Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released the following statement today regarding Lebanese Heritage Month:

“Today, as we mark the beginning of Lebanese Heritage Month, we celebrate Canada’s vibrant Lebanese community.

“Since Lebanese immigrants first arrived in Canada nearly two centuries ago, the diaspora has shaped our country for the better. Lebanese Canadians are some of Canada’s most successful entrepreneurs. Innovators in science, medicine and technology. Community leaders who keep our country inclusive and welcoming. From town halls to convention ceremonies, from textbooks to technology summits, success stories of Lebanese Canadians can be seen in our communities.

“This year, Lebanese Heritage Month comes at a particularly painful time for Lebanese communities in Canada and around the world. It is estimated that more than one million people in Lebanon will be displaced from their homes due to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Innocent civilians, including children, were killed. There must be peace.

“So far this year, the Government of Canada has announced it has spent more than $56 million to help provide food, water, emergency health care, protective services and other life-saving assistance to trusted humanitarian partners, including the Canadian Red Cross and the Humanitarian Coalition . To the Lebanese people. We continue to call for an immediate ceasefire, de-escalation across the region and stabilization of the Israel-Lebanon border, and reaffirm Canada’s long-standing support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability. Canada emphasizes the need for a diplomatic solution along the Blue Line, consistent with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I urge Canadians to learn more about Lebanese Canadians and their contributions to our communities. “In these painful times, we stand in solidarity with Lebanese Canadians as we celebrate Lebanese Heritage Month.”