TORONTO – Justin Trudeau today offered at the House of Commons an official apology for the treatment of the Italian-Canadian community in the 1940s. The mea culpa recited by the Prime Minister for the decisions taken by the government of the time led by William Lyon Mackenzie King was not limited, as was to be expected, to the narrative of the suffering and injustice suffered by 600 men and four women of Italian origin interned in concentration camps scattered throughout the country, but touched all the strings of labour and tribulations suffered by all Italian Canadians since June 1940. An entire community, already deeply integrated into the social and productive fabric of Canada, pilloried and the victim of violence, intolerance, creeping racism, with a single fault, that of Italian origin. Over 31,000 Italian-Canadians branded as foreign enemies (“enemy aliens”), families forced into hunger, poverty and poverty, proven to have fundamental rights. The shame and ignominy of the internment of hundreds of people was only the tip of the iceberg of a climate of hatred and mistrust, which unfortunately did not end with the end of the Second World War.

“To the tens of thousands of innocent Italian-Canadians who were labelled enemy aliens, to the children and grandchildren who have carried a past generation’s shame and hurt and to their community — a community that has given so much to our country — we are sorry”, Trudeau said.

Trudeau, in his speech, reiterated how the Canadian government of the time was right to oppose Benito Mussolini’s fascist regime, but at the same time pointed out how the innocent Italian-Canadians became a scapegoat. “They were small businessmen, workers and doctors. They were fathers, daughters and friends. They were taken away to the camps of Petawawa or Fredericton, Kananaskis or Kingston. They were imprisoned without charge and without any sentence. Sometimes internment lasted a few months, sometimes years. But the impact and the consequences lasted a lifetime.”

At the same time, the Prime Minister emphasized that, despite this climate of intolerance and distrust towards our community, many Italian-Canadians decided to enlist in the Canadian armed forces, showing loyalty to what they considered their country. In addition to this, after World War II, the entire community rolled up its sleeves and contributed to the construction and growth of Canada.

“Canadians of Italian origin – added Trudeau during his speech – have helped shape Canada, and continue to be a priceless component of our diversity that makes us strong. Today, as we recognize and address historical mistakes against the Italian-Canadian community, we also show our respect for their great contribution to our country”.

Finally, Trudeau, addressing the Speaker of the Chamber – the Italian-Canadian Anthony Rota, who he called “Mr. President”, wanted to send a message to our community, in Italian:

“The right way has been demonstrated by internees and their families: integrity, unity, faith and fidelity to Canada. For this reason the whole country is grateful: thank you very much”.