Statement by Minister Rodriguez on Italian Heritage Month

OTTAWA, June 2, 2019

During the month of June, Canadians will be celebrating Italian Heritage Month.

Unanimously adopted by the House of Commons in May 2017, Italian Heritage Month provides us an opportunity to recognize the Italian community’s contribution to the growth and development of our country.

Canada is proud to be home to more than 1.5 million Canadians of Italian descent, making it one of the largest Italian diasporas in the world. In June, we pay tribute to the Italian-Canadian community for having helped build the welcoming, inclusive, and prosperous country that we know today.

As Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, I invite all Canadians to join in on the celebrations taking place across the country for Italian Heritage Month. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the rich heritage of Italian Canadians and the inspirational role that they have played and continue to play in our country. Happy Italian Heritage Month!