World Lebanese Cultural Union
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Press Release
The Lebanese Community in Toronto Welcomes Lebanon’s Ambassador to Canada, Bachir Tawk, in a Well‑Attended Gathering
Toronto – September 19, 2026
Toronto witnessed a distinctly Lebanese day as the World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU) – Toronto Chapter, in cooperation with the Embassy of Lebanon in Canada, organized a reception honoring His Excellency Ambassador Bachir Tawk. The event was held at Pinecrest Banquet Hall, with the participation of prominent members of the Lebanese community—religious, social, economic, and academic figures—alongside Canadian and Lebanese officials.
The gathering, as stated in the official invitation, aimed to “strengthen ties with the community and exchange views on matters of mutual interest.”
Remarks from the World Lebanese Cultural Union
Following meetings between Lebanese community representatives and the Ambassador—which lasted four hours and included the initiation of official consular transactions—a tribute ceremony was held for Ambassador Tawk.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Samar Habib, President of the WLCU Toronto Chapter, followed by Rita Kazan, President of the WLCU Ontario Council.
Then Elias Kassab, former World President of the WLCU, delivered a speech on behalf of current World President Fares Wahbeh, welcoming Ambassador Tawk and the attendees. Kassab praised the Union’s role since its founding in 1959 in defending the rights of Lebanese expatriates, affirming that its members:
“Volunteer their effort, their money, and their precious time… and support the Union in its historic struggle for Lebanon’s independence, freedom, and sovereignty.”
Kassab also reflected on the humanitarian and educational legacy of the late Marie Mousa, saying:
“We see her among us whenever we meet, whenever we gather, whenever we raise a flag on a corner.”
He added that many like Mary Moussa continue to serve Lebanon, both at home and abroad.
Kassab then explained the symbolism of the Emigrant Statue, placed by the Union in several cities worldwide, before presenting it officially to Ambassador Tawk as the Union’s highest honor—an expression of affection and appreciation for the Ambassador’s service to the community and his efforts to strengthen relations between Lebanon and Canada.
Community Discussions and Aspirations
The event featured meetings filled with interventions from delegations and their representatives, expressing the importance of enhancing consular services in the region and addressing the growing needs of the Lebanese community—including calls to open a general consulate in Toronto to facilitate official transactions and expand service capacity.
Ambassador Tawk thanked the WLCU Toronto leadership for organizing the gathering and for honoring him with the Emigrant Statue. He encouraged the community to benefit from streamlined consular services, especially electronic ones, and urged Lebanese expatriates to register their marriages and children to preserve the rights of the new generation abroad.
He also announced that Lebanese abroad will soon be able to obtain the biometric passport, which goes beyond travel rights to enabling expatriates to exercise their right to vote.
At the end of the event, the Ambassador took commemorative photos with delegations and attendees, then presented a special gift to Mr. Elie Gideon in appreciation of his efforts in coordinating and successfully executing the event.
Wide Official and Popular Attendance
At the conclusion of the ceremony, organizers extended special thanks to:
- Ontario Minister Michael Parsa
- MP Aris Babikian
- MP Sheref Sabawy
They also expressed gratitude to all leaders and participating bodies, including World Secretary‑General Bassem Medawar, Regional Vice President Marwan Sader, Former Regional Vice President Leila Haj, Toronto Chapter President Samar Habib, Ontario Council President Rita Kazan, Treasurer John Gideon, and all WLCU officials and members in Toronto who demonstrated effective teamwork—keeping alive the spirit of:
“This global Lebanon, indeed this Lebanese world.”