It's a strange form of insecurity. They seem to need to believe Canada has its own version of "New Yorks Mafia", that's home grown? I dunno....
I told another poster....90% of the Canadian misinformation comes from the media and the cops.
If they described these groups as central reference points or (more simplified)...something like criminal hubs for a given area, without necessarily achieving or rather establishing a dominant position or pressence I would get it.
If you were to say.... Joey Amatos crew was a hub for activity on Statin Island, a central reference point, that's cool. If you say... The Amato Family.... thats cringe...lol