Greek Canadians in Calgary say calls from friends and family members living in their debt-ridden homeland are becoming more desperate, with many exploring immigration.

John Yannitsos, president of the Hellenic Society of Calgary, said they’ve noticed an influx of people immigrating to Canada.

For months, he said, the society has been fielding calls inquiring about immigration to Calgary.

“A while ago, it was in the dozens (of calls). Now we’re approaching a hundred-plus inquiries, and that’s just in Calgary.”

Fellow member of the society, Chris Chrisohou, said he has several cousins living in Athens and many of them are considering leaving.

“It’s tough on all of them,” he said.

Yannitsos said he’s disheartened to see so many people considering leaving Greece because it could hinder progress in the country.

“You can understand peoples’ frustrations…. How do you tell the youth of the country not to seek better opportunities elsewhere?” he said. “We’re concerned that they’re going to lose a generation.”

Yannitsos said when they receive inquiries they are directing people to the Canadian Embassy in Italy, which also represents Greece.

“The calls are getting more frequent and the desperation in their voices is becoming much more clear.”