Greek Canadians in Ottawa watched with worry and dismay as rioters took to the streets in Athens over the weekend.

The country continues to deal with an economic crisis and recently approved tough austerity measures to pave the way for a second bailout package worth about €130 million.

Paul Karalekas, a Greek Canadian living in Ottawa, told CBC News he was ashamed to be a Greek after more than 100 people were injured during riots in Athens over the weekend. (CBC)

"I'm very disappointed," said Paul Karalekas at the Hellenic Centre. "I'm ashamed to be a Greek. I hate what they're doing. The country is in ruins."

More than 100 people were hurt after Greeks who were unhappy with the austerity measures — which included cutting jobs, wages and pensions —

marched on Athens.

Greek Ottawan Jim Sioris said it will take a long time for the country to overcome the problem, but others in Ottawa said the situation is improving.

George Pitsicoulis said friends and family back home are willing to live with the cuts if it helps stabilize the country.

"It is very frustrating because it did not have to happen," Pitsicoulis said, "but it's a bitter pill that has to be swallowed."

Some travellers worried

The news out of Athens comes at a time when some Canadians may be booking spring trips to Greece. The Department of Foreign Affairs has not advised against travelling to the country, but a local travel agent said his clients have worries about safety.

Some Canadians may be booking spring trips to Greece. Jean Ricard of Voyages Atlantis said travellers should check government websites for updated travel recommendations. (CBC)

"They are concerned," said Jean Ricard of Voyages Atlantis. "They see what's happening, so they ask questions before they leave. It's a good idea to check those websites for the government — Foreign Affairs, etc. — where you get a lot of information."

Finance leaders from the eurozone were scheduled to meet later this week to discuss the next steps for bailing Greece out of the crisis.