The Canadian Foreign Ministry announced the appointment of a new Canadian ambassador to Lebanon.
Replacing Emmanuelle Lamoureux, whose diplomatic mission in Lebanon started three years ago and ended earlier this summer, Chantal Chastenay has become the Ambassador of Canada to Lebanon.
François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, made the announcement in a time when Lebanon is going through a serious ordeal after a massive explosion shook its capital earlier this month.
The new ambassador will “lead the coordination of Canada’s ongoing support in response to the crisis, which includes addressing the immediate humanitarian crisis and providing support to rebuilding efforts going forward,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
In turn, Minister Champagne stated that his country “is proud to announce that Chantal Chastenay will become its new ambassador to Lebanon, taking on this role at a critical time for the country.”
“I look forward to working closely with her,” he added, before thanking the former Ambassador Lamoureux for her “exceptional service over the past three years.”
On her part, Chastenay took to social media after being appointed, writing: “An important day in a diplomatic career. Grateful and honored,” next to emojis of the Lebanese and Canadian flags.
The $30 million pledged by the Canadian government is one part of the support that Canada has vowed for Lebanon ever since the 2,750-ton explosion severely damaged Beirut, killed at least 177 people, and injured thousands more.
Recently, Canada established an immigration task force with the aim of providing immigration support to Lebanese people affected by the blast and announced exceptional fee exemptions in specific cases.
In the meantime, the country’s Humanitarian Coalition continues to raise additional funds for Lebanon, in partnership with various NGOs and initiatives, including the Lebanese Canadian Coalition (LCC).
On that note, to supervise the donations coming from Canada to the people who truly need it in Lebanon, an LCC representative is currently visiting the country.
