Monumentos ao Emigrante and the Portuguese-Canadian Connection
A newly published book by historian Daniel Bastos, Monumentos ao Emigrante – Uma Homenagem à História da Emigração Portuguesa, draws attention to one of the most powerful symbols of modern Portuguese history: the monument to the emigrant. Found across mainland Portugal, Madeira, and the Azores, these monuments honour the sacrifices, hopes, and achievements of those who left in search of a better life, while preserving their bond with their homeland.
The book highlights how these monuments express the emotional and historical depth of emigration through recurring symbols such as the cardboard suitcase, the globe, family figures, and inscriptions that evoke departure, saudade, and belonging. It also underscores the important place of Canada in this story, noting that several monuments across Portugal make explicit reference to Portuguese communities in Canada, especially through inscriptions, flags, and ties to emigrant communities that helped promote or fund them.
For Portuguese Canadians, the subject carries particular meaning. Since the arrival of the Saturnia in Halifax in 1953, Canada has become one of the most important destinations in the Portuguese diaspora. Over the decades, Portuguese immigrants built strong communities, institutions, and cultural traditions that continue to shape the story of Canada itself. In that sense, this book is more than a survey of monuments — it is also a tribute to the enduring presence of the diaspora and to the idea that Portugal extends far beyond its geographic borders.
This historical archive is supported by:
Portuguese Presence in Manitouwadge: A Community Nestled in Northern Ontario
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS WITH POLITICAL REPRESENTATION IN CELEBRATORY YEAR (2003)
The Luso-Canadian Ice Hockey Team that Became Portugal’s Inaugural Opponent
About The Author
Paulo Pereira
Paulo Pereira has worked in community media for over 20 years. He started as a reporter for Sol Portugues. Later, he became Editor of Team Desportivo, Director of Flash News, Director of Jornal da Aliança, Director of Luso-Ontario Magazine, and Editor at Correio da Manha Canada's newspaper. Paulo Pereira is also a co-founder of Associacao Migrante de Barcelos where he volunteered for many years as Secretary and Sporting Director. He also volunteered for Casa do Benfica de Toronto for close to a decade as member of the Board in roles such as Public Relations Director and Vice-President for Sports and Culture. Currently, he is the President of Project First Nations, a not-for-profit organization. In November of 2023, he was elected as a member of the Portuguese Community Council, representing the District of Toronto, which includes Ontario, Manitoba and Nunavut. In 2025, he received the King Charles III Coronation Medal from Canada’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Arif Virani.