CA-K280History

Italian sojourners who built Canada’s infrastructure

The entrance sign to Montréal’s Little Italy, photographed in 2008. Petite Italie (Montréal) · Colocho · Photo source · Photo licence: CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized for display; item previews may be cropped. The image remains under the licence shown.

Factual accuracy review: No recorded challenge

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In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, tens of thousands of Italian men came to Canada for temporary work, often recruited by labour agents called padroni, producing steel, mining coal and building railways, bridges and canals. Despite discrimination, many stayed, brought their families and helped establish “Little Italy” neighbourhoods across the country.

Scope & context

The sojourner experience before the First World War, not later Italian immigration or wartime internment.

Sources behind this record

Experience of Italian Sojourners National Historic Event ↗

Parks Canada

Historical importance; plaque text