Question 2 Apart from the Catholic Church, the most significant social institution among Italian Canadians has been the extended family. True. In immigrating to Canada, Italians brought with them a strong belief in the importance of family. Based on traditional Italian values, each family member acts for betterment of the whole family rather than for his or her individual interest. And in cities where Italians have settled in sufficient numbers, ethnic neighbourhoods have been created. These "Little Italys," with their distinctive shops, restaurants, clubs and churches are easily recognizable. But rather than developing into ghettos, segregated from the rest of society, they instead are welcoming and enriching of the larger community. Next Top of Page