CIBPA renews leadership in the Italian community
TORONTO – Community organizations, vision statements and goals aside, are much like associations and institutions operating to serve an “identified group”.
The competitive spirit to put forth the argument that they are the best equipped to deliver the goods drives men and women to promote and perform in the interests of goals that the group shares. It is only right that individuals who embody the desired qualifiers be recognized for their work.
And so it is with the Canadian Italian Business and Professionals Association (CIBPA). On Saturday, October 4, they put on a show to regale the accomplishments of seven members of the Italian community. Nothing stodgy!
Plenty of symbols of authority; of grandeur; of men and women whose life is seized by the ambition to achieve and share; of political figures whose duty it is to fashion programs that feed into and define public service. The dinner, the music, the ambience … all a part of that message: be recognized for performance, achievements, humility in giving credit and giving back to those who must of necessity follow in that same vein – enjoy the fruits of your [God-given] talent, personal tireless honing of skill sets; then share/give back.
President Tony Cocuzzo lead off with that theme, reinforced by the Ambassador of Italy, Alessandro Cattaneo, Canadian envoy to the United Nations the Hon. Bob Rae, and his soon to be replacement, the Hon. David Lametti. Yes, there were many others, like the Consul General of Toronto, Luca Zelioli – constant supporter of community-oriented initiatives favoured by CIBPA – Dr. Carlo Angelo Bocchi, recently appointed Trade Commissioner in Canada, and Mr. John Calvelli President of the National Italian American Foundation – a partner in the USA of CIBPA, and political personalities at all three levels of government.
The CIBPA is pressing the refresh button on the Diaspora’s role in Canada. That process starts with its education programs, partnerships with consular and local authorities and Committees dedicated to both. Bob Sacco and Sabrina Marrelli have been its primary leads in the venture.
For this Gala, they singled out seven award recipients as role models for the community: former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, the Hon. Frank Iacobucci; Sabrina Fioellino, Silvy Wright, Dr. Andrea Rigamonti, Julie Di Lorenzo, Rina Pillitteri and Selena Paglia.
Each of their stories merits a column of their own. I am partial to Judge Iacobucci’ s life experience because it recalls days when the obstacles to a dignified integration and participation in the society we are still creating were institutionally challenging. That said, the choice of the others deserves commendation. CIBPA is on the right track.
Here below is a photogallery from the event (photos by Priscilla Pajdo / Corriere Canadese and CIBPA)
