Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Lebanese Heritage Month, a time to honour Lebanese culture and its incredible contributions to Canada through its varied traditions, delicious food, remarkable economic contribution and so much more.
Lebanese Canadians began enriching our society over 140 years ago. It all started in Montreal. Canada is now home to over 200,000 Lebanese Canadians, including 8,000 in my riding of Vimy.
We remember the difficult circumstances and journeys of many Lebanese families who sought new beginnings in Canada, including the challenges of conflict in their homeland. Their courage, determination and success in Canada inspires us all, and we are grateful for them.
Together, let us honour this heritage and our Lebanese Canadian fellow citizens, but also let us all wish and pray that a permanent peace takes a firm hold in Lebanon.