Fernando Costa – Leader and Innovator
Fernando Costa is a true example of leadership and innovation. After arriving in Canada still a teenager, he dedicated his life to the Portuguese community both professionally and as a volunteer. His accolades include milestones that will forever be etched in the history of the Portuguese presence in Canada.
Shortly after arriving in Canada, Costa began his community involvement by joining the Board of Directors of First Portuguese, the largest Portuguese organization in Toronto at the time. There, he took on various roles, including treasurer and Vice-President. There, he also learned valuable lessons and skills that served him well later in life.
In 1974, he became the first ever Portuguese lawyer in Canada. He practiced law all his life. When asked if he was the lawyer of the Portuguese, he answers with a simple, “I think I was.”
In 1981, he became one of the founding members of the Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business and Professionals, where he also assumed various roles. He was instrumental in organizing large scale events within the organization, thus promoting Portuguese commerce and professional services.
One of his most remarkable contributions came around the turn of the millennium when he joined a restricted group of individuals who worked to persuade Canada Post to issue a stamp honouring Pedro da Silva, a Portuguese Canadian who is regarded as the first mail courier in Canada.
Learn all about Fernando Costa’s story by watching or listening to this special episode of the LusoCanada Podcast.
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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.