Slovene Canadians
Slovene Canadians are Canadian citizens of Slovene descent or Slovenian - born people who reside in Canada.
The first Slovenes came to Canada in the early 1900s. The second generation of Slovenes came as refugees after the second world war. The third generation of Slovenes came in the 1960s for economic reasons. Currently, Slovenes continue to visit Canada and some continue to emigrate. Most of the emigration moves to Ontario where the community is largest.
According to the Canadian population census from 1991, 8,050 persons defined themselves as Slovenes by descent. In 2006, this number increased to 35,935 persons. According to unofficial data, between 40,000 and 50,000 Slovenes live in Canada.
The Slovene community in Canada is alive and well organized. It is a diverse community, but fairly united in the work to preserve national identity, cultural tradition and language. There are a number of Slovene Associations and Groups across Canada. There are three Slovene churches in Toronto, Hamilton and Montreal.
Geographical distribution
Religion
Notable Slovene Canadians
- Alojzij Ambrožič - Catholic priest
- Lolita Davidovich - actress
- Sabrina Grdevich - actress
- Bill Hajt - ice hockey player
- John Jakopin - ice hockey player
- Ed Kastelic - ice hockey player
- Greg Kuznik - ice hockey player
- Dean Malkoc - ice hockey player
- Joe Mihevc - politician
- Walter Ostanek - accordion musician
- Kevin Pangos - basketball player
- Nic Petan - ice hockey player
- John Smrke - ice hockey player
- Stan Smrke - ice hockey player
- Steve Bozek - ice hockey player
- Tina Srebotnjak - television journalist
- Matt Stajan - ice hockey player
- Elvis Stojko - figure skater
- Walter Wolf - businessman
- Tanya Fir - politician