Italian Night Speech

January 15, 2009

That foundation on which Canada is built consists of a great deal of different cultures from across the world united under the banner of the Canadian flag. For example, we have a deep sense of French culture with the province of Quebec and the large francophone community that reside in Canada, Canadians are also fortunate to have cultures from around other parts of the world like the Middle East, and Asia. More specifically, however, Canada has the great fortune of benefitting from the traditions and customs which have been shared and enjoyed by all members of the communities where Italians have lived, worked, and raised their families. It is easy to see that the Italian community starting with Giovanni Coboto in 1497, have been an inspiration to the rest of Canadians through their spiritual faith, unparalleled devotion to family, along with their cuisine, music, art, literature academic achievements and very fast cars.

However, the arts, and academia are not the only areas through which Canada has been affected by the rich Italian culture. Italians has been prominent in Canadian politics and can boast success at all levels of governance. In the 1930’s Italians were working in city council and mayoral office’s thorough Ontario, Alberta, and BC. The first Italian born MP, elected in 1958, was Hubert Badanai born in Azzanox Italy. He made his start in politics as the Mayor of Fort William. Canada’s first Italian born Cabinet Minister was Monique Beguin holding the post of Minister of National Revenue in Trudeau’s Government in 1967. In 1973 Italian Laura Sabia, a former St Catherine’s councillor became Chairperson of the Ontario Council on the Status of women in 1973 and was a leading figure in the women’s movement. It is evident that Italians have played a major roll in building our great nation.

We are also introduced to Italy as Canadians not only through our Italian neighbours but also through trade with Italy. The combined imports and exports between Canada and Italy total over 7 billion dollars annually.   As you can see, without abandoning their heritage, Italians have woven themselves into the very fibre of what it means to be a Canadian.

Here in Barrie, Italian Canadians have made their mark felt as well. Former Alderman Sam Cancilla played a leadership role in creating walking trails around Kempenfelt Bay. Former Legion President the late Frank Tascona helped preserve the current Legion facility. I would also be remiss not to mention the long serving public service careers of Joe Tascona MPP and former Mayor Jim Perri both of Italian heritage as well. This is a community that I have the honour of being a part of having Italian ancestors on my mother’s side. This influence in my life has proven itself to be tremendously beneficial as I was granted all the benefits of those who are brought up in such a rich Italian culture.

Personally, what is especially great about the Italian community is its understanding of the importance of sharing its history with others and understanding the importance of experiencing cultures from other ethnic backgrounds. It is through celebrations like the one today that we can come together and learn as well as appreciate the influence that we all have on one another in this great country. That is why the formation of this club and others like it is so important. This is the very principle on which makes Canada the envy of the world....where people from a variety of cultural backgrounds, races, religions, social classes, can all live together. The Italian community here in Canada has led the way and shown many of us that this is possible. You offer the rest of Canada your hospitality and genuinely appreciate it when this hospitality is reciprocated. It is for this reason that the Government of Canada is dedicated to supporting the preservation of cultural diversity.

I am pleased and honoured to be a part of this event tonight and I am committed to offering assistance in any way I can in support of this worthwhile initiative. At this time I also would like to thank Maurino and Romano for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this great initiative and for the chance to address you this evening. It is through the vision and efforts of people such as yourselves that we all benefit as a community.

Thank You.