The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that the Government of Canada will permit the application of Italy’s electoral law in Canada on a one-time, conditional basis.

“The Government of Canada will permit Italian-Canadians who hold dual citizenship and Italians who are permanent residents of Canada to run for office in the recently called Italian elections, and to represent the Italian-Canadian community in Italy’s parliament,” said Minister Bernier. “This decision only applies to the upcoming Italian elections and is subject to strict conditions, close monitoring and a post-election review.”

Italy’s law on election reform, known as the “Tremaglia Law,” was passed in January 2002. It created 18 new seats in Italy’s parliament for Italians living abroad, including permanent residents and dual citizens.

The Government of Canada has imposed the following conditions on the application of the law:

• voting and election campaigning may take place only by mail, via email and the Internet, or at Italian diplomatic missions or consulates in Canada;

• the Italian government must reinforce its capacity to monitor the campaign for any violations;

• remedial actions will be taken by the Government of Italy on any violations of the conditions, up to and including the potential disqualification of candidates.

Canada has also advised the Italian government that it will monitor the election campaign to ensure that activities are in strict conformity with the above conditions.

SOURCE:
MINISTER BERNIER ANNOUNCES GOVERNMENT OF CANADA APPROVAL FOR ITALIAN-CANADIAN CITIZENS TO PARTICIPATE IN ITALIAN ELECTIONS
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada