Inauguration of the New Vice Consular Office in Guelph
GUELPH – He is approaching the end of his term as Consul General for Toronto. Luca Zelioli is “tying up loose ends” before he leaves office next month. It has been quite a ride, as the saying goes (we will try a summary description closer to the day), but the Italian community from Guelph and Southwestern Ontario may be among the saddest to see him leave.
After six frustrating years of interminable delays, the City of Guelph and surrounding area will finally have an operating, functional consular office. This one will be headed by former member of the Italian Trade Commission working from the Toronto office, Pietro Titone.
While administratively fully functional, it is still and Honorary Vice Consulate, Mr. Titone is an Honorary Vice-Consul, responsible directly to the Consul General in Toronto (Luca Zelioli and his replacement). Aside from a modest honorarium, rent and administrative expenses – mainly technology in nature – the financial burden to serving Italians in that part of the vast territory encompassed by the mandate of the Consulate General may facilitate improved services as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs consolidates and with other [economic based] Ministries explores market potential for Italian businesses in Ontario and Manitoba.
Yet the Italian diaspora, just in the Guelph area represents about 15% of the total population. It is a significant factor in the growth of economic enterprises in the area that attract expertise in agri production research, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and academics. Italians schooled in those areas are contributing to that growth. Their connection to their land of origin is a stimulus for the provision of more immediate consular services. Now after six years, they have local immediate access.
Here below is a photogallery from the inauguration (photos: Italian Consulate in Toronto and Corriere Canadese)
