On Tuesday, Member of Parliament for Halifax West, Lena Metlege Diab, introduced a private member’s bill, Bill C-268, to designate the month of November as Lebanese Heritage Month in Canada.
The Lebanese-Canadian MP was proud to pass her first bill as MP as a recognition and celebration of all the Lebanese-Canadians who contributed to Canada and their communities in the economy, culture, and political development.
“Our Lebanese community is a core part of Canada’s cultural identity,” said MP Metlege Diab.
“Designating the month of November as Lebanese Heritage Month on the national level is an opportunity for Canada to acknowledge the unique and significant contributions of Lebanese-Canadians from coast to coast to coast, and strengthen the tie between our two countries,” she added.
Since the late 19th Century, Lebanese-Canadians have been embracing the freedom and the opportunities that Canada has been offering them, with many working hard for the progress of Canada while treasuring the unique heritage of the country.
In her introductory remarks, MP Metlege Diab dedicated the bill in memory of her father, Steven Wadih Metlege, a native of the northern Lebanese village of Diman, who had emigrated to Canada in his 20s to work hard and do right by his family.
For MP Diab, her father’s story reflects the Lebanese-Canadians who continue to inspire those who have come after them.
Lena Metlege Diab also chose the month of November, an important month for the Lebanese as Lebanon celebrates its Independence Day on November 22nd.
It is to note that the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia and Ontario have already recognized November as Lebanese Heritage Month. MP Diab has taken it further to make it at the national level.
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