Canadian MP of Lebanese descent, Ziad Abou Latif, announced that the Canadian Parliament unanimously approved a bill declaring November of each year as "Lebanese Heritage Month". This initiative aims to promote the culture, traditions, and customs of Lebanese people in the country while sharing this with all Canadians. It also recognizes the historical contributions that Lebanese Canadians have made in building Canadian society. Abou Latif emphasized the importance of this legislation by citing the contributions made by Lebanese individuals in Canada, starting with the first immigrant, Ibrahim Abi Nader, in 1882, up to the present day.
He noted that the idea originated from a senator in the Senate who proposed a project requesting November to be designated as a month to celebrate this heritage. Abou Latif stated: "The establishment of this month for celebration allows Lebanese communities, given their diverse presence in Canada, to celebrate in their own unique way by organizing various cultural, heritage, and academic activities, and honoring Lebanese figures in different fields, thus opening the opportunity to celebrate our Lebanese heritage over an entire month."
After Lebanese-Canadian MPs reviewed its content, it was officially framed and sent to the Heritage Committee for study and subsequent approval, reaching its final stages. The approval process was expedited notably, especially since it coincided with the end of the summer legislative session of 2023.
