Biography
Running for another mandate to represent Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles, Giovanni Rapanà highlights his extensive experience and decades of community and international engagement.
Born in Italy, he holds a professional diploma in commerce from the Istituto Professionale di Stato per il Commercio in Galatone. Immigrating to Canada in 1989, he spent many years as an Italian teacher in Quebec’s public schools, passing on the language and culture to generations of students.
His political and community involvement spans several decades:
- Chair of the Standing Committee on Economic Development of the City of Montréal (2017-2021)
- President of the Committee of Italians Abroad in Montréal (1998)
- Deputy Secretary General of the General Council of Italians Abroad for English-speaking non-European countries, including Canada, the United States, South Africa, and Australia
- International collaborator with federal MP Pablo Rodriguez when he was a member of the Canada-Italy Interparliamentary Group in the House of Commons
He played a central role in major achievements for the Italian community in Canada, including:
- Bringing Rai Italia television to Canada by removing legal barriers for foreign networks
- Securing voting rights for Italians in Canada to participate in Italian political elections
In recognition of his efforts to strengthen friendship and cooperation between Italy and Canada, Giovanni Rapanà has received multiple distinctions from the Italian, Canadian, and Quebec governments. He has been named Knight of the Italian Republic and was honored by the Mayor of Galatone, his hometown, for his contributions to Italians worldwide.
