Councillor Pasternak expresses support for the Government of Canada’s long overdue apology for Canada’s mistreatment of Italian-Canadians interned and targeted during the Second World War

TORONTO, ON – Councillor James Pasternak is expressing support for the Government of Canada’s formal apology for the shameful mistreatment of Italian-Canadians during the Second World War.  About 600-700 persons of Italian heritage were interned and 13,000 were declared “Enemy Aliens.”

“I want to thank the Government of Canada for taking this important step towards reconciling this past wrong. This dark chapter of Canada’s history resulted in families separated for years on end, careers and businesses upended- events that caused immense pain and hardship for the Italian-Canadian community, a community that has contributed so much to this country,” said Councillor Pasternak.

Councillor Pasternak believes this apology is an important step towards providing a sense of closure for those who continue to be impacted by these painful memories, a declaration that will ensure history does not repeat itself.

“The great expatriate Italian community which resides in numerous neighbourhoods across this great city has made a remarkable contribution to Canada. They have made immeasurable contributions to commerce, the arts, the science, cuisine, – they served bravely in our military. Our country would not be what it is today without the Italian community, and I am proud to represent one of the largest Italian communities in the City of Toronto” said Councillor Pasternak.

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Councillor James Pasternak
416-392-1371 | councillor_pasternak@toronto.ca
www.jamespasternak.ca