The history of Bosnian arrivals to Canada, however, dates back to as far as the 19th century. The 1891 Canadian census recorded two individuals from Bosnia and Herzegovina living in Canada. The census records show that they were both men, working as laborers in Ontario.
World War II While there were no specific Bosnian-Canadian military units during World War II, many Bosnian-Canadians served in the Canadian armed forces and contributed to the war effort. Some of them may have also been involved in resistance movements in Bosnia and Herzegovina against the Independent State of Croatia. At the same time, Bosnian-Canadians also faced discrimination and suspicion during the war due to their origins, and some of them were even interned, similarly to what happened during World War I. For example, in 1940, over 100 Bosnian Muslim men were interned in a camp in
Petawawa, Ontario, alongside other enemy "aliens". After the war, a small number of Bosnian-Canadians who had fought with the Yugoslav Partisans against the NDH returned to Bosnia and Herzegovina to help rebuild the country. However, most Bosnian-Canadians remained in Canada and continued to build their lives there. In addition to their military service, Bosnian-Canadians also contributed to the war effort in other ways. For example, some worked in factories that produced war materials, such as ammunition and aircraft parts. Others worked in agriculture, helping to produce food for Canadian troops and civilians. Despite their contributions, some Bosnian-Canadians also faced discrimination and suspicion during the war due to their origins.
Cold War After World War II, Canada opened its doors to many displaced persons and refugees from war-torn Europe, including Bosnia and Herzegovina. Between 1945 and 1950, approximately 3,000 Yugoslav refugees, including Bosnians, came to Canada as part of the government-assisted immigration program. Many settled in cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. During the Cold War, tensions between the Western powers and the Soviet Union affected Bosnian-Canadians, as well as other immigrant communities in Canada. Some Bosnian-Canadians who had left Yugoslavia after the war were seen as potential spies or communist sympathizers by Canadian authorities, leading to surveillance and suspicion. The Cold War also affected the Bosnian diaspora in other ways, such as limiting travel and communication with relatives and friends in Yugoslavia. This program was in addition to regular immigration programs and allowed many Bosnian-Canadians to reunite with family members who had been displaced by the war. During the war, Bosnian-Canadians were active in raising awareness and funds for humanitarian aid to Bosnia and Herzegovina. They organized demonstrations, rallies, and fundraising events to support those affected by the conflict. The Bosnian-Canadian community also worked to provide support to refugees who arrived in Canada, helping them to find housing, employment, and access to social services.
Contemporary Bosnian Canadians continue to be an active and vibrant community within Canada. According to the 2016 Canadian Census, there were over 38,000 people in Canada who identified as having Bosnian ancestry. In addition to their contributions to Canadian society, Bosnian Canadians continue to maintain strong ties to their homeland. Many Bosnian Canadians support humanitarian efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and some have even returned to the country to help rebuild and contribute to its development. The largest Bosnian organisation in Canada is the Congress of North American Bosniaks. ==Religion==