Originally Published: 2009-12-06

Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Minister Michael Chan with COSTI president Bruno M. Suppa and COSTI executive director Mario J. Calla.

An open door policy, then and now. Since the ’60s, COSTI has recognized the importance of social cohesiveness – an essential piece in what is the puzzle of a multi-ethnically rich society like Canada’s. COSTI has never stopped evolving. And it will continue to expand, COSTI president Bruno M. Suppa explained, as long as it continues to be “recognized by the government and the working world as being valuable to immigrants and their contribution to the economy and the country’s well-being.”
The manner in which immigrants are welcomed has changed over the past 45 years – a concept emphasized repeatedly at the annual reunion of COSTI associates held last Thursday at the Caledonia Road headquarters, and during which the financial report was tabled as well.
Special guest of honour was Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Michael Chan.“In my two years as minister,” he said, “I’ve participated in many meetings – it’s evident how good Canada, and particularly Ontario, is in integrating immigrants, and how they’re welcomed with open arms. At times we don’t always succeed in making things go the way we want. That’s typical of human nature. We need to be patient and use our available resources the best way we can. But we’re people, and we know how to deal with immigrants who, having come from very far, see Canada as a land of opportunity. They have to face many challenges. But we want to help them be happy.”
New members were elected to the executive during the evening: Frank Iacobucci, Supriya James, Matthew Kou, Leo Sdao, Ronald M. Tapley, Anil Verma, and Abdollah Zahiri. As well, two members received homage: John Spina, and Adrian David.
The organization’s executive director Mario J. Calla discusses the progress made on the working relationship between immigrants and COSTI – which now has 20 offices throughout Toronto – and what needs to be done to help newcomers that still feel isolated.
“The biggest development over the years is the teaching of English to professionals. We have specialized programs geared to engineers or doctors, for example. Programs that then offer them the opportunity of finding a job. Seventy-eight percent found jobs after the course. It’s been hugely successful for us.”

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