Italy and Canada, friends who do not chat

Interview with Ambassador Gabriele Sardo on bilateral relations

Toronto as a landing strip in Canada for Italian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as venue of choice for the establishment of a "top quality Italian school." These ideas appear in the second part of our interview with Italy's new Ambassador to Canada, Gabriele Sardo. The diplomat draws an unflattering picture of Italian-Canadian relations, underscoring the well-known closeness of the two countries but also the lack of communication that all too often marks these relations, "like two friends who like each other but do not chat." Ambassador Sardo advocates a wave of renewal that could refresh these relations, "without letting the presence of 1.3 million Canadians of Italian origins condition the issue." He also speaks of the attitude of some media that force "an image halfway between nice and irrelevant" upon Italy.
However, if things have to change - says the ambassador - in addition to smartness and creativity, proper resources are needed from Rome. "I won't even mention financial resources, since there are hardly any left." Here is the full text of our interview.

Ambassador Sardo, you've been in Canada for a few months now. What is your opinion on relations with Italy?
"Relations between Italy and Canada present no problems, since our two countries are dissimilar as regards cultural and political roots, but very much close, in fact, as regards international scenarios. This does not mean, however, that we talk a lot; it is rather rare. I'm not saying that we should stand shoulder to shoulder, but apparently nobody wonders why there is so little presence. I got this - almost physical - feeling after only two weeks here. In short, these two countries do not actually talk to each other."
Why may this be?
"Not because of ill will or differences, but of several conditions rooted in history. Canada is neither Britain nor the United States. It surfaced rather slowly on the world scene. I also believe that staying out of the limelight was a good thing for Canada. This country has had the immense luck of never losing. Those who have sometimes lost see things one way, those who've always won see them another. This is understandable, but there is no reason, in today's world, not to exploit such strong complementariness."
Can you say something more about this?
"One only needs to scratch the surface, put things in perspective, to realize that Canada, despite some apparent coldness and silence, is a very welcoming society."
What about Italy?
"Italy lives at the southern edge of Europe, while further south an increasingly agitated world invades from the sea; there's no sense in not looking at an open society which shares our societal standards and international placement. There's no sense in not having Italian events in Canada."
What do you suggest?
"I think that a dialogue between governments is required, but it must be a creative act; both sides must be made to acknowledge reality. Somebody ought to ask themselves, 'Wouldn't I be better off by doing this with Canadians, instead of some other strange fellows?'"
Why doesn't this happen?
"I think that Canada may be perceived through a thicker filter than needed."
What do you mean?
"In part because it is taken for granted; it's in North America, so some people think that it must be more or less the same as talking with the USA. On the other hand, Canada maybe sees itself as more British than is really the case. Whatever the reason, Italy does not intercept Canada's demands. Well, I believe that this has got to end. We must try to establish a real ongoing dialogue, avoiding - I hesitate to say this - to be overly influenced, paradoxically, by the presence of 1.3 million Canadians of Italian origin. They are a godsend, but let's not talk about that now. Italy must appear for what it is in itself. Of course, the success of our emigrants and their descendants is a feather in Italy's cap. But let's not ask them more than what they can give; let's ask them to consider what can be achieved by showing us to the Government of Canada for what we really are. The Government of Italy - awakened by the surprising vote from abroad - would be well advised to tackle this issue with creativity. It is not a 'tried and true' approach that can be fruitful in this case, but the application of intuition, breaking the habitual attitudes that regularly penalize Italy."
Why Italy?
"Partly because information comes through London, partly because Canada does not move; it never needed to get closer to different, faraway societies. This is unacceptable. I hope that the current situation, arisen as a consequence of the vote of Italian abroad as well as of the action of Italian-Canadian spokespeople, will contribute to wake Italy up."
Why does this sleepy relation go on?
"It's a matter of communication and public relations. We must bring here things that can dispel the idea of Italy as a picturesque country, such as described in page after page during this campaign, when Italy was described as split between clowns and non-clowns. Such things cannot be tolerated any longer."
How can this be corrected?
"Details must be worked out, of course. However, I know where answers must be looked for."
Where?
"In one government talking to another. That won't be easy, but it is the only way. For instance, I'd like to see at least one large Italian manufacturing group signing an industrial partnership agreement with a Canadian counterpart. Italy should rid itself of the image of a country halfway between nice and irrelevant. Neither characteristic leads to good business. And I think that very good business can be done with Canada."
Can you give us details on your expectations for the manufacturing industry?
"First of all, I hope that a big order currently being negotiated for Alenia-Finmeccanica will be finalized. Even beyond the deal in itself, which would be very important for its cascading effects on third party suppliers, this would reach the Canadian public at large. These relations can only be galvanized by some big business deal. People with the kind of responsibility of a Luca Cordero di Montezemolo must lead their peers on a trip, sit them down with their Canadian colleagues. For sure, those who never show their face among peers cannot insist on any special treatment. It's very well that Montezemolo goes to Brazil, but he should also come to Canada, as the two are not mutually exclusive. We must make room for Italy in Canada, but if we don't start with a big event, coming from the top, concrete results will be doubtful."
How will the Italy-Canada Business Council be realized?
"The Business Council is a framework, but of course it must be filled with something. We must be smart and innovative. Let's freshen the air with a gust of new wind. In one year, I would like to return to this conversation and assess the results. We might fail, but we will most assuredly try. It is pointless to waste efforts on small initiatives when we know that results come from bigger events. Now we have a new government, so must at least try."
What will you tell Rome?
"Precisely this: come forward, talk to the Government of Canada. When you talk business, they listen to you."
Do you have some clear ideas on the path to follow?
"We must start from recent events and achievements: more attention for Italy and a more realistic image of our country, doing away with caricatures. In the new context of mass communications and psychology, I think we need to sow a lot, while staying with our feet firmly on the ground. Big groups will find the right mediation between their interests; let's concentrate on SMEs. Why don't these companies land in this naturally hospitable country? I say that we must set up 'landing points' for companies that cannot move on a foreign market on their own. We must assist them, explain to them that a trip to Toronto is worthwhile, that if language is a problem there are people who can translate; someone must help these companies meet the right people and possibly the right partner. These people are hard-working and creative, but need help in getting acquainted with this reality. Browsing the Internet is not enough. In my opinion, the ideal landing point is undoubtedly Toronto. We can turn to ICE, the Chambers of Commerce, and even the various provincial governments offering support. Even in Europe, different fiscal treatment is drawing Italians, e.g. to France."
From this standpoint, can the presence of Italian communities, but also of many politicians of Italian heritage, be useful?
"Sure, it is extremely important. Should they facilitate this landing, by pressuring their leaders, everybody's social and economic status will improve."
What role can ICE play?
"An informational role: clarifying several matters before entrepreneurs come to Canada, thus sparing them any surprises, and then assisting contacts after their arrival. The same goes for the various Chambers of Commerce. People are coming to Canada looking for sales, displaying their products and then going away. They need to stay, maybe commuting six months a year, but anyway ensuring a presence on site. This cannot be done by the Italian Trade Commission; something else is needed, something more Canadian: an incentive to come and have a look. Once here, these people must be offered services, especially through the Consulates."
Do these abilities exist?
"This issue cannot be rapidly dismissed. I believe that Italy, over the last decade, thought it could do without a strong Consular presence. We have many Consular offices, but keeping offices open is one thing, providing adequate services to users is something else. Staff cannot be reduced beyond a given minimum. Below that, there is nothing. Italy cannot regard consular services as inferior to diplomatic services. We must ensure a local presence. I hope that Italian MPs elected abroad will bring forth this issue. I visited our Consul general in Toronto and found him alone; alone he will stay for three more months. This doesn't seem right to me for a city like Toronto. This must change, otherwise we can hold elections and send people to Rome, but it will be to no avail."
You mentioned cultural initiatives.
"Yes, it's a matter of quality. This issue got bogged down decades ago in a morass of intellectualism. We are talking of Italian language and culture. People learn Italian if they believe it is worth the effort. Why should a Canadian youth learn Italian rather than Spanish or Chinese? It's a matter of establishing an economic interest."
How?
"We should establish an Italian school. It should be a Canadian school from every standpoint, but it should grant entry in any European, as well as Canadian, circle. It must be a top quality school, and this should be among the goals of Canada, not just Italy. Italy, with all its defects, has a lot to give. It is the cradle of a mindset that has spread to Europe and here, frankly speaking, is absent. The Italian Government must commit to this goal, and I am personally more than willing to work toward this. In this case, a knowledge of Italian would become an asset, allowing direct contact with any given Italian university or professional studio that Canadians might be interested in."
There would be advantages for Italy, too.
"Of course. The two societies would have tradeoffs. We have an interest in having this happen in Canada, for a lot of reasons, but we are also interested in bringing back educational experience, especially in teaching English. We should not fool ourselves by believing that Italian students now know good English. Without native English speaking teachers, no reform can accomplish that. If we want English teachers, we can find them in Canada."
When you talk of an Italian school in Canada, which grades are you referring to?
"From the start to the age of 18, but it would be a Canadian school; I don't mean it to be changed beyond recognition."
What are the major stumbling blocks you foresee for this plan?
"The scarcity of resources."
Which resources?
"Well, I won't even mention financial resources since there are hardly any left; but nothing prevents us from using our brains. However, when you have used your brain but have nobody to type a letter, assist in making phone calls or boost your ability to meet with people, then things can get pretty hard. Just think that, until a few days ago, the Embassy had just three officials, Toronto one, Montréal one. It is not only a matter of efficiency, it's a matter of presence. I am not afraid, but when 24 hours are not enough to do all that needs to be done, there is nothing to do. Below a certain threshold, there is nothing. It's just like poverty: below a given income, there is no humanity. If Italy intends to continue to exist abroad, it cannot cross that threshold."

Publication Date: 2006-05-14
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=6240