November 5, 2010
The Port Colborne Italian Canadian Cultural Centre was in full force when the Ontario legislature designated June as Italian Heritage month.
On Oct. 7, MPPs from all political parties at Queen’s Park passed the Italian Heritage Month Act, which would designate June as Italian Heritage Month in Ontario. The law recognizes the important economic, political, social and cultural achievements of Italian Canadians.
It’s also an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about Ontario’s rich history.
Frank Notte, a member of the Italian Canadian Cultural Centre (ICCC) of Port Colborne was invited to Queen’s Park by Conservative MPP Peter Shurman to watch the debate and passing of the legislation. Shurman, along with Liberal MPP Mario Sergio and NDP MPP Rosario Marchese co-sponsored the legislation.
Notte presented Shurman with a plaque from the ICCC thanking him for his efforts to acknowledge the contributions of Italian
Canadians.
“I was deeply honoured to represent Port Colborne’s Italian community at Queen’s Park to witness June being designated as Italian Heritage Month,” said Notte. “We are grateful to MPP Peter Shurman and MPPs from all three political parties for officially recognizing the contributions made by Italian Canadians to help make Ontario and Canada a better place.”
Notte served on the Board of Directors of the ICCC from 2000 – 2003. During his tenure, he created the ICCC’s coat of arms, and helped oversee the largest renovation of the organization’s history.
Tony DiGiulio, President of the ICCC said June is an appropriate month to have designated as Italian Heritage Month.
“Every June, our membership celebrates the founding of the ICCC, which occurred on June 16, 1935,” DiGiulio said. “June 2 is also Italy’s national holiday – or Festa della Repubblica – that celebrates the founding of the post-World War II Italian republic.”
The ICCC, originally known as the Italian Mutual Benefit Society, was established on June 16, 1935. The organization was established to preserve Italian traditions, offer nominal financial support in times of need for its members and help new immigrants integrate into Canadian society. Today, the ICCC is one of Niagara’s premiere banquet facilities.