Italian Canadians are an important part of Canada’s multiculturalism and success as a nation. They are businessmen, skilled professionals, innovators in every field, famous athletes, politicians, and people of all ages who continue to contribute in so many ways to making Canada a great place to live, work and play. However, there was a sad time when Italian Canadians were declared “enemy aliens”. During World War II, they were considered to be fascist sympathizers and potential terrorists. Italian Canadians were put under surveillance, and 31,000 were designated as enemy aliens. Of these, about 600 were taken from their families and held in prisons and remote camps, including 74 from Hamilton. The internment had a devastating impact on the internees and their families. On May 27, 2021 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau formally apologized on behalf of the Government of Canada in the House of Commons. The apology is an acknowledgment of the wrongs that were done to the Italian community and honour the families of those who were interned and discriminated against.