Groups seek Canada-wide Italian Heritage Month in June

Canada – June is Italian Heritage Month and a perfect excuse – as if you need one – to promote your pizzeria. Heritage groups in Ontario want to see the designation go national.

The Canadian Italian Heritage Foundation and the National Congress of Italian Canadians-Toronto District have asked the federal government to recognize the significance of the contributions of Italians across Canada by proclaiming June Italian Heritage Month nationally.

“The designation is significant to all Canadians of Italian origin in Ontario as it serves to acknowledge and validate all of the hard work and sacrifices of past generations who have left the security of their country of birth to arrive in a new land and make it their home,” Italian Heritage Canada said in a news release.

The special month, officially designated in Ontario since 2010, has spawned celebrations of all things Italian in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax and other communities. More than 150 events have been scheduled across Canada for 2016.

The groups are urging the passing of legislation to celebrate Italian contributions in Canada ahead of the 2017 Italian Heritage Month to coincide with Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation.

More than 1.5 million Canadians of Italian Heritage live in Canada, the release said.

See events and details at www.italianheritagecanada.ca.