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Jan.23,2005 -Jan.30,2005 |
New Problems for an Old Community
COSTI celebrates 50 years of helping nearly 40,000 Italian immigrants in Toronto
By Niccoló Marras
Originally Published: 2003-12-07
After 50 years of activity, COSTI is trying to assess and address new problems that confront the Italian-Canadian community: violence against women, alcohol, illegal drugs, marriage break-ups, and an aging population.
The community has integrated and become well-off or even rich, as well as politically important and successful. It does not live the tragedy of emigration any more, as next to nobody arrives from Italy these days. These issues were highlighted by COSTI President Bruno Suppa and MP Maria Minna in an interview to Tandem.
"In the past, COSTI was characterized," declared Suppa, "as the reaction of some Italians to the problems of immigration, and a way to satisfy the needs of those who arrived from Italy."
What about the present?
"Nowadays the situation has changed. In 1970 COSTI opened up to all the communities. Very few people come from Italy any more, so we need to cope with the problems of those who arrived in the past; that's why we created a 'family centre' for the Italians."
What are these problems?
"Violence against women, alcohol, illicit drugs, and marriage break-ups. In particular, the centre addresses the needs of abused women with several services, comprising five social workers, a psychologist and a psychiatrist."
What about the seniors?
"The needs of Italian-Canadians have changed, as next to nobody arrives from Italy nowadays. Now our problems are home grown and concern seniors. These were the youth of yesteryear, the first who immigrated to Canada. They've grown old and need so many things. Assistance in general, but also culture and English language."
What are you doing in Ottawa about this assistance?
"I'm working on a bill that would raise the Old Age Security, because these seniors need money to pay for drugs, rents, or home expenses. However, they especially need services. That's why I would like to create seniors centres, apartment buildings where seniors can have their private homes and at the same time people who care for them, doing the shopping, cleaning, supplying healthcare, and so on."
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