Dimitris Katsaounis, who moved to Canada with his family during Greece’s economic crisis in the previous decade, spoke about Montreal’s Greek community, Greek schools, conditions in Canada and efforts to strengthen the country’s trade and economic ties with the European Union. He joined Dimitris Kontogiannis on the Voice of Greece program “Our Global Voice.”
Katsaounis, who works for a major telecommunications company and specializes in artificial intelligence, said that more than 1,000 children attend the five branches of Montreal’s Greek school. Some continue their studies at the city’s only Greek high school, which has operated for the past six or seven years with funding from parents’ tuition fees.
He called for closer ties between young people in the Greek community and Greece. He suggested programs combining vacations with visits to the monuments and historic sites they learn about at school, as well as cultural exchanges, such as sending exhibits from Greek museums to Canada. The community would also like more teachers to be sent from Greece, a request it raised with Education Minister Zaharaki during her recent visit to Montreal.
Turning to Canada’s economy and society, Katsaounis said that difficulties in trade relations with the United States have contributed to rising inflation and unemployment in sectors affected by U.S. tariffs. He said the government, with the support of other political leaders, is seeking closer economic ties with the EU, though such a shift will take time.
Asked what advice he would give a Greek family considering a move to Canada, Katsaounis stressed the importance of knowing the language well, being prepared for the harsh weather and having patience during the first years while learning how the local job market works.