Hon. Tony Loffreda: Honourable senators, today I rise in celebration of Italian Heritage Month.

Throughout the month of June, Italian communities across Canada, from Vancouver to Toronto to Ottawa to Montreal, will be hosting events to celebrate Italy’s dynamic and impressive heritage.

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Canadians of all origins will have an opportunity this month to immerse themselves in all things Italian: food and wine, arts and culture, and good old hospitality and cheer.

Canada is home to one of the largest Italian diasporas in the world with some 1.5 million Canadians of Italian descent. Of course, the first Italian presence in what is now known as Canada was 525 years ago, when Giovanni Caboto landed here.

It wasn’t until the mid-17th century that we saw the first Italian settlement. Some time later, in the late 1800s, an influx of migrant workers came to Canada, many of which eventually chose to stay here permanently. Finally, another important wave occurred after the Second World War.

At that time, my parents were among those who made the difficult decision to leave their family and come to Canada, truly a land of hope and opportunity. I know first-hand to what extent Italian immigrants were grateful for the warm welcome they received when they arrived on our shores after leaving a war-torn country.

Canadians of Italian descent have helped shape Canada in many ways. They’ve made so many contributions to our cultural landscape, social fabric and economic vitality. They are go‑getters, change-makers, innovators and community-builders, and I am proud to be a member of this community.

Of course, 2022 also marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Canada-Italy bilateral relations. Since 1947, the bonds that unite us have been carefully nurtured, and today we have many reasons to be proud of our joint efforts to increase cultural, educational and economic exchanges between our two great nations.

I look forward to working with Italy’s new ambassador to Canada, His Excellency Andrea Ferrari, on various matters to strengthen this very important trade and diplomatic relationship.

Honourable senators, please join me in extending special greetings to all Canadians of Italian descent on the occasion of Italian Heritage Month. I hope you will have an opportunity to take part in some of the activities hosted by our various Italian communities across the country. At the very least, please enjoy a good glass of Italian vino in their honour.

Thank you. Grazie.