In May 2017, the Government of Canada designated June as Italian Heritage Month. Today marks the beginning of that month, which presents an opportunity for Canadians to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions that Canadians of Italian heritage have made to the prosperity and growth of our country.

The Italian-Canadian community is a wonderful illustration of the diversity that is one of our greatest strengths. We are proud that Canada is home to over 1.5 million Canadians of Italian descent—one of the largest Italian diasporas in the world.

I invite all Canadians to learn more about the rich heritage of our fellow citizens of Italian origin and the inspirational role that they have played and continue to play in our country This year, as we mark the 30th anniversary of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, let’s celebrate the values of diversity, openness and respect for our differences that unite us and make us a stronger country.

Republic Day Italy History
Republic Day commemorates the day on which Italian citizens voted on a new form of government. Following the fall of Mussolini’s fascist Italy, Italians voted for a democratic republic over a monarchy. Republic Day is considered the birth of the Italian nation and today, it is one of the most important days in Italian history.

Republic Day is held on June 2nd, the same day on which the institutional referendum was held in 1946. Every year since 1948, Italians around the world have gathered to celebrate their choice of a republic in the aftermath of World War II.