“In Canada, Republic Day doesn’t last just for a day, but for a week”, commented the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs with responsibility for Italians abroad, Mario Giro. The Under-Secretary was speaking at the Italian National Day celebration in Montreal. In a country with over 1.5 million people of Italian origin, the celebrations for 2 June are particularly heartfelt. Under-Secretary Giro visited Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal, where he also met members of regional and national government.
A number of Canadian politicians elected in constituencies with a strong Italian presence attended the three celebrations. In Toronto, the participation of Finance Minister Olivier and Deputy Defence Minister Julian Fantino confirmed the high degree of integration of our community. Under-Secretary Giro’s other engagements include meetings with his counterpart Daniel Jean and with parliamentarians of Italian origin, to review the excellent relations between the two countries.
