The Goggio Lecture Series: Gina Valle - Nov 28, 2024

"Choosing Canada: Why Italians are choosing to move to Canada in the 21st century."

Description:
Italians settled in Canada prior to the WW1 and then once again after WW11. Although we are seeing Italian immigration to Canada in much smaller numbers, why are Italians nonetheless choosing to leave Italy and make Canada their new home?

Join us in the conversation as Gina Valle shares her findings, where she discusses Italians in Canada in the 21st century, their life choices and what surprised them about their new life in the land of maple syrup, hockey, cold weather and multiculturalism. Ultimately, they answer the question: why Canada over Italy? They share their dreams, regrets and future aspirations.

The discussion will take place on Thursday. November 28, 4:15 – 5:15 with a reception to follow.

Gina Valle’s parents were born in a small town in Calabria. Before they were 25 years of age, Domenico and Giuseppa moved to Canada and built a new life. Gina understood the responsibility that came with that decision. After completing her PhD at OISE (University of Toronto), Gina went on to found Diversity Matters where she focuses on making Canada a more equitable society for all. She is a writer, producer, editor, director and educator. She is a past board member of the privy council appointment, The Canadian Race Relations Foundation and the Advisory Council of OMNI-TV. She is a Director at Villa Charities, where she is Chair of Culture. In 2023-2024 Dr. Valle was a Goggia Fellow at the University of Toronto. In 2024 Dr. Valle launched the book, Echoes of Growing up Italian.

In recognition of her work in diversity, Gina is the recipient of the Ordine al Merito, and the Queen‘s Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals from the federal government. Domenico and Giuseppa‘s legacies live on in Gina‘s children.

Gina Valle, PhD can be reached at Diversity-Matters.ca