The Government of Canada Recognizes the National Historic Importance of the Experience of Italian Sojourners
News Release
August 1, 2017 Montreal, Quebec Parks Canada Agency
Canada’s national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas enable Canadians to experience their rich and varied history in a special way. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to experience nature and learn more about our history.
David Lametti, Member of Parliament for LaSalle–Émard–Verdun and Angelo Iacono, Member of Parliament for Alfred–Pellan, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, today commemorated national historic significance of the Experience of Italian Sojourners. A special ceremony was held in Montreal with members of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, the National Congress of Italian-Canadians and the Consulate General of Italy in Montreal.
The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places, and events that contributed to our country’s diverse heritage. Italian sojourners played an important role in the economic development of Canada in the early 20th century until the First World War. Tens of thousands of Italians men came to Canada as “sojourners“ – migrant workers who intended to find temporary employment, earn money, and return to their home country In cities across the country, they helped establish vibrant “Little Italy” neighbourhoods, which have become a lasting feature of the Canadian urban experience.
2017 also marks the centennial of national historic sites and Parks Canada invites Canadians to discover and be inspired by the stories of the people, places, and events that shaped the Canada of today. Take advantage of free admission to national historic sites in 2017, and discover truly Canadian places and stories with Parks Canada!
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is pleased to commemorate the national historic significance of the Experience of Italian Sojourners. These important migrations emerged the numerous Italian Canadian communities and “Little Italies” found throughout Canada. This was my family’s story. As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, I encourage all Canadians to take this opportunity to learn more about this great Italian Sojourners’ history and their important roles in our country's history.”
David Lametti,
Member of Parliament for LaSalle–Émard–Verdun
“It is a great pleasure for me to be here today. The Italian migrant workers played a vital role in the economic development of Canada. For the 150th anniversary of our great nation, it is important for all of us to learn more on the persons, places, and events which have marked our rich cultural and natural history.”
Angelo Iacono,
Member of Parliament for Alfred–Pellan
Quick Facts
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Across the whole country, the Italian Sojourners, typically recruited by labour agents called padroni, became a dominant workforce in railway construction, manufacturing steel, and mining.
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In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, about 199,770 Italians entered Canada, primarily via the United States and roughly 80 percent were sojourning seasonal workers.
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Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people, and events that have marked Canada’s history.
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Contacts
Contacts
François Drouin
Project Manager
La Mauricie and Quebec Western Field Unit
Parks Canada
819-408-0546
francois.drouin@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca