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Angelo Iacono is listening to Laval’s Lebanese community
September 2, 2020 – Laval, Quebec – On August 4, Beirut experienced a tragedy, the impacts of which resonated as far away as Laval, which has a large Lebanese community. Many in the Lebanese diaspora were directly or indirectly affected by the explosion.
In response, Alfred–Pellan MP Angelo Iacono organized a virtual round table to directly address members of the riding’s Lebanese community and to support them during these difficult times. He was joined by panelists Sami Aoun, Professor and Director of the Middle Eastern and North African Observatory, and Jawad Boulos, Founder of the Jouzour–Simon Boulos Foundation and former member of the Lebanese National Assembly.
“The purpose of this event was to reach out to the riding’s Lebanese community to discuss issues that they are concerned about. Many were indeed worried about the situation in Lebanon, and responding to these concerns was essential,” said Mr. Iacono. During this round table, participants heard the panelists speak about topics such as the situation in Beirut, the political challenges brought to light by the tragedy, and Canada’s assistance to Lebanon.
Having an on-the-ground perspective provided insight into the challenges facing round table participants in the aftermath of the explosion. As Mr. Boulos said, “the needs were already dire in Lebanon before this devastating explosion. Today, we are in a critical situation where even those who were financially independent are now in need. This round table has enabled me to talk about the situation in Beirut with Lebanese Canadians.”
To address their concerns, the Lebanese community is asking “Canada to provide support to Lebanon, whose one hundredth anniversary was scarred by this year’s tragedy. That way, it can begin the substantial reforms needed and called for by young Lebanese to save its democracy, as well as its cultural and religious diversity,” said Mr. Aoun.
The virtual round table enabled Mr. Iacono to remain attentive to the Lebanese community in Alfred–Pellan during this difficult time, while reiterating Canada’s support for Lebanon and the Lebanese diaspora.
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