With the official launch scheduled for June 2025, during Portuguese Heritage and Cultural Heritage Month in Canada, Luso Connect appears as a “vision to connect the various Portuguese-Canadian communities, from coast to coast, and the generations that make them up, ” Paulo Rocha told the Lusa.

Born in Aveiro, this Portuguese-Canadian arrived in Canada in 1972 and highlights the creation of a digital space that “captures the diversity and vivacity of the Portuguese-Canadian experience, whether through business highlights, cultural events or personal stories that often remain without the deserved prominence”.

The idea for Luso Connect was born in 2019 or 2020 when Rocha presented it to several community organisations, but the project was not accepted. Determined to realise this vision, Paulo Rocha then decided to lead the initiative, turning the dream into reality.

The mortgage agent and information technology specialist highlights that Luso Connect goes beyond a simple directory, aspiring to be an “interactive and dynamic space where Portuguese culture and heritage are celebrated”.

The platform has several sections dedicated to promoting Portuguese-Canadian identity. In the “Vozes Lusas (Luso Voices)” section, for example, podcasts, blogs and videos that explore cultural themes and contemporary issues will be shared. “We want to bring the community closer to the ideas and experiences that shape our identity,” says Rocha.

The “Rising Stars” section aims to give visibility to young talent, while “Portuguese Youth” explores interests and trends among young people, from technology and fashion to sport and education.

“We want to highlight the voices of tomorrow, who are already expanding our heritage in Canada,” he adds.

Another area, “Foco da Comunidadde (Community in Focus)”, pays homage to everyday Portuguese-Canadians, “those who really are the backbone of society”.

Sections such as “Inspiring Excellence”, which celebrates Portuguese-Canadians outstanding in their fields, and “Pioneers & Leaders”, dedicated to influential figures, complete the platform's offering.

Developing Luso Connect was a challenge, especially in creating a directory that was dynamic and visually attractive.

“I didn’t want it to be just a list of names and contacts,” he explains. Thus, Luso Connect includes an advanced search system and a review feature, allowing the community itself to help guide the platform.

New features

With the aim of continuing to grow and evolve, Paulo Rocha has already outlined new features for Luso Connect, which will further strengthen ties between the Portuguese-Canadian community.

A real estate section will allow the purchase and sale of properties in Canada and Portugal, while an area dedicated to employment will offer a space to advertise job opportunities.

Additionally, the community marketplace, similar to Facebook Marketplace, will allow users to buy and sell products and services among themselves, enhancing interaction between community members.

The Portuguese-Canadian adds that the lusoconnect.ca platform is now available online and on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn).

Paulo Rocha highlights the commitment to working together with Portuguese-Canadian organisations, companies and media to make Luso Connect a true meeting point.

“We want this platform to be a pillar for everyone, promoting partnerships that strengthen our identity and strengthen our community”, he concludes.