Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua, P.C. Mayor A LETTER FROM

I am pleased to extend greetings to everyone attending the ICCO Canada Pentola d’Oro Awards Gala. Tonight’s event is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the extraordinary individuals and organizations contributing to Ontario’s food and beverage industry.

This year, ICCO Canada celebrates the 60th anniversary of its partnership between Canada and Italy. Since the 1930s, the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario has united professionals across the province to support entrepreneurs and economic development opportunities. Canadians of Italian origin have made and continue to play a significant role in nation-building. In Vaughan, our Italian Canadian community represents more than 30 per cent of Vaughan’s culturally diverse and vibrant population and actively contributes to all aspects of city-building and community-building.

The City of Vaughan has a long and proud history of successful business leadership. As one of the fastestgrowing municipalities in Canada, we value the mission and determination of entrepreneurs who innovate and bring new ideas to the marketplace. With more than 19,000 companies that employ more than 225,000 people, Vaughan is an economic leader in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.

I want to thank the ICCO for fostering investment opportunities and cultural collaboration between Canada and Italy. Vaughan’s diversity is the core of our vibrant civic life, and we are grateful for the many positive contributions of our thriving Italian community.

Congratulations to all of tonight’s honourees. Please accept my best wishes for an enjoyable evening.

Yours sincerely,

Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua Mayor, City of Vaughan

“I am proud of my Italian heritage and culture, and thanks to the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario Canada, their programs and courses, I have been able to learn more about the history, the cuisine and the people, and share with my own community online.

Grazie!”

Julia Suppa Suppa Media Inc. @simplysuppa.com

Adrian Thomas, EUCCAN President

The EU and Canada have a long and storied history, with our leaders having reaffirmed this relationship at the latest EU-Canada summit in Brussels. Our two societies are bound by common interests, democratic values and strong people-to-people ties. CETA – fully operative since 2017 – is a business and commercial extension of this fruitful union. These positive results demonstrate that this comprehensive trade agreement helps companies take advantage of new business opportunities in terms of trade and investment on both sides of the Atlantic.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the shifting global economy have shown once more that the EU and Canada have a similar vision. The EU and Canada have both pledged to work on a sustainable and inclusive post-COVID-19 socio-economic recovery plan while addressing climate change and environmental challenges.

By now, we know that sustainability is no longer a choice; with ongoing pressure on resources, our mentality and habits must change. The severe consequences of global warming were on full display just this summer, where we had a glimpse of what could sadly become an ongoing reality. As COP26 is setting a new standard for global climate action, we now know we must limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. But direction and legal frameworks are merely a starting point, with businesses and local communities taking a front seat in the move to a zero-carbon economy. EUCCAN is willing to contribute to this global recovery through innovative, inclusive and resilient economic measures.

EUCCAN has been a supporter of EU/Canada trade relations for over 25 years. Thanks to the support of the EU Delegation in Canada, EUCCAN has seen considerable growth over the past four years. Today, a new strategy is being put in place: becoming a strong advocate for EU companies in Canada, thanks to the creation of industry committees to promote future opportunities between EU and Canadian companies.

We look forward to sharing our knowledge with you and advocating on your behalf.

Adrian THOMAS EUCCAN President Schneider Electric - Canada Country President