On November 27, 2024, the Humaniti Hotel Montréal set the stage for the 19th edition of the Premio Venezia, an unforgettable evening organized by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada.
With over 200 Quebec business leaders in attendance, this prestigious event, presented by RBC Royal Bank and chaired by Lolita Guerrera, MBA, Vice President of Commercial Financial Services for Eastern Montreal at RBC, celebrated the entrepreneurship, innovation, commitment, and expertise that enrich business relations between Canada and Italy.
Four outstanding laureates were honored, exemplifying excellence in their respective fields and strengthening the ties between our two countries:
2024 Recipients
Senator Tony Loffreda – Grand Ambassador
A true pillar of relations between Canada and Italy, Senator Tony Loffreda embodies the harmonious alliance between his Italian roots and his deep commitment to Quebec and Canada. His unwavering dedication to fostering economic, cultural, and social ties between the two countries is reflected in a career defined by leadership and a vision focused on mutual collaboration.
A philanthropist and bridge-builder, his outstanding contributions to the Italian-Canadian community, combined with his expertise in the public and financial sectors, have earned him numerous prestigious accolades, including the Order of the Star of Italy. With exemplary work ethics and steadfast dedication, he remains an iconic figure and an enduring source of inspiration.

Zara Family : Italian Heritage
For decades, this visionary family has showcased Italian cultural heritage while contributing to the economic and cultural development of Quebec and Canada. Through their entrepreneurial leadership and passion, the Zara family embodies the values of resilience and innovation.
Founded by Antonio Zara, Accent Impression and Panoram Italia reflect his vision and dedication to the Italian-Canadian legacy. Today, his sons Adam and Anthony have joined the journey, carrying forward this heritage with passion and driving the growth and evolution of the family businesses. Accent Impression has become a leader in high-quality printing solutions, while Panoram Italia celebrates the richness of Italian culture in Canada. Together, these initiatives exemplify the Zara family’s commitment to excellence and the preservation of a heritage that continues to inspire future generations.

Aponte Family and Mediteranean Shipping Company MSC Canada
Founded in 1970 by Gianluigi Aponte, MSC is now one of the largest private companies in its field, operating in over 155 countries. Led by Diego Aponte and Alexa Aponte Vago, the company retains a family structure that enables it to maintain a strategic focus on innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability.
In Canada, MSC plays a pivotal role, particularly at the Port of Montreal, as a strategic partner for international trade. By providing reliable and modern transportation solutions, the company contributes to local economic development while promoting sustainable logistics. Through its investments and commitment, MSC strengthens Canada’s position as a key player in global trade.

Manulift and Merlo : Industrial Collaboration
For 20 years, Manulift has been the exclusive distributor of Merlo products, bringing cutting-edge Italian engineering to its innovative solutions. With over 450 employees, Manulift has established itself as a leader in the distribution of high-performance lifting equipment, serving diverse sectors such as construction, agriculture, and industry.
The strategic partnership between Manulift and Merlo is built on a shared vision of innovation and excellence. Through this mutual commitment, co-developed products meet the specific demands of the Canadian market while upholding the Made in Italy label, a symbol of quality and prestige. This success highlights the ability of these two companies to build bridges between Italy and Canada, setting new standards of excellence in their field.

Our Partners
RBC Royal Bank, the official presenter, along with our valued partners, including Minakem Montréal, Air Canada, Alfagomma, BDO, Blakes, CN, Miller Thomson, and the Montreal Port Authority, made this event possible.




























































