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.