MONTREAL, CANADA – Coast to Coast means up the Northern Coast and beyond the Canadian border, as the Hellenic Greek Community of Montreal (HCGM) celebrated Greek Independence Day. Prior to the parade, a Doxology was held at the Annunciation of Our Lady Church. An array of dignitaries were among the attendees, including Consul General of Greece Nicolaos Sigalas, HCGM President Nicholas Pagonis, the Parade Grand Marshal Senator Leo Housakos, MP (House of Commons) and Liberal Party Leader Justin Trudeau whose father, Pierre, was Prime Minister of Canada, and Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Gerry Sklavounos at the Doxology of the Annunciation of Our Lady and Greek Independence Day, at the HCGM Evangelismos tis Theotokou Church.

A sunny but chilly Jean-Talon Street (named after the first Intendant of the Colony of New France) was filled with onlookers waving the blue and white Greek flag. The Greeks of Montreal have celebrated Greek Independence in grand fashion for more than 40 years.