The Premio Venezia is a prestigious prize which recognizes annually outstanding Canadian businesses, people and institutions that maintain or develop working or business relations with Italy.
A true pillar of Canada–Italy relations, Senator Tony Loffreda embodies the harmonious blend of his Italian heritage and deep attachment to Quebec and Canada. His unwavering commitment to fostering economic, cultural, and social ties between the two countries is reflected in a career marked by leadership and collaborative vision.
A philanthropist and bridge-builder, his exceptional contributions to the Italian-Canadian community, combined with his expertise in public and financial sectors, have earned him prestigious distinctions, including the Order of the Star of Italy. With exemplary work ethics and a steadfast commitment to collaboration, he remains an inspirational figure for future generations.
For decades, the Zara family has celebrated Italian cultural heritage while contributing to the economic and cultural development of Quebec and Canada. Through entrepreneurial leadership and passion, the Zaras exemplify resilience and innovation.
Founded by Antonio Zara, Accent Impression and Panoram Italia reflect his vision and dedication to Italian-Canadian heritage. Today, his sons Adam and Anthony carry on the family legacy, driving the growth of the family businesses. Accent Impression has established itself as a leader in high-quality printing solutions, while Panoram Italia showcases the richness of Italian culture in Canada. Together, these ventures highlight the Zara family’s commitment to excellence and heritage preservation, inspiring generations to come.
For 20 years, Manulift has been the exclusive distributor of Merlo products, integrating cutting-edge Italian engineering into innovative solutions. With over 450 employees, Manulift has become a leader in distributing high-performance lifting equipment across construction, agriculture, and industrial sectors.
The strategic partnership between Manulift and Merlo is built on a shared vision of innovation and excellence. Together, they co-develop products that meet the specific requirements of the Canadian market while promoting the Made in Italy label, a mark of quality and prestige. This success demonstrates the ability of both companies to build bridges between Italy and Canada and to set new standards of excellence in their field.
Founded in 1970 by Gianluigi Aponte, MSC has grown into one of the world’s largest private companies, operating in over 155 countries. Led by Diego Aponte and Alexa Aponte Vago, MSC maintains a family structure that allows for strategic vision focused on innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability.
In Canada, MSC plays a central role, particularly at the Port of Montreal, serving as a strategic partner for international trade. By providing reliable and modern shipping solutions, the company contributes to local economic development while promoting sustainable logistics. Through its investments and engagement, MSC strengthens Canada’s position as a key player in global trade.
