Statement by Official Opposition Leader, Tom Mulcair, marking Italian Heritage Month

As we celebrate Italian Heritage Month, New Democrats across Canada are proud to recognize the exceptional accomplishments and contributions that Italo-Canadians have made to the history of our country.

Italians, who since the 1900s have chosen Canada as their homeland, have had to make immense sacrifices to integrate and to gain social recognition. During the Second World War, they faced widespread discrimination and prejudice, leading some to even deny their roots in order to avoid conflicts.

Today, Italo-Canadians make up one of the biggest cultural communities in Canada. And we should count ourselves lucky: their contributions have enriched and continue to enhance the Canadian experience.

I invite all Canadians to act in the spirit of family and solidarity, which so well describe our fellow Italo-Canadian citizens, to seize this opportunity to celebrate with them Italian Heritage Month. Happy festivities!