Good morning, everyone. I am so pleased to rise today for third reading of Bill 81, the Croatian Heritage Day Act, an act to proclaim May 30 as Croatian Heritage Day right here in Ontario.

Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes the remarkable contributions of Ontarians of Croatian descent, as well as the values they bring and the important role they played in shaping the identity of Ontario. For over a century, thousands of Croatians have called Ontario home. Today, Ontario is home to over 100,000 people of Croatian descent—the largest Croatian population in Canada.

In efforts to escape the oppression of the Communist regime, Croatian immigrants began arriving in Ontario in the 1920s seeking a better life. In every corner of the province, Croatian Canadians have helped build Ontario. They worked in steel mills in Hamilton and Sault Ste. Marie. They worked in the mines in northern Ontario. They worked in the shipyards in Port Credit. They worked in fruit orchards and construction sites across Ontario. They have helped build this province into the economic powerhouse it is today, while building vibrant communities across the province, including in my community of Hamilton.

Mr. Speaker, Canadians of Croatian descent have been committed to maintaining their culture, heritage and traditions, but they have also been open to our Canadian culture and traditions as well. The great Canadian game of hockey welcomed Frank and Peter Mahovlich from Timmins. Frank played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and was part of the 1966-67 team that won the Stanley Cup. Now, I grew up in Sudbury—and I’m very old—and I remember collecting stamps for the Esso books, and the Mahovlich brothers were a big part of those books—they were key players. In fact, Frank was named one of the 100 greatest NHL players of all time.

The Mahovlich brothers were not the only athletes of Croatian descent who excelled in their preferred sport. Football, figure skating and boxing saw many Ontario Croatians reach global success. But, Speaker, it was soccer that was clearly their passionate sport. Soccer is an important part of the fabric of the Croatian community. When immigrants arrived in Canada, they quickly established soccer clubs to stay connected and share the love of the game with anyone who wanted to join. Today, Ontario has 12 clubs that are members of the Croatian National Soccer Federation of Canada and USA.

The game of soccer is what inspired the establishment of the Croatian Sports and Community Centre of Hamilton, also known as Croatia Hamilton. The organization was established to promote soccer, as well as provide a clubhouse and other conveniences for the use, enjoyment and relaxation of members. The club was also developed to promote Croatian dance, music, literature and all other forms of Croatian culture for the benefit of its members and their families. Today, the sports centre has become a social hub for the Croatian community in Hamilton, offering a wide range of sports and recreational programs to keep people active and connected.

The following excerpt from a book printed in 1966 can help explain Croatia Hamilton’s beginnings, hinting at the passion, the patriotism and national pride that the club was born out of and continues to boast today:

“The Sports Club Croatia Hamilton, Ontario, was established in 1957. Due to some technical and organizational difficulties it stopped operating in 1960 but was reinstated in 1962. After the reorganization, Croatia Hamilton, the men’s soccer team under the guidance of head coach Stjepan Stankovic, became a member of the Inter-City League.

“On the field, its technical and skilled performances earned the club success. In the early years the team flourished and garnered respect from every opponent. With each passing year Croatia Hamilton was regarded as one of the best organizations in the city.

“Not only was Croatia Hamilton established to work” to promote “the athletic development of Croatians in Hamilton, but the organization also committed resources to” promote “a Croatian national identity in a fight for a sovereign Republic of Croatia.”

The club’s fight for sovereignty continued into the 1990s, supporting Croatia morally and financially in the defence of the homeland during the country’s war for freedom. The club gave more than $100,000 to Croatia for various causes, such as sponsoring Croatian orphans whose parents’ lives were lost defending their native soil.

The following statement was provided by Jason Grbavac and the Croatian Sports and Community Centre of Hamilton when asked about what the passing of this bill would mean to their organization:

“This proposed bill means a great deal to not only myself as a proud child of Croatians who left their beloved Croatia for a better life over 50 years ago, but also this bill is highly significant to the many Canadian Croatians living in Ontario who work tirelessly as volunteers to promote and preserve their Croatian identity.

“As a member of the executive committee of our Croatian Community Centre in Hamilton, I can assure you that this bill holds immense importance for every member of our organization. We have been in existence since 1957 with the purpose of promoting sports and Croatian culture for the benefit of the broader community, which now also includes active participation from non-Croatians in the area.

“Hamilton Croatia is proud to be a place that unites and fosters a strong sense of identity and belonging for Croatians and friends of the Croatian community in Ontario.

“I have two children,” Jason said, “who turn 11 and 9 this year, and like so many others, this next generation is actively involved in many of these programs to carry on the important traditions and community relationships that are formed in community centres like Hamilton Croatia.”

Another significant organization in Hamilton which supports the Croatian culture and heritage is the Croatian National Home. In the decade prior to the First World War, Croats migrated from New York to Ontario in search of work. Many established a permanent settlement in the Niagara Peninsula. Records of the audit committee of the Croatian National Home state that five or six Croatian families had settled in Hamilton by 1918.Mr. Speaker, by 1928, a large wave of Croats moved to Hamilton, ultimately settling in the neighbourhood surrounding Beach Road. A large percentage of these settlers were men, either single or who were forced to leave their families temporarily behind in Croatia. A desire grew among these men for a place where they could congregate and socialize. These early immigrants founded Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 644, but they did not have a location to call home. So, they decided to build a community centre which later became the Croatian National Home, or, for many, the “Dom” or the “Hall.” This became the very first Croatian National Home in Canada.

The story of the Croatian National Home is just one of many examples of the strong Croatian culture here in Canada. Under the great leadership of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, Canada was among the first group of nations to recognize an independent Croatia, leading our allies—including the US and UK—in extending recognition as well. As allies and members of NATO, Canadian and Croatian troops have served alongside each other on missions in Afghanistan and Kosovo to advance peace and human rights.

While bringing this bill forward, I have had the opportunity to work alongside Ante Jović, Croatian consul general. Ante has been an incredible force in the advancement of the Croatian Heritage Day Act. I asked the consul general to share what the passing of this bill would mean to him and the Croatian community of Ontario, and he shared the following:

“Croatians in Ontario have woven a vibrant tapestry of contributions, enriching the province with their diverse talents, steadfast work ethic, and rich cultural heritage. For over a century, Croatian immigrants have played an important role in Ontario’s development and prosperity. From arts and sciences to business, sports, and community service, Croatians have left an indelible mark, exemplifying excellence in various fields. The vibrant Croatian culture and traditions have brought colour and vitality to Ontario’s communities, contributing to the province’s cultural mosaic. Through their commitment to their new home, Croatians have become integral members of Canadian society, embodying the values of resilience, integrity, and community spirit. Their contributions to Ontario’s social, cultural, and economic fabric continue to be celebrated and cherished, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of Croatians in the province.

“As Croatian consul general, I am profoundly proud of the Croatian community in Ontario. The Croatian Heritage Day is a momentous occasion, one that not only recognizes the rich cultural tapestry and identity of Croatians in Ontario but also celebrates their enduring legacy and invaluable contributions to the province. It is a privilege to witness this recognition of the Croatian community’s achievements, and I am filled with pride as the Croatian community embarks on a new chapter of their Canadian story.”

To reiterate, Madam Speaker, I brought this bill forward because I believe all Ontarians can benefit from acknowledging and celebrating all that Croatian Ontarians have done to enrich our society. With the passage of this bill, Croatian Heritage Day will allow all Ontarians to become more familiar with the culture, heritage, traditions and contributions of Croatian Canadians. It is my hope that each year on May 30, Ontarians will mark Croatian Heritage Day by celebrating and giving thanks for the important role Croatian Ontarians have had in promoting multiculturalism, building our province, growing our economy and making our country proud on the world stage.

Today, we gather in the Legislature to celebrate the rich tapestry of Ontario’s cultural diversity and pay tribute to one of the most vibrant communities: Canadians of Croatian heritage.

First and foremost, recognizing Croatian Heritage Day acknowledges the rich history and traditions of Croatian people. From their vibrant folk music and dances to the delicious cuisine and intricate crafts, Croatians have a unique cultural heritage that deserves to be honoured and celebrated.

Furthermore, the Croatian community in Ontario has played an integral role in shaping our province’s identity. Through their hard work, entrepreneurship and cultural initiatives, Croatian Canadians have enriched our society in countless ways. They have excelled in various fields, including business, academia, sports and arts, leaving a remarkable impression on Ontario’s history and heritage.

Imagine, if you will, the resilience and determination of those Croatian immigrants who arrived in Ontario in the 1920s, fleeing the shackles of oppression under the Communist regime. They sought not only refuge, but also the promise of a better life. Today, Ontario stands as a testament to their perseverance, home to over 100,000 proud individuals of Croatian descent, the largest Croatian population in Canada.

Among them, we find shining examples of success and achievement that inspire all of us. Consider the story of Robert Herjavec, a true embodiment of the Canadian dream. From humble beginnings, he rose to prominence as an investor on Dragons’ Den and Shark Tank, proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Or reflect on the contributions of scientists like Asaf Durakovic, whose expertise in nuclear and radiation medicine has advanced our understanding of health and safety.

Yet it is not just in the realms of business and science that Ontarians of Croatian heritage excel. Athleticism runs deep in the Croatian identity, producing world-class athletes who have proudly represented Ontario on the global stage. Take, for instance, the legendary boxer George Chuvalo, a five-time Canadian heavyweight champion renowned for his unparalleled resilience in the ring, facing off against some of the greatest fighters of his time without ever tasting defeat.

And let us not forget the Mahovlich brothers, Frank and Peter, whose storied careers in the NHL culminated in Stanley Cup victories, bringing glory to their hometown of Timmins and to Ontario as a whole. From figure skaters Sandra and Val Bezic to football standout Tony Mandarich, Ontarians of Croatian descent have left, in very remarkable ways, a mark on the sporting world, embodying the spirit of determination and excellence.

But beyond individual achievements, the Croatian community has played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of Ontario. Their values of hard work, resilience and community have helped build our province into a beacon of opportunity and inclusivity.

Celebrating Croatian Heritage Day is not just about paying homage to the past. It’s also about fostering unity and understanding in our multicultural society. By recognizing the contributions of Croatian Canadians, we promote inclusivity and abbreviation for the diverse tapestry of cultures that make up our province. By proclaiming May 30 as Croatian Heritage Day, the province of Ontario acknowledges not only the remarkable contributions of Ontarians of Croatian descent, but also the values they embody—values that continue to enrich our province and strengthen our collective identity.

In recognizing Croatian Heritage Day, we honour the past, celebrate the present and embrace the future—a future where diversity is not just celebrated, but cherished as the cornerstone of our strength and resilience as a province. Moreover, establishing Croatian Heritage Day serves as an opportunity to strengthen ties between Ontario and Croatia. It provides a platform of culture exchange, collaboration and dialogue between our two nations, fostering goodwill and mutual understanding.

In addition, celebrating Croatian Heritage Day can boost tourism and cultural awareness in Ontario. It offers residents and visitors alike the chances to learn about Croatian history, traditions and customs through festivals, exhibitions and educational programs. This is not only promoting cultural diversity, but it also simulates economic growth and great opportunities for local businesses and artisans.

As I prepared this special tribute to their contribution in Canada, I am deeply encouraged. As a Chinese immigrant—I came from Hong Kong—what they have achieved is really contributing to a lot. That sets a great example for all of us, and they are our role models.

Lastly, honouring Croatian Heritage Day demonstrates Ontario’s commitment to preserving and promoting cultural heritage for future generations. By officially recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Croatian Canadians, we send a powerful message of respect, inclusion and appreciation of all cultures within our society.

In conclusion, I urge you all to support the establishment of Croatian Heritage Day in Ontario. Let us come together to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Croatian community, promote diversity and inclusivity and strengthen the bonds of friendship between Canada and Croatia.

Let us stand together hand in hand as we pay homage to the rich cultural mosaic that is Ontario and reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

First of all, I would like to welcome the Croatian community here to Queen’s Park today. Thank you for being here. It is my honour to speak again about this great bill that my friend the member for Flamborough–Glanbrook has introduced. I want to thank her for bringing this forward and for the opportunity to speak in support of this bill, which would proclaim Croatian Heritage Day each year on May 30.

Ontario is a dynamic and thriving multicultural community. People are coming here from across the world. As you stroll down the streets in my riding of Mississauga–Lakeshore, you will see many diverse smiles, hear various languages and smell the aroma of delicious international cuisines. As our population increases, our economy, culture and society grows. It is vital to recognize the great contributions of new Canadians to our community.

Croatians have a proud history here in Ontario dating back to the 1920s, when they immigrated looking for a better life. They are well known for their commitment to serve humanity and create a robust community. The business sector has seen some of the most remarkable contributions from Croatian immigrants, notably in information technology, hospitality, construction and manufacturing. A large number of the first Croatian immigrants found employment in my riding at the Port Credit brickyard, which later evolved into the Texaco refinery, where my father worked for 30 years and, and in its current state now, the Brightwater development in my great riding of Mississauga–Lakeshore. They helped to produce more than 15,000 bricks every day to use in construction projects across the region, including my family’s home, which is directly across the street from the old brickyard and now is recognized as a heritage property by the Ontario Heritage Act.

At first, Croatian immigrants working at the brickyard were mostly male, but then women began to immigrate to Mississauga to join their husbands. These women only had letters that their husbands had sent them to rely on for information about their new home here in Canada.

While every Croatian came to Canada with a willingness to work extremely hard, women faced more barriers than men. The 1930s saw Croatian women move into semi-skilled labour positions, and from there, they set off to new positions. A page had turned in the history of Croatian women here in Canada. They were no longer only wives or domestic workers. During the Second World War, some went to work in the small arms building in Lakeview, manufacturing guns that were critical to the war that Canada was in during the Second World War.

Madam Speaker, in closing, I want to thank my friend who introduced this bill. I also want to thank the consul general from the Republic of Croatia here in Mississauga, Ante Jović, for his support, because without him we would not have been able to do this bill here today. So I want to thank you for that.

As well, I can’t wait to celebrate Croatian Heritage Day on May 30. Thank you. And thank you to the Croatian community that I was brought up with.

It’s an honour to stand before you today and advocate for the establishment of Croatian Heritage Day in Ontario to be celebrated annually on May 30. I believe all members will agree that Ontario should take the time to commemorate the cultural heritage, the achievements and contributions of Croatians to our province and beyond.

Croatian Heritage Day would not only serve as a celebration of Croatian culture but also as a recognition of the rich tapestry of diversity that makes Ontario such a vibrant and inclusive place to live. It would be a day to honour the achievements of Croatian Canadians in various fields—arts, sciences, sports, business, politics—highlighting their positive impact and contributions to our society.

The Croatian community has a long and proud history in Ontario, dating back over 100 years when the first Croatian immigrants arrived on Canadian shores. Since then, Croatians have played a significant role in shaping the cultural, social and economic fabric of our province, contributing their talents, their traditions and values to the mosaic of Ontario’s identity.

By establishing Croatian Heritage Day in Ontario, we would not only pay tribute to the contributions of Croatian Canadians, but it would also be a day to celebrate the shared values of respect and solidarity that unite us all as Ontarians, regardless of background or heritage.

Furthermore, the Croatian Heritage Day will provide an opportunity for all Ontarians to learn more about Croatian culture, history and traditions, fostering a greater appreciation and understanding among different communities. It would be a day of cultural exchange, dialogue and friendship, strengthening the bonds of unity and harmony that make Ontario such a great place to live.

Speaker, I was fortunate enough to visit Croatia on a number of occasions as a member of the Canadian Forces—Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik—and I was always struck by the elegance, by the beauty, by the art and culture that I saw everywhere. It inspired me so much that my husband and I went back for a 10-day holiday, and we loved it. I would highly recommend anyone who ever has that opportunity to do that. Time and time again, we were struck by the beauty of its landscapes, the friendliness of its people, the elegance of its food and its art and its architecture. They have so much to offer, and I wanted to say thank you to the people of Croatian heritage for sharing that with us. How lucky are we that you have chosen to share that grand heritage and culture and art with the people of Ontario?

In conclusion, I heartily support Bill 81 to officially recognize May 30 as Croatian Heritage Day in our province. Let us come together to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Croatian community and reaffirm our commitment to each other. Together, we will celebrate Croatian heritage and history and we will celebrate a vibrant Ontario for future generations.

It is a pleasure to rise on behalf of the resident of Simcoe–Grey this morning to join the debate on Bill 81, an act to proclaim May 30 each year as Croatian Heritage Day. I want to congratulate my colleague from Flamborough–Glanbrook on bringing this private member’s bill forward and thank you for the opportunity to join the debate this morning.

Diversity makes us stronger, and the opportunity to celebrate that diversity and recognize the important ways that other cultures and their heritage enrich our province to make us a stronger and more inclusive and more resilient society is worth celebrating and is the reason for this bill.

Following the defeat and dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire after the First World War, the southern Slav people formed a new kingdom which included historic Croatian lands. It was known initially as the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes and, in 1929, changed its name to Yugoslavia, which translates to “the land of the South Slavs.”

As noted in the preamble to the bill, Croatian immigrants escaping the oppression of the Communist regime began arriving in Ontario in the 1920s, seeking a better life. They worked in steel mills in Hamilton and Sault Ste. Marie, in mines in northern Ontario and on construction sites across Ontario, and I know they worked in the Collingwood shipyards as well.

They established vibrant communities across the province including Windsor, Welland, Hamilton, Mississauga, Toronto, and further north in Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie. Today, Ontario is home to over 100,000 people of Croatian descent, the largest Croatian population in Canada, and the contributions of Ontarians of Croatian descent have been numerous.

Moreover, athleticism is an important part of the Croatian identity. As an aging athlete, I am a great believer in the saying that life imitates sport so I would like to focus my comments this morning on the great Croatian Canadian athletes that many of us grew up cheering for as they competed in Canada and for Canada. They entertained us, they represented us with distinction, and they made us proud to be Canadians.

The Mahovlich brothers, Frank and Peter, have Croatian parents and are National Hockey League legends. Frank, also known as the “Big M,” joined the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1957, winning the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year and he won four cups with the Maple Leafs in 1962, 1963, 1964 and 1966.

Frank also won two Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens in 1971 and 1973. Frank’s younger brother, Peter, known as “Little M,” even though he towered over his older brother, won four Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens, two with his brother and two more after Frank had been traded, in 1976 and 1977.

Peter joined his brother Frank on Team Canada for the memorable Summit Series against the Soviet Union in 1972, and the two brothers were key contributors to that historic victory, which has come, really, to be a watershed moment in Canada’s hockey history.

There are few hockey fans who watched that series who cannot recall in great detail where they were when Paul Henderson scored the winning goal in game 8 with 34 seconds left in regulation time. And the Mahovlich brothers are just one of numerous accomplished sibling duos of Croatian descent to embrace what for many Canadians is our national game, hockey, and to play in the NHL.

The Pavelich brothers were skating in the NHL before the Mahovlich brothers had ever put on skates, and their careers spanned four decades, from the 1940s to the 1970s. Older brother Marty played 10 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings during their heyday and was a member of four Stanley Cup teams with the Red Wings, in 1950, 1952, 1954 and 1955.

Marty’s younger brother, Matt, debuted in the NHL in 1956 as a linesman and retired 23 years later, in 1979, after working 1,727 regular season games, 245 playoff games and seven Stanley Cup finals. In 1987, Matt was the first linesman ever to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

And there were the Sakic brothers, Joe and Brian, another dynamic Croatian brother duo. Joe Sakic won two Stanley Cups with the Colorado Avalanche as a player in 1996 and 2001 and another as the Avalanche general manager in 2022—only the second player to do that with his own organization. Joe was also a key member of Team Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, where Canada won gold. And we all know the famous story of the loonie under centre ice.

Brother Brian was drafted by the Washington Capitals in 1990, but never played in the NHL. He played professional hockey in the Western Hockey League and had his jersey number retired by the Tri-City Americans, with whom he set WHL records for career assists and points.

And there are the Kordic brothers, John and Dan. They are the fourth sibling duo with Croatian heritage to play in the NHL. John played in the NHL for seven seasons and won a Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens in 1986, and his brother, Dan, played for the Philadelphia Flyers for over five seasons.

There are, of course, other Croatian Canadian NHLers who have won the Stanley Cup, such as Cory Sarich, but these four brother duos are unique, not just because of their Croatian heritage but also because they won a total of 18 Stanley Cups between them—a truly remarkable feat. As new Canadians, they embraced our national sport, they excelled beyond all expectations and they made a place for themselves in our hockey lore.

Continuing with the siblings theme, Sandra and Val Bezic are another example of a Croatian sibling duo that excelled on the ice beyond all expectations as pair figure skaters. Sandra and Val were Canadian champions five times, from 1970 to 1974 inclusive, and placed a very respectable ninth at the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan.

Speaker, the name of George Chuvalo, which has been mentioned previously, is another Canadian sports legend with Croatian heritage, and he’s very well known to sports fans in Canada and around the world. He was Canada’s heavyweight champion for 20 years and a two-time world heavyweight title challenger. George fought many of the heavyweight greats, including Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier and George Foreman. He had 93 professional bouts and is famous for never being knocked down in his entire career.

Tragically, George faced his biggest losses outside the ring as he lost three sons and his wife to addictions and mental health struggles. Speaker, he faced those losses head-on, speaking candidly and openly about his family’s mental health struggles long before it was mainstream. He was perseverance and determination personified, both in and outside the ring, and for that, he won the admiration of Canadians everywhere.

I’d like to use my remaining time just to speak about my personal connection with Croatia and, in particular, Zagreb, the capital and largest city in Croatia. During my time on the Canadian rowing team, I had the great pleasure to race in Zagreb in 1987 at the world student games. I was a member of the coxed four. It is a beautiful 13th-century city, surrounded by pastoral countryside, and it had a state-of-the-art rowing course, perhaps one of the best courses I raced on in my time racing internationally. The final was a hard-fought and closely contested race that saw us finish third, within a second of the Italians and less than a second ahead of the Yugoslavian crew.

That, Madam Speaker, is an important note, because during my time on the national rowing team, one of the things that I got to witness first-hand was geopolitical shifts and changes in our world. We saw the coming down of the Berlin Wall. In 1988, I raced against the East and West German crews; in 1990, I raced against the unified Germany. In 1988, I raced against the Yugoslavian crew, that same crew that we raced in 1987, and I’m sad to say, they beat us that race. Then, in 1992, I raced against Croatia and Slovenia as separate nations, after Yugoslavia broke up during the Bosnian War.

Having a first-hand seat to those changes internationally gave me an understanding and appreciation not only for the athletes, but for the heritage and the places they came from. It’s a shifting world and we need to take time out to celebrate our heritage communally and collectively, and this is such a great opportunity in this House this morning to do that.

Today, the Croatian rowing program is thriving, and, once again, a sibling duo is their top crew, with back-to-back Olympic gold medals in two different events. Martin and Valent Sinković won gold in the men’s heavyweight double at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and, four years later, won gold in the men’s heavyweight pair at the 2021 Tokyo games. Interestingly, this is only the second time in Olympic history that this feat has been accomplished. I’m very proud to say that Canada’s own Kathleen Heddle and Marnie McBean, my teammates in 1992, were the first ever to accomplish this feat, winning gold in the women’s heavyweight pair in Barcelona in 1992, where they also won gold as members of the Canadian women’s eight, and four years later, they won in the women’s heavyweight double at the Atlanta games in 1996.

My last connection to Yugoslavia is my coach, Boris Klavora, he himself an Olympian rower who represented Yugoslavia in the heavyweight eight at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. To me, I think Boris really represents the spirit of Yugoslavia and Croatia. He is determined and analytical, with an infinite capacity to challenge himself fearlessly and relentlessly. Indeed, it is these traits that make our Croatian Canadians such accomplished athletes and valued members of our communities across the province, and it is just one of the many ways our Croatian communities make Ontario stronger, more inclusive and more resilient.

That is why I will be supporting Bill 81.