Canadan Suomalainen Järjestö

Corporate body

Canadan Suomalainen Järjestö

• Finnish Organization of Canada

• CSJ
• FOC

1911-1971

Canadan Suomalainen Järjestö (CSJ) was founded in 1911. Originally called Canadan Suomalainen Sosialisti Järjestö (CSSJ; Finnish Socialist Organization of Canada.) The CSJ is the oldest nationwide Finnish cultural organization in Canada. CSJ drew in Finnish Canadian immigrants who were associated with the Communist Party of Canada and the Canadian Socialist Federation. The Canadian Socialist Federation later became the Social Democratic Party of Canada (SDP). The CSJ published Finnish newspapers, Työkansa (bankrupt in 1915) and Vapaus (in Sudbury, 1917-1974).

In 1914, the CSJ grew to 65 local branches and over 3,000 members, who mostly were associated with the SDP. During 1915, WWI restrictions partially caused a drop in the CSJ membership to 1,867 members. By 1918, in Order-in-Council PC 2381 and PC 2384, the Canadian federal government prohibited the CSJ and deemed Finnish an “enemy language.” The prohibition caused the CSSJ to become what is now known as the CSJ, and they successfully ended their prohibition. By 1921, the CSJ became integral to the Communist Party, although it shifted towards workers' rights. The Canadian government continued to view the CSJ as a threat. In 1940, the CSJ was prohibited again. By the 1950s the CSJ’s members had dwindled to 36.

In Port Arthur, the Canadan Suomalainen Järjestö was associated with the "Small Finn Hall" at 316 Bay Street. Sanna Kannasto was a key figure in the CSJ's earlier years, as a co-founder and organizer.

Sources

• Wikipedia. Finnish Organization of Canada. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_Organization_of_Canada
• Lakehead University. Canadan Suomalainen Järjestö fonds. https://archives.lakeheadu.ca/index.php/canadan-suomalainen-jarjesto-fonds

Operated in Port Arthur, Ontario.

Authority record created February 16th, 2025.

• English

https://viaf.org/en/viaf/147673981