Honourable Senators, June is Italian Heritage Month, the ideal opportunity to celebrate Italian culture, enjoy its traditions and perhaps even savour a glass of Italian wine. More importantly, it is a time to recognize the historic contributions that Canadians of Italian descent have made to our cultural, social and economic landscape.

This year’s celebration is particularly meaningful, as it coincides with a new permanent exhibit at the Canadian War Museum: “Internment of Italian Canadians” during the Second World War. Located just a few steps from Parliament Hill, Canadians can now visit this long overdue exhibit that sheds light on a difficult chapter in our history.

In May 2021, the government formally apologized for the wrongful internment of over 600 Canadians of Italian descent during World War II. The internments began on June 10, 1940 — 85 years ago today — when Parliament supported France and the United Kingdom against Italy, which had joined the Axis powers.

That same day, the RCMP was authorized to arrest and intern any Italian Canadian suspected of endangering state security. Overnight, 31,000 Italian Canadians were labelled “enemy aliens.” This unjust policy left deep scars. Prime Minister Trudeau acknowledged this pain, not only of those interned, but also of their families and descendants who carried the weight of stigma and silence for generations.

Over three years ago, at the suggestion of Gianni Leonetti and Sal Mariani, I approached the museum with the idea of creating an exhibit to educate Canadians and offer healing to our community. For decades, this story was only whispered around dinner tables, too painful to share and too often overlooked. But last week, the exhibit opened, and I am deeply grateful to the community leaders and museum staff who brought this vision to life.

Honourable senators, our national history has been marked by hardship. We need to acknowledge that, but it is especially important to look to the future with optimism and confidence, while remaining determined not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

I continue to firmly believe that we live in the best country in the world, a country that is rich in diverse cultures and traditions.

As our new Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture said, “People of Italian descent are an integral part of our society, making it more dynamic.”

I may be biased, but I do agree.

Please join me in honouring the courage, resilience, spirit and vitality of the 1.5 million Canadians of Italian heritage, who continue to shape and enrich our country.

Buon mese del patrimonio italiano.

Thank you. Grazie.