President's Message

The Canadian-Italian Business and Professional Association (CIBPA) was officially incorporated on June 10, 1949.  Nine years earlier on  June 10, 1940, the Italian government lead by Mussolini declared war on France and Great Britain.  That act made our Canadian government declare  Italo- Canadians as enemy aliens and caused many families with much hardship.  The war years created stereotypes centered on images of Italian criminality and distrustfulness which were obstacles for  Italian businessmen and professionals.  To counter this image, many felt there needed to be a new association which could work at rebuilding a positive image and creating business and professional activity. 

It was in this particular context that the CIBPA was born!  73 years later we continue to serve as the voice of the Canadian-Italian businesses, and promote the cultural & social interest of the community at large!

I’m honored and excited to serve as President and grateful to be working with a dynamic group of volunteer board members representing various sectors of our community with varied business backgrounds and expertise. 

 We will keep working closely in providing and creating innovative business events embracing our rich culture and heritage, that will connect, highlight and build on transitioning with our younger generation.  Ensuring to keep the bridge from the past to present and to build to our future !

 Our team will work hard to increase our membership and also make sure that the CIBPA student Bursary Program continues to flourish and maintains it’s well established legacy of being one of the largest privately funded bursary foundations.

 We hope that you and your colleagues will join our activities and support our association by becoming an individual or corporate member.

 I encourage you to reach out to us at CIBPA Montreal,  info@cibpamontreal.com   or contact me directly at Sassano.rick@rcgt.com  to learn more about how we can help you expand your network

 

Rick Sassano

President CIBPA Montreal