TORONTO – Important information for the inhabitants of an extremely multi-ethnic city like Toronto must be “constructed” in such a way that it can reach everyone, whatever their origin. Therefore, not only the two official languages of Canada, namely English and French, but also many others, at least those of the main communities.
It is surprising, therefore, that the letter sent to all Toronto taxpayers to remind them of the need to declare whether their home is occupied or not (and therefore pay more or less taxes), was written in many languages except one: Italian.
It is surprising, because, perhaps it is good to remind the City of Toronto, that in this city there are 167,460 people who declare themselves Italian (2021 Statistics Canada census) and that in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) there are a whopping 469 thousand.
Despite these numbers, the letter was written in twelve languages except Italian, and among the languages present there are – in addition to almost all the Asian languages - also Portuguese and Spanish.
The problem was highlighted by one of the readers of Corriere Canadese, the Italian newspaper in Toronto, who showed up today at the editorial office of the ethnic media with the letter received from the City of Toronto: “Important Notice, Action Required”, is the title. And then: “Vacant Home Tax Program: 2024 Declaration of Occupancy Status”. The letter continues in English and in the final part there are eleven summaries of its contents, with valuable indications on what to do to avoid “stings”, each in a different language.
“But Italian is missing – the reader pointed out – and I feel offended, given that we, the Italians, built this city many years ago, when we arrived here”. And how can you blame him?
Below, the letter in twelve languages but not in Italian
