International Trade committee  There are roughly 1,500 dues-paying members.

International Trade committee  Yes.

International Trade committee  We represent small, medium, and large businesses. One example of an Italian-born, Canadian-raised entrepreneur is Sergio Marchionne. He was born in Abruzzo, Italy, came to Canada, went to school in Canada, articled as a CA here, and then I believe also went to law school in Windsor.

International Trade committee  Absolutely. We have regular dinner meetings and we invite all members of the business community, as well as governments, to talk. We have women's events that are primarily for women to deal with women's issues and business opportunities. The Canadian forum we provide and we always have the opportunity to network with our Italian colleagues as well.

International Trade committee  I believe that with the Internet you have a phenomenal opportunity globally to do all kinds of business. I think Canadians do not use to the full benefit the federal concierge services, Export Development Canada, the Business Development Bank of Canada. There are a lot of opportunities to get help from Canadian federal organizations.

International Trade committee  In general, our association partners with the Italian Chamber of Commerce to make sure there is a better connection between Canadian-Italian businesses and businesses that want to come over from Italy, as well as businesses that want to entertain the idea of selling into Italy.

International Trade committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and members of the House of Commons international trade committee. My name is Robert Sacco. In my professional life I am a service line leader for customs and trade for KPMG. I immigrated to Canada in 1958. As president of the National Federation of Canadian Italian Business and Professional Associations, I'd like to thank the committee on international trade for allowing the CIBPA to participate on a panel regarding multiculturalism and international trade.