Μήνας Ελληνικής Κληρονομιάς στο Οντάριο: Γιορτάστηκε με λαμπρότητα στη Βουλή του Οντάριο
Η βουλευτής του Όκβιλ, κα Έφη Τριανταφυλλοπούλου, οργάνωσε μια βραδιά γεμάτη κέφι και ελληνική υπερηφάνεια. Πλήθος βουλευτών του Οντάριο έδωσε επίσης το παρών
Με την παρουσία του πρωθυπουργού του Οντάριο, κ. Νταγκ Φορντ, οι Ελληνοκαναδοί είχαν την ευκαιρία να γιορτάσουν την εθνική επέτειο της Ελληνικής Επανάστασης και να γίνουν ένα, ειδικότερα μετά τις δηλώσεις του για την φιλία και την αξία των Ελλήνων του Καναδά και για τα όσα αναμένεται ο Καναδάς να απαντήσει στους δασμούς των ΗΠΑ.
To δελτίο Τύπου της Βουλευτή, κα Έφη Τριανταφυλλοπούλου:
OAKVILLE NORTH–BURLINGTON – On March 26, 2025 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm, Effie J. Triantafilopoulos, MPP for Oakville North -Burlington hosted a celebration in honour of Hellenic Heritage Month at Queen’s Park.
PURPOSE FOR THE EVENT
Since 2019, following MPP Triantafilopoulos’s Private Member’s Bill “An Act to proclaim a month to celebrate Hellenic Heritage in Ontario”, Ontario has formally recognized March as Hellenic Heritage Month and provides an opportunity for all Ontarians to recognize and celebrate Greek culture in Ontario. To date, Ontario remains the only jurisdiction in Canada to officially recognize Hellenic Heritage Month.
As an Ontarian of Hellenic origin, Effie Triantafilopoulos is hosting this annual event to bring leaders and members of the Greek Ontario community together with her colleagues in celebration.
Event Highlights
In addition to MPP Triantafilopoulos, speakers included: Premier Doug Ford; Mr. Ioannis Chatzantonakis, Consul General of the Hellenic Republic in Toronto; His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Patara; Betty Skoutakis, President of the Greek Community of Toronto; Andy Seretis, Chair and President of the Hellenic Heritage Foundation; Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.
Guests also enjoyed live Greek music, Greek dancing, and Greek cuisine.
Quotes
“Hellenic Heritage Month is a time to honour the rich history, culture, and contributions of Greek Canadians to our province. As a proud Greek Ontarian, I reflect on the journey of our community—from early immigrants who faced adversity with strength and determination, to the vibrant and thriving community we see today. The values of philotimo, family, and civic duty have shaped our contributions to Ontario and continue to guide us as we build a stronger, more inclusive future together.” – Effie Triantafilopoulos, MPP for Oakville North–Burlington
“Hellenic Heritage Month is a testament to the remarkable contributions of Greek Canadians, celebrating the enduring spirit, vibrant culture, and timeless values Greeks have brought to Canada’s multicultural society. It stands as a powerful reminder that our shared commitment to democracy, freedom, and cultural diversity continues to strengthen and enrich both our peoples.”- Ioannis Chatzantonakis Consul General of the Hellenic Republic in Toronto
“Hellenic Heritage Month provides us an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the rich history of Ontario’s Hellenic communities,” said Hon. Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “I applaud and thank MPP Triantafilopoulos for her strong and passionate advocacy for the Hellenic community.”
About Hellenic Heritage Month
Hellenic Heritage Month in Ontario is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Greek Canadians to the cultural, social, economic, and political life of the province. Throughout the month of March, various events and activities are held to honour the rich history and heritage of the Greek community in Ontario.
The Hellenic community has a long and proud history in Canada, dating back to before Confederation and the Greek community has contributed much to Ontario’s growth and prosperity by establishing schools, churches, and businesses.
On March 25, 1821, the Greek Revolution was launched, leading to the liberation of Greece from the Ottoman Empire’s 400-year occupation. Today, Greek Independence Day is celebrated by Greeks around the world on March 25th.
Since 2019, following passage into law of my Private Member’s Bill “An Act to proclaim a month to celebrate Hellenic Heritage in Ontario”, Ontario has formally recognized the month of March as Hellenic Heritage Month.
Fast Facts
- 150,000 Ontarians identify as having Hellenic heritage with the majority of the Greek community members based in Toronto, Ottawa, Markham, Hamilton, London, Oshawa, and Kitchener – Cambridge – Waterloo.
- Ontario is the only jurisdiction in Canada and the world to officially recognize March as Hellenic Heritage Month, following a law passed by the Ontario Legislature in 2019.
- Last year, on March 25th, the Prime Minister of Greece visited Ontario for the first time in 40 years. During this visit, he celebrated Greece’s independence day and met in an official bilateral with Premier Ford.
- In 2023, total trade between Ontario-Greece was valued at C$246.6 million, with Greece ranking number 62 in Ontario’s total trade with other countries.
- Ontario’s exports to Greece were valued at C$81.6 million (ranked #54 in exports) while imports from Greece were valued at C$165.1 million (ranked #63 in imports).
In December 2023, the latest monthly data available, Ontario’s exports to Greece totalled C$5.0M while our imports totalled C$12.6M.
