DELLA VEDOVA: THANKS, PRIME MINISTER TRUDEAU, FOR APOLOGISING TO THE ITALIANS INTERNED DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR.
“Italy warmly thanks the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, for his formal apology to Italian-Canadians for their treatment during the Second World War. We express our deep gratitude for the heartfelt words of solidarity and esteem offered by all the Members of Parliament who spoke in the House of Commons today”.
These the words of Benedetto Della Vedova, Deputy Minister for relations with the North American country, following the announcement made by Trudeau in his speech in the House of Commons on 27 May.
Following Italy’s entry into the war against the Allies, the Canadian government interned hundreds of Italian origin people. It declared tens of thousands of Italian Canadians ” foreign enemies “, causing discrimination and suffering in the community.
Della Vedova then expressed his pride “in the Italian-Canadian community and the recognition given to its contribution in the construction of the country’s identity and success”, echoing the words of the Prime Minister who recalled that “Canadians of Italian origin represent a valuable component of the diversity that makes the country strong. In acknowledging the historical error made against the Italian-Canadian community, we also show our respect for its great contribution to the nation”.
