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 When Florence Lassandro and Emilio Picariello immigrated with their
families to Alberta they were part of a larger strategy in Canada that had,
for many years, enlisted massive immigration as a means to build the nation.
Turn-of-the-century immigration into Alberta was part of this national plan
and accordingly people and families arrived from all parts of Europe. The
Italians came initially in a trickle as early as the 1880s, and in
increasing numbers in the closing years of the 19th century.
 As settlement in Alberta increased and the demand for natural resources
grew, various mining centres in the Rocky Mountains developed and many of
the early immigrants obtained work in the railways, mines and forestry camps
located in the resource-rich area of the Crowsnest Pass. Among these were
many Italian immigrants who initially moved to where the
 work was and to join family and friends.
Towns and communities soon
developed to support the growing population and prospering mines. As the years passed,
the new Canadians prospered and generally moved from being manual labourers
to more responsible positions and to operating independent businesses.
Schools, businesses, churches and mutual aid societies accompanied the
growth as families settled and bonded together, gaining support from each
other and united in their heritage.
 Despite the increase in the Italian population in the Crowsnest Pass,
discrimination and struggles was, nevertheless, a part of daily life.
Adjusting to the realities of a new home meant facing not only employment
limitations, a harsh climate and language barriers, but also discrimination. While anti-foreign sentiment was certainly a
part of the Italian immigration experience in Alberta, the new settlers
coped with overwhelming success, gaining over time a deserved respect from
their broader communities.
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Heritage Community Foundation Presents
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