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August 15- August 22,2004 |
All-time Italian Record in Ottawa
Fontana, Longo-Redman and Ianno included in list of nine members of Italo heritage
By Angelo Persichilli
Originally Published: 2004-07-25
The Federal Government that was sworn in this week is the first minority government in 25 years, but it is also a historic achievement for our community: for the first time it includes no fewer than eight ministers of Italian heritage, and if one also counts Judy Sgro, originally from New Brunswick but married to an Italian-Canadian, the figure reaches nine. This is an exceptional event as Canada's government is today the one with the highest number of ministers of Italian origins, with the obvious exception of Italy's own and, possibly, Argentina's.
The names are those that were expected, with the nice surprise of Karen Redman, nee Longo, appointed Liberal Whip to the House.
Out of 39 ministers, over 20 percent are Italian-Canadians, i.e. the same quantity as all ministers from Western Canada and the same as the women, who represent over half the population. "This is clearly a tribute," said minister Tony Valeri, the Liberal House Leader, "to the Italian-Canadians."
Valeri, Joe Volpe and Liza Frulla occupy posts of great responsibility. Volpe has been confirmed as minister of Human Resources and Political Minister for Ontario; Judy Sgro, despite last-minute rumours of exclusion, has also been confirmed as minister of Immigration, although with some shuffling among her staff; Tony Valeri goes from the Ministry of Transportation to Liberal House Leader. This is a particularly delicate position, especially in a minority government.
This appointment, originally rumoured to go to Ralph Goodale, shows the great trust that Prime Minister Martin has in Valeri. The Italian-Canadian politician from Hamilton often managed to get results without much fuss. He's able to entertain good relations with everybody, which is paramount for a minority, but Valeri can also raise his voice when the situation warrants it, as Sheila Copps can testify.
"I feel sure," told us Valeri, "that we shall manage to have an open dialogue with all other parties. Of course there are differences, but we share the will to pursue the interests of all Canadians."
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