Everyone is a bit baffled, said Wong, because the new paths for students and workers already in Canada were announced on June 8, the same day, the House of Commons issued a comprehensive report titled: Safe Haven in Canada: Special Immigration and Refugee Measures Are Urgently Needed for the People of Hong Kong.

There is concern, in particular, because new security laws coming into effect on Aug. 1 give Hong Kong authorities wider power to prevent residents and others from entering or leaving the city.

Henry Lam heads a Vancouver grassroots group called the Vancouver B.C. HKers Kaifong Association.

“There are a lot of questions marks and anxiety for people right now,” said Lam.

Over a series of popular messaging platforms, such as Telegram and MeWe, Lam and others who moved to Canada from Hong Kong years ago are sharing practical information such as how to find a doctor.

They are also offering a friendly ear.

“Some have family matters,” said Lam. “One mentioned their parents are seeing a psychiatrist because of the news. They are planning to leave Hong Kong, so they need to abort their plans for now.”

Lam’s Kaifong group, which he estimates includes 1,800 followers, is among a dozen smaller ones.

As one observer put it: “There are more official (groups), but also unofficial, unnamed ones of Hong Kongers (just) caring for the newly arrived.”

With all of this going on, a group of Canadian artists from Hong Kong is exploring whether there is a unique, Hong Kong Canadian identity, going back to migration starting in the 1900s.