Encyclopedia Canadiana 1960 Volume
No 6
Macedonia Origin, People Of.
As early as 1896 à few
young Bulgaro-Macedonian peasants left the
Regions of Kastoria and Florina south
Macedonia and migrated t6 Canada, to escape from
Turkish oppression and extreme' poverty. Òhåó were followed . during the next decade Üó only scattered individuals:] But
in the tempestuous aftermath of the Macedonian revolt against the
Ottoman rulers in 1903, large-scale emigrations to Ontario began. Over 6000
Bulgaro-Macedonians, mostly men, had reached Canada at the
commencement of the First
World War, when àll
migration was interrupted.
These pioneers were
mostly the heads of families who wished to establish themselves in jobs and
homes in the new country before bringing their families. Women and children
moved steadily to Canada after the war and
throughout the 1920's, until the economic collapse of 1929 slowed their
progress. Òhåó continued to ñîmå in varying numbers right èð to
the outbreak of the Second World War - from Greece, Yugoslavia and Bulgaria.
Òhå guerrilla
warfare that kept Greek Macedonia in à ferment long after the 1945 termination
of the conflict in Europe was instrumental in accelerating
à new movement of Macedonians to Canada. It is estimated
that upwards of 4000 left the upper valleys of Macedonia after 1947,
swelling to 16,000 the total number of Macedonians established in Canada, principally in
and around Toronto.
Despite à nearly
total ignorance of the English language the early immigrants quickly adapted
Themselves to life
in Canada. Òhå majority of
them, accustomed to hard manual work, were immediately employed as
general labourers, in construction work, or in the meat-packing industry. Because
they led à fãègàl life they were able to save rapidly the necessary sums
that allowed them to return to their families in Macedonia for à few months.
Up to 1915 they were very transient, some crossing the ocean as many as 20
times. Òhå travel prohibitions of the First World War and their well-paid work
in war plants did òèñh to settle them, however. Òhåó saved their
earnings and invested them in small business. Many of the more enterprising
among them opened restaurants, groceries and butcher shops, the greater number
of which have prospered with the passing years. It is àï interesting fact that
over half the present restaurants in Toronto are owned by
Macedonians and their families. Âó their diligence and thrift they Have
steadily risen from the position of unskilled workers to that of thriving
businessmen. Many of their children have received à university education.
In Toronto there are two
Bulgaro-Macedonian Orthodox churches and à considerable number of Macedonians
attends the Greek church.There are numerous social or community organizations.
Åõcept in business, the older generation has few contacts with Canadian
families. Òhå younger
. generation, however, as à result of its Canadian schooling, tends to
lose its mother tongue and to become part of the larger Canadian community.
ASEN BALIKCI
Encyclopaedia Canadiana 1960 Volume No 6