A Night to Remember: Inside the 16th Annual Cedar & Maple Gala

Under the golden lights of the Halifax Convention Centre, the Lebanese community of Nova Scotia gathered for a night that can only be described as breathtaking. The 6th Annual Cedar & Maple Gala, hosted by the Lebanese Chamber of Commerce, delivered its promise yet again: to celebrate excellence, honor heritage, and strengthen the bridge between our roots and our future.

🌟 A Full House and Full Hearts

With over 800 guests in attendance, this year’s Gala was the most anticipated community event of the year. Business leaders, cultural advocates, elected officials, and friends of Lebanon—both new and old—came together in an atmosphere of pride, elegance, and deep connection.

Among the crowd were community trailblazers, rising entrepreneurs, and generations of Lebanese-Canadians proudly carrying forward the story.

🎤 Voices of Leadership: Esteemed Speakers

The event featured a powerful lineup of speakers who brought messages of inspiration, support, and shared purpose:

· Anthony Rahayel, keynote speaker, founder of NoGarlicNoOnions

· Mike Savage, Lt Governor of Nova Scotia

· Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia

· Lina Metlej, Minister of Immigration

· Andy Fillmore, Mayor of Halifax

· Wadi Fares, Honorary Consul of Lebanon

· Norman Nahas, presided of Lebanese Chamber of Commerce

Their words echoed a shared vision: the strength of cultural identity, the importance of economic empowerment, and the unshakable bond between Lebanon and its diaspora.

🎙️ A Keynote That Stirred the Room

Dr. Anthony Rahayel delivered a soul-stirring keynote that brought the entire room to a standstill. Known globally for his work promoting Lebanese culinary traditions, Dr. Rahayel shared a message that was about far more than food:

“Food is more than flavor. It is identity. It is memory. It is our weapon of resilience, our tool of unity, and our love letter to the world.”

He challenged the diaspora to become ambassadors of positive Lebanese storytelling—through culture, through support, and through pride.

🏆 Honoring Excellence: The Cedar & Maple Awards

The evening’s most emotional moments came during the presentation of the Cedar & Maple Awards**, recognizing leaders who embody the spirit of Lebanese excellence in Canada.

Award categories included:

· Canadian Business of the Year

· Lebanese Professional of the Year

· Lebanese Business of the Year

· Lebanese Business Person of the Year**

While winners were revealed during the ceremony, what stood out was the atmosphere—filled with applause, pride, and the quiet joy of seeing hard work and heritage honored side by side.

🥂 An Evening to Remember

The program unfolded in a perfect rhythm of elegance and emotion:

· A warm reception and refined three-course dinner

· Cultural entertainment and music

· Storytelling and recognition

· Reunions, laughter, and intergenerational pride

🌍 A Message Beyond Borders

This Gala was not just about success—it was about identity, memory, and hope. It reminded us that while we may live under the maples, the cedars still whisper in our hearts.

To those who left Lebanon, but never let go—this night was for you.

And to those building, dreaming, and leading in Nova Scotia—this is always a watershed moment.