Vaughan politicians mark Italian Heritage Month by honouring contributions of Italians to Canada

Canada is home to 1.5 million people of Italian heritage

Yorkregion.com
June 9, 2023
Brian Capitao

June is Italian heritage month.

Canada is home to one of the largest Italian diasporas in the world, with 1.5 million people of Italian heritage calling the country home, according to a press release put out by the Office of the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion.

“As the son of Italian immigrants to Canada, I always reflect upon the hard work and many sacrifices made by New Canadians that helped my generation to succeed. I am forever grateful,” said Stephen Lecce, MPP for King-Vaughan, in a press release.

The City of Vaughan honoured Canadians of Italian heritage on June 5 from 10 a.m. to noon, and celebrated the richness of Italian art, heritage and culture.

“As home to one of the largest Italian populations in Canada, the City of Vaughan proudly recognizes June as Italian Heritage Month to honour and celebrate the many contributions Italian Canadians make to our city, province and country,” said Mayor Steven Del Duca.

Del Duca took pride in his Italian ancestry, citing his father and grandfather as examples of hardworking Italian newcomers.

“From the early immigrants who came to Canada seeking a better life to the recent immigrants, who enrich our cultural diversity, Italian Canadians have played a critical role in building our communities. My father, Benny, and my grandfather, Alfonso, instilled in me a great love of our Italian heritage, and I look forward to welcoming everyone to City Hall to celebrate Italian Heritage Month together,” said Del Duca.

In 2021, a formal apology was delivered by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the House of Commons for the internment of hundreds of Italian Canadians.