The sober atmosphere of the Senate of Canada was recently transformed into a vibrant forum of history and cultural pride as parliamentarians debated Bill S-220, the Hellenic Heritage Month Act. Sponsored in the Upper Chamber by Senator Tony Loffreda, an Independent Senator from Quebec, this legislation seeks to designate the month of March as a permanent, national observance honoring the significant contributions of Greek Canadians. The debate within the Red Chamber transcended typical partisan discourse and evolved into a profound reflection on the roots of Western democracy and the enduring legacy of a community that has woven itself into the very fabric of Canadian society. This federal initiative follows the successful adoption of similar legislation in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec to signal a long-awaited national acknowledgment of the Hellenic spirit that has thrived on these shores for over a century.
The “Mother” of the Bill: Annie Koutrakis
While the current applause rings through the Senate, the legislative journey of this act began years prior in the House of Commons through the persistent efforts of the Honourable Annie Koutrakis, Member of Parliament for Vimy. The parliamentary record shows that the initiative to secure federal recognition for Hellenic Heritage Month was first formally introduced by MP Koutrakis on March 22, 2021, when she tabled Bill C-276. Her vision was to elevate the recognition achieved at the provincial level to a national standard, ensuring that the contributions of Greek Canadians were celebrated from coast to coast. However, the path to passing this legislation proved to be a test of endurance against procedural hurdles and the unpredictability of political cycles. Shortly after the introduction of Bill C-276, the dissolution of Parliament for the general election caused all active bills, including C-276, to die on the Order Paper.
When Parliament resumed, the legislative landscape had shifted for MP Koutrakis due to her appointment as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport. Under the Standing Orders of the House of Commons, members holding such executive roles are precluded from sponsoring Private Member’s Bills, creating a procedural impasse for the re-introduction of the act she had championed. Committed to seeing the designation realized, Koutrakis navigated this constraint by turning her sights to the Senate. She initially reached out to Senator Leo Housakos to carry the torch in the Upper Chamber, a collaboration that resulted in the introduction of Bill S-259 in November 2022. Although that session also concluded before the bill could receive Royal Assent, the resolve to pass the legislation remained unbroken.
The breakthrough for the current session was achieved when MP Koutrakis approached Senator Housakos to discuss the reintroduction of the bill. In a move reflecting true bipartisan cooperation, the strategy was adjusted to have Senator Tony Loffreda act as the sponsor, with Senator Housakos offering his full support as the seconder. This pivotal agreement secured the bill’s third introduction, ensuring that the groundwork laid in 2021 was preserved and advanced, culminating in the debates now taking place in Ottawa.
Defining Hellenism in the Red Chamber
The text of Bill S-220 formally recognizes that over 260,000 Canadians of Greek descent have made meaningful and lasting contributions to the nation’s political, economic, scientific, and cultural landscapes. During the Second Reading of the bill, the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Senator Leo Housakos, delivered a stirring address that captured the emotional essence of the diaspora. Speaking as a child of immigrants raised in the vibrant Greek community of Montreal, Senator Housakos bridged the gap between ancient history and the modern immigrant experience. He paid tribute to the bill’s sponsor, Senator Loffreda, noting the deep friendship he shares with the community. Senator Housakos recounted a recent conversation with leaders of the Italian community who jokingly questioned why Loffreda spent so much time with the Greeks. He told his colleagues that he explained to them that “In the world, there’s two kinds of people, those who are Greek and those who want to be Greek,” adding that “Senator Loffreda falls into that category”.
The senator’s speech moved beyond humour to articulate a definition of Hellenism that resonates with anyone who values liberty. He argued that “Hellenism is more than just a culture. It is a worldview, a commitment to human dignity, the pursuit of knowledge, and the belief that free individuals acting together can shape the destiny of their society”. He reminded the chamber that “Democracy, of course, is a Greek word. Demokratia, which basically means power to the people,” and described how citizens in the ancient Agora debated and held their leaders to account much like the opposition does in Parliament today. This philosophical foundation was presented not as a relic of the past but as a living philosophy that continues to thrive in the democratic spirit of Canada. Senator Housakos noted that the “ideas shaped the Renaissance, inspired the Enlightenment, and influenced the very foundation of modern democratic societies, including our very own right here in Canada”.
A History of Resilience and Sacrifice
The debate also served as a solemn remembrance of the sacrifices made to preserve this identity. Senator Housakos spoke of the “400 years under the Ottoman occupation” where language and faith were suppressed. He described how Greek priests and teachers risked their lives to teach children in “church basements and candlelight corners” preserving the dream of liberation that would eventually ignite the War of Independence in 1821. He drew parallels to the Second World War, specifically *Oxi Day* on October 28, 1940, when the Greek people responded to the ultimatum from fascist Italy with a single word of refusal. He quoted Winston Churchill’s famous declaration that “Greeks don’t fight like heroes, but heroes fight like Greeks”. These historical touchstones provided the context for understanding the resilience of the first immigrants who arrived in Canada with little more than hope and determination.
Building Canada: From Pioneers to Modern Innovators
These early pioneers built the institutions that sustain the community today. In 1906, Montreal saw the opening of its first Greek Orthodox Church which became a spiritual anchor for a growing population. Senator Housakos highlighted that these immigrants “built restaurants, businesses, community centers, and schools named after philosophers who lived 2,500 years before them”. He emphasized that they embraced Canada wholeheartedly while preserving the traditions of their homeland to make Canada richer in the process. The senator listed prominent Greek Canadians who have shaped the nation, including Mike Lazaridis, the founder of Blackberry, Dr. Papageorgiou of the Jewish General Hospital, and baseball executive Alex Anthopoulos.
Expanding on the immense contribution to Canadian society, Senator Housakos detailed the success of the diaspora in various sectors, notably the food industry and public service. He recognized the Mammas brothers who operate major chains like “Milestone, Second Cup, Quesada,” and “Nick Kyprios, who’s very well known on Hockey Night in Canada”. He also paid homage to the political trailblazers who paved the way for the current generation, mentioning “Phil Gigantes, who was appointed in the 1970s by Prime Minister Trudeau” and “Pana Merchant, who was appointed by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien”. He also noted the historic presence of Ioannis Phokas, known as Juan de Fuca, who explored the waters of British Columbia in 1592. This comprehensive list served to illustrate that the Greek community has been integral to Canada’s development from its earliest explorations to its modern digital economy.
Community Leadership Unites in Gratitude
The reaction from the community leadership has been one of immense gratitude and anticipation. The Greek Community of Greater Montreal (HCGM) issued a statement expressing profound emotion as the bill progresses. Basil Angelopoulos, President of the HCGM, praised the advocacy of the opposition leader. He stated that “Senator Housakos, with his long-standing dedication to issues concerning the diaspora, consistently highlights the contribution of Greeks to Canadian society and defends the values and ideals of Hellenism”. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada also voiced its strong support and urged the expedited passage of the legislation. The Archdiocese noted that the community is blessed to have parliamentarians who “advocate for the values and ideals crystallized for humanity on the streets of ancient Athens: respect for democracy; the rule of law; human rights; and, individual freedoms”. They highlighted the successful establishment of Hellenic Heritage Month in Ontario in 2019, a legislative victory secured through the “tireless efforts of MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos”.
As the vision originally championed by MP Annie Koutrakis nears reality in the Senate, the designation of March as Hellenic Heritage Month will provide a formal platform for all Canadians to discover the richness of this heritage. Senator Housakos articulated this sentiment perfectly when he observed that in Canada “there’s no dichotomy” between ethnicities and national allegiance, noting that “We are all Canadians. We just happen to come from different backgrounds but with very similar experiences”. He concluded his remarks by urging his colleagues to “expedite its passage without further delay” as the community has “waited long enough for this acknowledgement”.
Bill S-220 has completed its second reading and is currently under consideration in committee.
