Michelangelo Guzzardi

Alumni Type: Immigrant
Country of Origin: Italy
Ship Name: Cristoforo Colombo
Port of Entry: Pier 21 - Halifax
Date of Arrival: January 27, 1968
Age on Arrival: 21

Immigration is never an easy choice for anyone. My decision to immigrate to Canada from Catania, Sicily, came after a brief period in Switzerland studying and working as a welder. Economically speaking southern Italy in 1968 was still facing slow growth after World War 2. Many of my maternal uncles had immigrated successfully to Canada (Winnipeg, Manitoba) and they spoke of the opportunities that the country offered. After much reflection, I made the decision to seek out the same opportunities for work, and growth and a more stable future.

In January of 1968 I boarded the Cristoforo Colombo in Messina, Sicily and made my nine-day journey to Canada. As one can imagine, leaving behind your parents, your friends, family members, your culture and your language is both daunting and scary.

I chose to come by boat to Canada, hoping for a journey with some interesting stops along the way. During my trip we made stops in Palermo, Napoli, Genoa, Spain, and even Portugal. On board, there were many Italians on their own immigration journeys to Canada and the United States. I was very thankful to be surrounded by my countrymen and overall, the boat ride was enjoyable with card playing, chatting, and even dancing during recreation time.

On January 27th, 1968 the Cristoforo Colombo docked in Halifax at what I now know as Pier 21. I was struck by the East Coast winter, a very different climate from the balmy Mediterranean that I had left. At that time, I could not even fathom just how much colder Canada was going to get as I made my journey west.

After my immigration paperwork was reviewed, I was on my way to Winnipeg. I boarded a Via Rail train from Halifax to Montreal, with a switch over to Winnipeg. On board the train, I met a few other Italians and I seemed to be the only one making their way to Manitoba. At that time, I knew very little English and so when it was time to order meals, I kept it safe and ordered “Cheese Sandwiches”, one of the few phrases I knew at the time. Imagine Wonder Bread and Yellow American Cheese slices for multiple meals, for several days. To this day the sight of a cheese slice makes me cringe.

After several days on the train, I arrived in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Imagine my shock when I was met by -30 degrees, a temperature I had never experienced in my 21 years. It was clear to my family at the train station that they would need to take me to buy winter clothing, because my wool coat was no match for Manitoba winters.

I stayed with my Uncle John and Aunt Angelina while I settled into Canada. I spent time working and studying English until I could transfer my welding skills over and began working in 1973 for New Flyer Industries.

As life has gone on, I have done many things both personally and professionally. Living in Canada did indeed offer me a great deal of opportunity that I am grateful for.

In 1968 I had no idea if Canada or even if Manitoba would be my forever home, always dreaming of Sicily. Many years have gone by and Canada, Winnipeg specifically is still my home. I have a wonderful wife (Mina) and my two children (Katia and Alessandro). I have experienced many trials, a great deal of hard work, and much joy in Canada throughout the years. However, one thing I can confirm, and family will agree to it, I still haven’t gotten used to Manitoba winters.