The Lebanese-Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Industry held its 26th annual gala, titled “Cedar and Maple 2026,” at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Montreal.
The event honored business leaders who have helped strengthen the Lebanese community’s economic presence in Canada and advance cooperation between the two countries.
The gala was attended by political, municipal and diplomatic figures, alongside representatives of institutions, associations and members of the Lebanese community.
Chamber president Bassam Toushan welcomed attendees, noting that the event coincided with the eve of Lebanese Heritage Month in Canada, which highlights the contributions of Canadians of Lebanese descent to Canadian society.
Toushan affirmed that the chamber has spent 37 years building bridges between companies and generations in Lebanon and Canada.
He also reviewed the chamber’s recent activities, including economic meetings and a professional mentoring program to support young people and entrepreneurs.
He revealed plans to establish two committees, in Ottawa and Toronto, along with hopes to organize a Canadian trade mission to Lebanon once political conditions allow.
For his part, Lebanon’s Consul General in Montreal, Charbel Nemer, praised the Lebanese community’s journey and its economic contributions.
He called for supporting young entrepreneurs and boosting investment and trade exchange between the two countries.
At the end of the evening, the chamber honored Tony William Haswani, Cyril Chaib, Karen Hanna, Elie Safir — on behalf of Antoine Haddad — and John Asmar, in recognition of their careers and achievements.
