June marks Italian Heritage Month in Canada, and as an Italian-Canadian, I think this is a great moment to reflect on the past, present, and future of the community. Almost five percent of Canadians identify as having Italian heritage, making it one of the country’s largest ethnic minority groups. And despite being a “minority” group, the impact and presence of the Italian-Canadian community has been far from minor in the country.
However, as the community’s founding immigrants continue aging, the fate of its identity is at a juncture. The next decade will be critical in determining whether the diaspora commits to preserving the traditions of its elders or renders them merely a distant memory. To some, this may seem like a pessimistic perspective, but there have already been signs of the culture fading. Luckily, all is not thanks to some who are carrying the torch to keep the culture alive and with some creativity, there are a number of ways to re-engage Italian-Canadians to preserve their roots.
The History of Italians in Canada
It’s important to understand the history of the Italian-Canadian community before considering its status today and where it may be headed. Canada experienced several major waves of Italian immigration, with the most significant occurring after World War II. During the 1950s and 1960s, the country saw the arrival of entire families, which was a contrast to prior waves that consisted mainly of young men who came as labourers. Many academics have credited these men for their contributions in building Canada’s infrastructure, particularly in major cities like Montreal and Toronto. Unfortunately, some of these men found themselves at the center of a dark and seldomly discussed chapter in Canadian history.
The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 estimates that 600 Italian-Canadian men were arrested and placed in internment camps between 1940 and 1943. And while this was the most drastic policy to impact the community, it wasn’t the only one. During the Second World War, the War Measures Act deemed approximately 31,000 Italians as “enemy aliens”, a gesture rooted in fear that individuals could subscribe to the ideology of the fascist regime in Italy at that time. In 2021, the federal government issued an official apology to the Italian-Canadian community and later reiterated the importance of their contributions in building Canada.
Despite the challenges faced by the Italian-Canadian community, they remained determined to build a new life and contribute to the country they had chosen to call home. I firmly believe that their spirit of sacrifice and perseverance stemmed from their deep sense of religious devotion. When they came to Canada they knew the reward would not be immediate. They accepted that life would be difficult and different from what they were accustomed to in Italy, but that it would ultimately pay off for their children and grandchildren. A sense of responsibility guided them to be ambassadors of Italian culture by modelling strong family values, generosity, and inclusivity. They were newcomers, but they were happy to share with their neighbors and build a sense of community regardless of their backgrounds. For many, this meant sharing the bounty of their vegetable gardens or ringing their neighbors’ doorbells to gift them a panettone at Christmas. This collectivist mindset is what led to the success of Italian culture in Canada’s cultural tapestry.
The Italian-Canadian Community Today
The Italian-Canadian community now finds itself at a crossroads. On the one hand, elements of Italian culture are relatively mainstream. There are some great figures in the Italian-Canadian community who are championing the preservation of the culture, some of whom we’ve featured on Live in Italy. Food is perhaps the most evident expression of Italian culture with restaurants and grocers bringing the flavors of Italy to life in Canada. Whether it’s La Bottega Nicastro in Ottawa or Il Gelato di Carlotta in Niagara, there are many examples of people who have made it their mission to keep Italy’s rich culinary traditions not only alive, but thriving.
And then there’s the fact that Italy is a top vacation destination for Canadians. There’s no doubt that decades of exposure to the culture influences people’s decision to visit Italy and explore all its splendour. Of course, all this is courtesy of the community’s elders who paved the way for Italian culture to enjoy the favorable status it has today. However, relying solely on the efforts of our predecessors comes with risk.
Fondly reminiscing about the mouthwatering cooking of one’s nonna or the impeccable garden of their nonno isn’t a sustainable approach to preserving the rich traditions of the Italian community in Canada. This complacency is undoubtedly what led to the fallout seen at the 2025 Taste of Little Italy food festival in Toronto. The event drew much criticism as attendees took to the internet to voice their disappointment for the lack of Italian food compared to previous years. Bear in mind that Toronto is a multicultural city whose residents celebrate international cuisines, but it’s also reasonable to expect Italian food at an Italian food festival. Equally disheartening is the slow extinction of the Italian language. So many in the community have lost their ability to speak Italian, while many never learned it. Yes, it’s true that many of us grew up with Italiese, a linguistic hybrid of Italian and English, but even its prevalence is fading.
If there is something we can take from mishaps like that of Toronto’s Taste of Little Italy, it’s that the time has come for ordinary members of the Italian diaspora to step up and assume the role as ambassadors of their heritage. Canada has always prided itself on being a cultural mosaic, which makes it counter-Canadian to lose one’s heritage. One can be Canadian, while still honoring their roots. The same is true for the various associations that are responsible for organizing these culturally immersive events and experiences.
The Future of Italian Culture in Canada
While no one can predict the future with certainty, much can be done to ensure that Italian culture remains strong in Canada. A great starting point is learning the language, which is far easier than one might imagine. There are so many apps and tools available online that make it possible to squeeze short lessons into your schedule. Another fun way is by listening to music. And no, I’m not suggesting the tarantella tunes that were popular with Italian grandparents, but current hits Italian that can be found on Spotify or Apple Music. From reggaeton and Neapolitan rap to rock or slow ballads, there’s something for every taste. The point is that it makes learning enjoyable and easy. It goes without saying that this is a highly-recommended approach for everyone, not just those seeking to reconnect with their heritage.
But in order to nurture the preservation of Italian culture in Canada, we can’t forget the guiding principles of the founding immigrants: community and collectivism. Regional associations exist that are tasked with organizing events in the name of Italian culture, but I’m of the firm belief that these events need to be reimagined to appeal to the appetite of today’s diaspora. For example, a simple dinner-dance held at a banquet hall or an annual street festival isn’t enough. There’s a genuine desire among younger Italian-Canadians to strengthen their connection, but the right conditions need to be created. Canadian-based associations need to partner with associations like Vinitaly, which is hosting its Italian Wine Ambassador Certification Course in Toronto. Unfortunately, these sorts of events tend to be open to members of the hospitality and media industries only. But if local groups collaborate with others to offer immersive experiences to the general public, Italian-Canadians would welcome the opportunity to learn more about Italy’s rich traditions like winemaking and the diversity of its regional wines.
I’m incredibly proud of my Italian-Canadian heritage and I know I’m not alone. A recent event at Montreal’s Leonardo Da Vinci Centre in the Italian enclave of Saint-Leonard is a good indicator of this. It was an informative seminar to educate Italian-Canadians in Montreal about the changes to Italian citizenship by descent laws, and the turnout was exceptional. The event was sold out, with people of all ages in attendance wanting to learn more about the legislative changes and voice their dismay. Meanwhile, Calgary’s Taste of Italy Festival is a demonstration of a continued pride and appreciation for the culture. Still in its infancy, this festival launched in 2022 and has been a success ever since.
Final Thoughts
Italian culture played a pivotal role in the development of Canada’s social fabric and leaving its traditions to fade would be a shame. For those reading this who belong to the Italian-Canadian community: think of ways to incorporate your heritage into your everyday life, at home and in your community. It’s simply not sufficient to reminisce about loved ones who are no longer among us; it’s time to put their values into practice and revive what has been lost before it’s too late. And to our readers who don’t have Italian heritage: on behalf of Live in Italy, thank you for your love and appreciation for Italian culture. Your support is greatly appreciated!
