Originally Published: 2009-12-06

Page 1/...Page 2

According to Calla, the Italian community does not feel isolated.
“It was able to integrate itself, though other groups of immigrants did not succeed in doing so. They live in isolation – they don’t participate in the life of the nation, and they don’t learn English. COSTI has developed strategies to create a bridge between these groups and the rest of the community. The provincial and federal government must continue to view immigrants as an essential component for building this nation. Canada was built on immigration.”
A recent study on ethnic enclaves in Toronto is useful in better understanding the nature of these cultural groups.
“The more concentrated ones, such as the Chinese, are however, a minority within their enclave – 55% of those living in Chinatown are not of Chinese origin, explained Calla. The ethnic enclaves clearly bring advantages to (its) members because they tend to institutionalize socio-cultural resourced through centres and clubs. The immigrant enclaves that have established themselves a long time ago, such as the Italians and Jews, and who have integrated themselves very well, continue to grow. These groups are concentrated in specific areas, such as for example, Woodbridge for Italians, but they have integrated well from the social, political and economic point of view.”
Other research shows that immigrants to Canada are able to integrate much more quickly with respect to immigrants to the U.S.
“They want to put their trust into a country that knows how to accept and respect their cultural identity,” said Calla.
COSTI supports ten ethnic organizations that develop programs for those in difficulty by helping them escape from the vortex of domestic violence and gambling (for example). Through the Family and Mental Health Centre.
COSTI welcomes 59,000 immigrants annually – each with their own past, and their own story to tell. Such as that of Debra Grant, originally from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, in the Caribbean.

Page 2/...Page 3

Printable Version Email to a Friend Share

Voice Your Opinion Letter to the Editor