O que é que os outros grupos étnicos pensam acerca dos portugueses que residem na GTA?

Embora os portugueses se tenham fixado sobretudo em três províncias canadianas – Toronto, Montreal e Vancouver, a comunidade de Toronto é de longe a maior.

Esta semana, a poucos dias do 10 de junho, o dia em que assinalamos o Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas, fomos perceber o que os outros grupos étnicos que também escolheram Toronto para viver pensam sobre a nossa comunidade.

Será que somos conhecidos pelos nossos valores, religiosidade, gastronomia ou pela paixão pelo fado e pelo futebol? Aqui ouvimos dizer que somos trabalhadores árduos e que temos uma grande capacidade de resiliência quase semelhante à dos nossos antepassados que descobriram o mundo. Mas para as novas gerações talvez os nomes de Nelly Furtado, Shawn Mendes ou John Tavares sejam as maiores referências para quem vive cá.

Se por um lado há quem diga que precisamos de trazer um pouco mais do Portugal moderno para cá, há também quem defenda que precisamos de melhorar o inglês para nos integrarmos melhor na sociedade canadiana e que devemos continuar a trabalhar juntos. Os portugueses hoje estão mais dispersos pela província, mas mantêm o orgulho nas suas raízes. Citando o primeiro-ministro canadiano, Justin Trudeau, a propósito do Portuguese Heritage Month, “os portugueses e os luso-canadianos têm contribuído e continuam a contribuir com o seu talento e trabalho árduo (…) para ajudar a criar um país mais próspero, inclusivo e diverso”.

Ahmed Hussen– Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

What is your opinion of Toronto’s Portuguese community? Can you identify their main characteristics?

Canada is home to nearly half a million people of Portuguese descent. Portuguese Canadians have enriched our communities, including right here in Toronto and in York South-Weston. With rich traditions, history, culture, and language. Each day, they work to build a better life for their families, for our communities, and for our country. Some of the amazing characteristics also stems from the ability of the community to always support each other like a big family, and this familial tie makes them succeed in everything they do.

What can the Portuguese community do better?

Whether it is through art, music, sports, food, the diverse and vibrant Portuguese community has influenced our country’s history. That’s what we celebrate this month. In my very own riding, I see the amount of love and dedication that Portuguese Canadians have put into making the city their home through their own businesses and institutions, bringing a piece of their Portugal to Canada. I believe by doing this they are already making great additions to not just Toronto, but Canada as a whole.

What can be expected from the Portuguese community in the future?

Portuguese Canadians are kind, caring and compassionate, and although we celebrate this heritage month differently, their warmth and spirit remains on full display across Canada. Great things are still to come from Portuguese Canadians, and even if this pandemic has not allowed us to fully express ourselves before, the future is still looking bright.

Alexander Bordokas, Dundas West Fest Producer

What is your opinion of Toronto’s Portuguese community? Can you identify their main characteristics?

The PTGS community in Toronto is one of the most important in our civic makeup. It is a large community and has always been a great contributor to the events and entertainment landscape of the city, especially in the west end. They have so many cultural spaces, and music groups and festas. They are great supporters of the arts, have a strong musical tradition, and have a strong connection to diverse music from around the world, especially Brazil and Angola, and other Lusophone countries.

What can the Portuguese community do better?

I think there is a challenge as many residents of Little Portugal on Dundas have moved out of the neighbourhood but still shop at the local businesses. This means that they come into the neighbourhood by car and would like to have parking. However the vision for a healthier and more liveable city is moving away from vehicular traffic. This creates some friction between those wanting more patio and outdoor space as well as infrastructure for bikes, and those who want parking available for their patrons.

What can be expected from the Portuguese community in the future?

A lot of creativity, leadership and artistic excellence.

Cathy Quinton – BIA Coordinator, Little Portugal on Dundas BIA

What is your opinion of Toronto’s Portuguese community? Can you identify their main characteristics?

My opinion is a positive one. I have always said that there isn’t a Portuguese person I’ve met who I didn’t really like. Some years ago, I worked with a young man who then, had sought a job in advertising in my agency, which was quite a non-traditional job, for his family.  But he proved to be dedicated, smart, and have great integrity. He was my first intro to his culture.

Since then, I have met many Portuguese in Toronto, most recently in my role as Coordinator for the Little Portugal on Dundas BIA. These people are warm, generous, passionate, very family-centric, and very proud of their heritage. They celebrate their fellowship, history and culture with such joy. I have been fortunate to witness a few key celebrations lately – even in a distanced fashion! – both in the downtown core and in Mississauga, where Portuguese events gathered key stakeholders – neighbours, business owners and politicians – in the community.  There is a strong glue and underlying current of togetherness and loyalty that is unbreakable.

What can the Portuguese community do better? 

Again, wearing my ‘Coordinator of a BIA’ hat, I’d say assimilation, from a technology perspective, is very important to small business survival (any business, really).  It is not an option any longer; one cannot continue to rely simply on word-of-mouth and ‘old school’ ways of doing business.  To survive, business owners must adapt.  And expand their reach beyond current customers. Digital e-commerce, social media, etc. is the fastest, most targeted, most cost-efficient way to achieve this.  Can you tell I’m on a mission?  lol

In terms of our Portuguese neighbourhoods and residents, perhaps they can be more embracing of their non-Portuguese neighbours by taking part in events that are not strictly Portuguese in nature.  Acknowledging, through participation, that the Portuguese community is only but one of many colourful cultures in this City, would earn my respect.

What can be expected from the Portuguese community in the future? 

Wow. This is a tough one. Perhaps the younger generation can be encouraged to run for public office where they can affect policy and demonstrate leadership, while embracing the future.  I don’t know how readily this is possible, though, without mentorship and education.  It helps that our Deputy Mayor is Portuguese!

Gerry Luciano

What is your opinion of Toronto’s Portuguese community? Can you identify their main characteristics?

I think the Portuguese community in Toronto is an important part of the fabric of the city. People’s lives, homes and careers are interwoven throughout our neighbourhoods. From my experience, the love of family is really important, but so is music, food, embracing their history and culture with the hope that younger generations continue to live and experience it.

What can the Portuguese community do better?

That’s a difficult question to answer, but I am really encouraged to see so many young people, most likely second or third generation Canadians, getting university and college scholarships today from philanthropic groups and organizations for post-secondary education. Education is so important today, it makes a lifelong difference assisting people to thrive and reach their full potential.

What can be expected from the Portuguese community in the future?

It’s always difficult to predict the future. All communities have successes and face challenges along the way. I truly hope that the Portuguese community continues to work together, develop strong and ongoing partnerships and collaborations to help youth, newcomers, support seniors and those in poverty.

Giorgio Mammoliti – Former Toronto City Councillor Ward 7 York West

What is your opinion of Toronto’s Portuguese community? Can you identify their main characteristics?

Portuguese community is a very moral, hard working, law abiding community. It believes in family and accomplishment.  The offspring that have been born in Toronto or have come at an early age have been able to prove to everyone that success is a part of their being.   

What can the Portuguese community do better? 

I do however believe that the community in general has to assimilate a little better with the country. I believe that the lack of English language is a barrier for the older community. I also believe that the community in general needs to be a bit more confident in themselves. The lack of confidence shows. 

What can be expected from the Portuguese community in the future? 

Overall, I think the Portuguese community will make a significant difference in our economic picture in the future. Hard work abs dedication from them will prove to be great for Canada.

Julie Dzerowicz, MP Davenport

What is your opinion of Toronto’s Portuguese community? Can you identify their main characteristics?

For me I would say in terms of the main characteristics that love of family is among the top 2, they are very hard workers, number 3, they have two religions: one is the Catholic church and the second is soccer (football). I would also add that the Portuguese community really loves to celebrate events and traditions, that is why we have so many events happening at our Portuguese “casas”. 

What can the Portuguese community do better?

I’ll say one thing that I think the Portuguese community could consider, Portugal has evolved as a country. They’ve modernized, they’ve adapted, when you visit Portugal, in the most part, quite modern and they have evolved traditions. So, what I would say to the Portuguese community in Canada is that the traditions are amazing, but I also say to incorporate some of the modernization. I believe it will help with the transition between the first, the second, the third and fourth generations. Fado is still very popular, but some of the music and dance has evolved.

What can be expected from the Portuguese community in the future?

All great things. The Portuguese Canadian Walk of Fame to me is a wonderful way to showcase the talent of the Portuguese community within the business world, within the legal profession, within the athletics having Olympians, Arts and Culture with many of the singers, hockey players and even politicians. I see all good things that the half million strong Portuguese in Canada has evolved from the second, third, fourth and fifth generations. I see them being leaders in multiple other sectors, either in science or gaming plus whatever new and emerging sectors that become available.

I want to wish everyone a Happy Portugal Heritage month and look forward to seeing everyone as they become vaccinated as we can socialize and be more outdoors.

Hon. Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Ontario Ministry of Health

What is your opinion of Toronto’s Portuguese community? Can you identify their main characteristics?

Toronto’s Portuguese community is an amazing community that has contributed so much to our city and to the entire province of Ontario. Every year on June 10th, I look forward to celebrating Portugal Day. Every year for as long as I can remember, my family and I have loved attending events in Toronto’s Portuguese neighbourhoods. We enjoy all of the sights, sounds, and of course, all the delicious Portuguese cuisine from so many of Toronto’s incredible small businesses. I cherish so many of the memories that I shared with so many people and families in the Portuguese community here in Toronto. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, I urge everyone reading this to go out and support for your local Portuguese artists, entertainers, restaurants and retailers.

Our government led by Premier Ford joins all of you in celebrating the vibrant, rich heritage and culture of the Portuguese community in Toronto, and all of your incredible accomplishments. This community continues to make vital contributions to our province’s growth and prosperity, and will always be recognized by our government, and the entire province of Ontario. I look forward to celebrating Portugal Day with you all next year!

What can the Portuguese community do better?

For such a long time, our society, including many communities in Toronto, have stigmatized those struggling with addictions or mental health challenges. Now, with the COVID-19 pandemic, I am very encouraged to see a growing awareness and improved support for people experiencing and living with mental health and addictions challenges. More and more, we are addressing the stigma attached to mental health issues. We are seeing people coming forward to talk about their own struggles, or to raise their voices in support of friends, families and neighbours who may be dealing with a mental illness. Thankfully, we have come a long way – but we still have quite a way to go.

I encourage everyone in Toronto’s Portuguese community to talk more about how you’re feeling. It’s so important that we take care of our mental health – especially during these difficult times. I want to let all of you know that it’s OK to not feel OK. Whatever you are feeling today – whether you’re angry, frustrated or sad – things will always get better. Please reach out to a friend, a loved one or a colleague and talk to each other. Even a short conversation can go a very long way. If you need help, free supports are always available. You can visit Ontario.ca/MentalHealth to learn more about the free and confidential supports, and how to get help when you need it.

What can be expected from the Portuguese community in the future?

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly affected the Portuguese community. So many individuals and families have been impacted by the prolonged physical isolation and the economic uncertainty caused by this terrible virus. But the Portuguese community is one of the strongest and most resilient communities in Toronto and the province of Ontario. The Portuguese community in Toronto has always been an important contributor to our province’s growth and economic prosperity.

Something that I have always said is that it is important that we know where we come from because if you do not know where you come from, then you don’t know where you are or where you are going and if you don’t know where you’re going, you will never get there. The more we know about each other, the more we celebrate our cultures, the easier it is to love and respect each other. The Portuguese community in Toronto is incredibly proud of their culture and heritage, and Ontario will always be an ally to this community.

As we try to recover from this terrible pandemic – and I assure all of you that we will – I know the strength of the Portuguese community will be an important part of this recovery. This has been a difficult time for all of you, but your courage and strength will never be forgotten.

Marit Stiles – MPP Davenport

What is your opinion of Toronto’s Portuguese community? Can you identify their main characteristics?

From the first wave of Portuguese immigrants to Toronto, who built much of our city, to the young people who are still coming to build a home here – bringing their own unique skills and passions – to the children and grandchildren of those first immigrants. We are all made stronger by their contributions. There is a cultural continuity that has been able to survive through the generations. My riding of Davenport has been home to many of these generations and remains strong. You see it in programs like On Your Mark, now celebrating 20 years, and which is helping children in the community access more opportunities in schools in a culturally appropriate way.

What can the Portuguese community do better? 

Throughout the pandemic, we have seen the marvelous contributions the Portuguese “casas” and small businesses have sacrificed to give back. Other communities see the pride and contributions of the Portuguese community and here in Davenport, they are exposed to the music at local clubs, the artwork through mural programs in Little Portugal and of course our world-class restaurants serving traditional Portuguese food. Those thriving businesses are at risk though, after a year of this pandemic. Right now they need our support more than ever.

What can be expected from the Portuguese community in the future? 

Earlier this year, an important Portuguese mental health clinic at Toronto Western Hospital was put in jeopardy. The Abrigo Centre in my riding often refers clients to this program for long term mental health support. I was devastated to hear these supports would be at risk and have been raising this important issue in the legislature and with the Minister of Health. I believe that protecting the health of our community means having support available when needed especially during a time like this. We need to ensure that no matter what, we can communicate important information effectively to everyone in their language. This is why I hosted a vaccine townhall entirely in Portuguese – to ensure my community is informed and heard.

It’s an honour to represent this thriving community and I look forward to celebrating with you all over the course of this month.

Prabmeet Sarkaria, MPP Brampton South

What is your opinion of Toronto’s Portuguese community? Can you identify their main characteristics?

The Portuguese community in Toronto is a vibrant group that enriches the Canadian mosaic with its history, language, culture, and work ethic. They are a hardworking, resilient, and giving community of Canadians that have helped shape the community of Toronto and Ontario.

Just recently The Portuguese community before Easter Sunday, gathered a group of volunteers ranging in age from teens to 70s at Casa do Alentejo Community Centre on Dupont to help feed the less fortunate. This is the type of Ontario spirit and selflessness that the Portuguese community is known for.

What can the Portuguese community do better?

We can all always work to be better. This is an everyday struggle for all of us, not just one community. The Portuguese community has done a lot for Ontarians during COVID-19. If we all keep this up, we will make the community around us better!

What can be expected from the Portuguese community in the future? 

The Portuguese community in Canada has been contributing to the success of this country for a very long time. This community has a rich and deep history in Toronto, which can be best exemplified by the presences of Portugal village, which is where many Portugal immigrants settled in the 1950s when they were fleeing political conflict. We expect Portuguese Canadians to keep doing the amazing things to both contribute and represent the Toronto Community as a whole.

Rudy Cuzzetto, MPP Mississauga-Lakeshore

I would just say that I’m proud to celebrate Portugal Day with our local Portuguese Canadian community here in Mississauga-Lakeshore, which has contributed so much to make our historic lakefront villages – like Port Credit, where I grew up – into vibrant and resilient centres of economic activity and multicultural life. I look forward to continuing to work together as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tony Mark– Co-Founder & Personal Trainer at Balance

What is your opinion of Toronto’s Portuguese community? Can you identify their main characteristics?

I have a very positive opinion about the Portuguese community that lives here in Toronto and I also have been in Portugal and I love the country and the food.

A good friend of mine is Portuguese, so I eat a lot of Portuguese food, we travel together, and I’ve always had a positive experience with the Portuguese community that lives in Toronto. I can’t wait to go back to Portugal, I was supposed to go there last year but I had to cancel because of the pandemic.

What can the Portuguese community do better? 

I’m exposed to a lot of the positivity, it’s such a hard-working community from everything from ultra-successful people. I happen to know Michael Nobrega and he made it all the way to the top with the corporate world to my friend Rob who owns a hair salon, and he is always working, always family oriented. If I could add something, I don’t think that Canadians on a whole are aware of the contributions and I know it goes to a lot of minority communities. The Portuguese community has contributed so much and as Canadians I don’t think we know enough about it.

What can be expected from the Portuguese community in the future? 

From what I can see, from the people that I know, their kids are growing up, for instance, Michael Nobrega’s daughter, she used to work for me, she is a chiropractor, and before I knew him, I liked her work a lot. She and her husband are hard-working people, they have kids, and my friend Rob has kids and they’re all getting post-secondary degrees and high education, so I think a lot of good things are going to come from the Portuguese community.

Tracy Jenkins, Lula Music and Arts Centre at Lula Lounge / Lulaworld Records & Artist Management

What is your opinion of Toronto’s Portuguese community? Can you identify their main characteristics?

When I think of the Portuguese community in Toronto, I think of the incredible cultural diversity within it, due to strong identity of the different regions of Portugal as well as Brazil, Mozambique, Angola and other Lusophone countries. Some common elements among these communities that that I’ve witnessed have been a strong sense of family and integrity while placing importance on the arts and tradition. In general, members of Portuguese community seem to be extremely hard working and dedicated to bettering the lives of their kids while taking time to keep connections to their bigger families, communities and culture strong.

What can the Portuguese community do better?

I don’t have any ideas about what could be done better but I hope that more people from outside the community will take the time to discover how rich and varied Portuguese culture is in both its traditional and contemporary expressions. If members of the community continue to support work from the many different cultures that make up the Portuguese community, I’m sure the profile of Portuguese arts and culture will continue to grow in Canada and internationally.

What can be expected from the Portuguese community in the future?

Speaking from the perspective of a music programmer, I know that music lovers (both from and beyond the Portuguese community) are going to hear a lot of high-calibre and incredibly varied music coming from Lusophone Canadian artists in the coming years. Some groups to watch for this year are Maria and the Band, Bruno Capinan, Aline Morales and Tdot Batu. I hope your readers will support them by listening to and sharing their music! This kind of grassroots support can be very powerful.

Joana Leal / Catarina Balça/MS