Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has delivered a formal apology in the House of Commons for the internment of Italian Canadians during the Second World War.

Following Italy’s declaration of war against Canada on June 10, 1940, the Government of Canada interned more than 600 people of Italian heritage. Around 31,000 Italian Canadians across the country were declared “enemy aliens”, and many experienced discrimination, lost their jobs, or saw their businesses boycotted or vandalized.

The Prime Minister apologized to those who were interned, their families, and the Italian Canadian community for the pain and hardship they endured because of this historical injustice.

He recognized Italian Canadians’ many contributions, including in business, arts and culture, science and technology, politics, and skilled professions. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a strong, diverse, and more inclusive Canada.

This isn’t the first apology. In 1990, at a gathering of Italian Canadian organizations, former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney offered an apology for the treatment of the Italian Canadian community during the Second World War.

In September 2018, RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki delivered an official expression of regret in a ceremony attended by family members of Italian internees, members of the Italian community, and RCMP employees.