The President of the Government considers that the emigrants that have proved to be successful entrepreneurs are not only a source of pride for the Azores, but also for the cities and countries where they have developed their activities.

Carlos César spoke during a gathering hosted by José Melo, a prominent Luso-Canadian businessman operating in construction and stone industry sector, stressing that the vision, skills and tenacity of this businessman are an example for the Azorean community rooted in Ontario.

During the meeting, the President of the Government was honoured with the unveiling of a plaque celebrating his visit to Allston Quarry Products in the city King in the outskirts of Toronto.

Furthermore, this event was also attended by the Mayor of King, Steve Pellegrini, who conveyed to the President of the Azorean Government his appraisal for the Azorean people, about whom he has an excellent impression, and thanked him the visit to the city.

On the occasion, Carlos César had the opportunity to appreciate one the most emblematic works of José Melo, a pioneer in stone processing and its use in works of art in the province of Ontario.

It is an “Inukshuk” – a human-shaped monument made of stone which served as a landmark to guide the travel routes of Inuit Eskimos in the Arctic – whose height, over eleven metres, has earned its entry in the Guinness Book of Records.

“Inukshuks,” which also mean friendship, are one of Canada’s prominent symbols.