Experience of Italian Sojourners National Historic Event
Montréal, Quebec
Italian track layers, 1914
© John Boyd / Library and Archives Canada | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada / PA-061139
Address :
1100 Canadiens-de-Montréal Avenue, Montréal, Quebec
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
2011-07-19
Dates:
-
1890 to 1914
(Significant)
Other Name(s):
-
Experience of Italian Sojourners
(Designation Name)
Research Report Number:
2009-0016, 2009-048, 2009-084
Importance:
From the turn of the 20th century to the First World War, Italian sojourners played a pivotal role in the development Canada’s infrastructure as prolific builders, miners and manufacturers
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: 1100 Canadiens-de-Montréal Avenue, Montréal, Quebec
In the late 19th and early 20th century, tens of thousands of Italian men came to Canada in search of temporary employment. Often recruited by labour agents called padroni, these sojourners did backbreaking work in difficult conditions, producing steel, mining coal, and building essential infrastructure, such as railways, bridges, and canals. Despite discrimination, many decided to stay in Canada and arranged for their families and compatriots to join them. In cities across the country, they helped establish vibrant “Little Italy” neighbourhoods, which have become a lasting feature of the Canadian urban experience.