On 23 October 1956, demonstrations began in Budapest, demanding political freedom and democratic reforms. On 4 November, the USSR launched a major military offensive, overwhelming Hungarian resistance. Of the more than 200,000 Hungarians who fled the country during the uprising, 37,566 reached Canada by the end of 1958. Among them were five of particular note:
Frank Hasenfratz (1935–2022), who founded major automotive-parts manufacturer Linamar in 1966.
Gábor Szilasi (1928–2026), documentary photographer, known for his photographs of rural Quebec.
Andrew Telegdi (1946–2017), MP.
Anna Porter (born 1944), founder of Key Porter Books.
George Jonas (1935–2016), columnist, poet and author.