Steven Del Duca, Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, issued the following statement on Italian Heritage Month:
“Today I join my fellow Italian-Ontarians to celebrate Italian Heritage Month.
“The story of the Italian community in Ontario is one of hard work, sacrifice and determination.
“My own grandfather Alfonso arrived here from Italy in 1951, and my father Benny joined him a few years later in 1958 — like tens of thousands of other Italian-Canadians, they focused on family and working relentlessly to build a better future for themselves and their loved ones.
“Their tenacity, against daunting odds, helped build a province that is second to none.
“And their willingness to go above and beyond helped provide the foundation for future generations – including me – to thrive.
“So, during this year’s Italian Heritage Month, let’s take a moment to celebrate the incredible contribution made to our province by the Italian-Canadians who call Ontario home, and let’s also recognize the exemplary leadership shown by so many Italian-Canadians across our economy and our society.
“On behalf of my family and the Ontario Liberal Party, happy Italian Heritage Month!”