This year, Canada celebrates 154 years since Confederation. It is a special occasion for the Lebanese Community in BC as they celebrate 133 years since the arrival of the first Lebanese to Victoria in 1888, Richard and Fares Al-Rahi from Zahle.
Lebanese people from various backgrounds came to Canada, joining other Ethno-Cultural groups from around the globe, to ensure a better life for their families and showcase the diversity that Canada has to offer.
Canada is not a melting pot, but rather has permitted the Lebanese people to keep their culture and values alive, allowing them to fit in the multicultural society that is based on tolerance, difference, acceptance, and understanding.
The World Lebanese Cultural Union-British Columbia Council has been working on the Lebanese Emigrant Statue project for many years to honour the successful integration of the Lebanese-Canadian community in Western Canada. In 2018, H.E. Fadi Ziade, Ambassador of Lebanon in Canada along with Lisa Helps, Mayor of Victoria set in stone the launch of this project.
The construction of the Lebanese Emigrant Plaza, located in Centennial Park in Victoria has officially commenced.
The project will serve as a reminder for every Lebanese emigrant that now calls Canada their home, of the immense generosity and acceptance that Canada provided.
Certainly, Canada Day 2021 in BC will be a memorable occasion.
