The Lebanese Community In Halifax Should Not Be Underestimated!

I had the privilege of spending almost a week with the Lebanese community in Halifax, Canada. I was originally going to be there for a few days to attend the Maronite Youth Convention of Canada.

However, I extended my stay following an invitation to attend the Lebanese Chamber of Commerce's gala by Mr. Norman Nahas, Chair of the Chamber.

Before moving to Toronto, I lived in Montreal for eight years. In case you didn't know, Montreal holds the largest number of Lebanese in Canada (estimated at 250,000) and has seven Lebanese Churches.

So when they announced that the next Maronite Youth Convention would be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, I joked wondering whether "all 5 Lebanese people over there were able to host the convention."

I debated whether or not to even go. And when I finally decided, I was under the impression that it will be my first and last time visiting Halifax - and, generally, that side of Canada.

So before I continue, I'd like to extend my apologies to the Lebanese in Halifax because I was absolutely mind-blown by how strong your community is and all that it has achieved.

Lebanese in Halifax - Cedar & Maple Gala

Halifax was one of the main points of entries for the early Lebanese who left Lebanon for Canada. Most of them took their first steps in Canada coming off the boat on Pier 21 - where the Lebanese Chamber of Commerce held their 10th annual Cedar & Maple Gala.

There are records of Lebanese arriving as early as the late 1800s. A good portion of whom arrived from the Diman village and Aakar region of Northern Lebanon.

I assumed it was just going to be another one of those events where Lebanese people can show off - it was anything but that. Again, I apologize.

I got to witness a strong, very successful but modest, well-respected community, supporting one another. Something like I've never seen before throughout Canada or any of the countries where I've visited Lebanese communities (including the States and France).

What intrigued me was the fact that it's not the Lebanese people who immigrated to Halifax who are the ones making an effort to grow the community and preserve the culture and tradition. It's their children and grandchildren, most of whom were born in Canada.

But they are as Lebanese as it gets - speaking perfect Lebanese without an accent, holding onto and sharing our culture and traditions.

The only thing that surprised me is that many of them don't look like your "typical Lebanese". I'm pretty sure I've insulted a few, assuming that they were the significant other of a Lebanese person in attendance of the Maronite Youth Convention. (Again, sorry).

Pale skin, blonde hair, and blue or green colored eyes... Could you blame me? After 'investigating' this, I found out that they are all 100% ethnically Lebanese - as they claimed "pure-bred Lebanese". Both their parents and both their grandparents are Lebanese.

Something else that impressed me was the success of the Lebanese businesses in Halifax. Walking through the streets, I was pointed towards countless large developments, buildings, and restaurant chains that were owned by Lebanese people.

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Take note that Halifax is a small city with a small skyline, so when a large building or community center is built, it changes how the city looks.

The city has a population of just over 400,000. 15,000 of which are Lebanese. Lebanese make up 3.75% of the Halifax population. This is bigger than the national average where Lebanese make up 2% of the Canadian population.

I'm sure you're starting to feel a little sense of "we're taking over".

However, the people in Halifax love Lebanese people. We have an absolutely incredible reputation in the city and it's not just for our good food. All the non-Lebanese people I've spoken to only had good things to say about Lebanese people and the community in general.

Lebanese businesses create an average of almost 3,000 jobs a year and are responsible for 75% of the rental properties.

The gala featured many Lebanese business people, companies, and community leaders. On top of that, the Lebanese Chamber of Commerce gives out $10,000 a year in scholarships to students as well as matching Lebanese graduates with potential employers through their Connector Program.

Norman Nahas spoke about the achievements of the Lebanese businesses as well as the importance of maintaining business-friendly regulations (in regards to the minimum wage increase) to ensure that small businesses can create jobs and stay competitive.

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We heard from RCMP (Canada's equivalent to FBI) officer, Constable Robert Daniel, who received the 'Lebanese Professional of The Year' award. He shared his experience serving his country, especially after 9/11, and the role his Lebanese parents had in his success.

Although Kevin O'Leary was meant to attend, he pulled out a few days earlier. Instead, David Chilton took his place as the keynote speaker.

David is a very successful entrepreneur who is one of the investors on the TV show Dragon's Den. The show features several big Canadian self-made entrepreneurs and investors, including Kevin O'Leary.

Nicole Bou Karam and Elsy Makhlouf performed the Canadian and Lebanese National Anthems at both the Cedar & Maple Gala as well as the opening ceremony of the Maronite Youth Convention .

Elsy also performed at the Maronite Youth Convention's gala that following Sunday. The Lebanese Cedar Festival Dancers performed at both the Cedar & Maple Gala as well as the opening ceremony of the Maronite Youth Convention.