OUR HISTORY
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
The Casa d'Italia officially opens its doors will a day-long celebration that sees thousands of Italian community join in on the festivities.
01-11-1936ENEMY ALIENS
On June 10, 1940, Benito Mussolini declares war on Great Britain and the Allied Powers. Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King declares war on Italy and enacts the War Measures Act. The RCMP begins arresting Italians whose names appear on a list of "enemy aliens." Nearly 600 Italian men across Canada - 215 from Montreal - are arrested. The RCMP seize all documents in Casa d’Italia and order the building closed and sequestered. Between 1940 and 1946, the Casa d’Italia is occupied by the Canadian Army and suffers great physical damage.
10-06-1940THE WAR IS OVER
After WWII, the Italian community requests the return of Casa d’Italia. In 1946, Mayor Camillien Houde presents Private Bill No. 174 in Quebec’s Legislative Assembly. On January 1, 1947, Casa d’Italia is returned to the community. Canada became an attractive destination for Italian immigrants after the war. The Casa d'Italia continues its important role within the community, hosting social activities like weddings and cultural events, and helping Italian immigrants integrate and find work.
01-01-1947STATE VISIT
During a State visit in Canada to celebrate 150 years of the Federation, Italian President Sergio Mattarella stopped by the Casa d'Italia. He was greeted by hundreds of local Italian community members. The afternoon visit included the singing of the Italian and Canadian national anthems, speeches, and the presentation of a marble plaque to mark the occasion.
28-06-2017
