From New York they reached Vancouver, but due to a
misunderstanding they do not find Stella's brother. They
took a taxi to his house and for the first time they
tasted Canadian coffee, and the Christmas Cake that Stella
did not have the heart to try.
They did not find themselves at home; the surrounding
was indifferent and hostile. The sister -in-law and the
local doctor, although they were fluent in Italian, would
not speak it with them. Stella wanted to go back to Italy.
When Pasqualino was born they moved to a different
house whose owner, the Perri's family, was more friendly
and helpful.
Attilio was working in a sawmill; the work was heavy
and humiliating for him and with poor pay. He was making
95 cents an hour and between the payment for the house,
and various expenses, only the money brought from Italy
helped them survive.
After 10 months, through the pressure of Stella's
brother, Attilio left for Edmonton leaving Stella and the
children in Vancouver.
He arrives in Edmonton and starts working for New West
construction with Raffaele Albi. The work was not what he
hoped but things slowly got better.
He started working for Imperial Oil and his salary
went from $1.25 per hour finally to $6 per hour.
After three months, finally, Stella, Emilio and
Pasqualino arrived in Edmonton. Edmonton was more friendly
and less hostile for them. They made real friends: The
Anselmo's. the Leanza's, the Chiarello's with whom they
could exchange words of comfort.
But Stella was still thinking of Italy and would
continuously push Attilio to go back, but Attilio did not
want to do this. He had already lost all his friend and
work contacts in Italy. Stella moves back to Italy with
the children. After 6 years Stella realizes that Attilio
will not come back and she returns to Canada. A new life
and a better future await her.
Now fully integrated in the Canadian life they
continue their life with their friends, dedicating more of
their time to the children. During the yearly celebrations
the house is always full of friends and together they
continue the Old Italian traditions.
What were the advantages of moving to
Canada?
For Stella, Canada was a big disappointment. The
streets were not full of dollars like Stella's brother had
led them to believe. However, the happiness of seeing the
two boys earning their university degrees, and getting
jobs made her change her mind. Canada is now home. They do
go back to Italy with pleasure, but only on holidays.
Regarding discrimination, Stella and Attilio did not
experience any. Attilio was too busy working and on the
job his bosses were very respectful towards Italians,
while Stella was very happy with her neighbors.
Now retired, Attilio and Stella are happy to take care
of their garden and the house. During the winter months
they travel to California and the rest of the year they
visit with friends in Lethbridge, Vancouver and Kamloops.
Heritage Community Foundation Presents
