Speeches – 2008

The Honourable Jason Kenney

Lebanese Festival

Ottawa, Ontario, July 16, 2008

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Good evening ladies and gentleman,

I am delighted to be attending the 18th Annual Lebanese Festival.

Let me begin by commending the organizers of this wonderful event. 

For more than 17 years, this festival has celebrated, showcased, and shared Lebanese culture and heritage with residents and visitors to the City of Ottawa.

It is not surprising that the festival is so lively, given that Ottawa is home to almost 30,000 Canadians of Lebanese origin.

The first immigrants from Lebanon to Canada arrived in 1856, and I understand that some stores owned by Lebanese Canadians in this city have signs that indicate the date of establishment as 1882.

Our Government appreciates the many ways in which the Lebanese community in Canada has contributed to this country' s rich and diverse heritage over the years.

This community illustrates what Prime Minister Stephen Harper meant when he said "we may take great pride in the contributions members of our communities have made to the social, economic, and political fabric of our great nation."

This festival is an excellent example of Canadian shared identity.  Not only does it broaden the cultural horizons of residents and visitors to the Ottawa area, but it also recognizes the rich heritage of Lebanese-Canadians and their contribution to the prosperity and success of this community. 

Clearly, this is a vibrant community – with media outlets, TV shows, and several FM radio stations, including <acronym title="Canadian Heritage Information Network">CHIN</acronym> Radio in Ottawa.

And the Lebanese-Canadian community has definitely added to the vitality and diversity of this city.  The people of Ottawa enjoy access to approximately 500 Lebanese restaurants as well as Lebanese specialty supermarkets.

The list of Canadians of Lebanese origin who have made their mark on our society is long and includes such musicians as Paul Anka, Massari, Karl Wolf, and K' Maro, as well as Wajdi Mouawad, the current artistic director of the National Arts Centre' s French Theatre.

I applaud your efforts to reach out and engage your community and for your ongoing work to promote diversity. 

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Lebanese Festival committee members for all of the hard work and dedication that has gone into creating this wonderful event.

Communities such as yours contribute to making Canada a better place to live and learn, and your efforts are greatly appreciated.

In closing, allow me to wish everyone a great evening!