It was reported that in some instances, people who were removed from Canada as security risks later returned using different passports