Up And Down Beirut
Born in Akkar north of Lebanon , Liberal Party MP Fayçal El-Khoury, has secured a fourth term in Canada’s House of Commons, after once again earning the trust of voters and surpassing his competitors from other federal parties. This victory reflects the will of his constituents, who appreciated his efforts and accomplishments over the past years.
It is well known that consecutive victories in Canadian Parliament are not easy, but El-Khoury’s popularity and the unwavering support of voters carried him back to Parliament for the fourth time, reaffirming his stature and the deep trust placed in him.
From Humble Beginnings to Parliamentary Success
Looking back, we see the ambition of a young Lebanese man who graduated from high school dreaming of becoming a fighter pilot. However, the outbreak of the Lebanese civil war forced him into emigration, paving the way for a remarkable success story in his second home: Canada.
Due to the closure of the Canadian embassies in Beirut and Damascus at the time, he traveled to Egypt with his sister under the pretext of attending the Olympic Games. It was there that his new journey began. At the time, he was in love with Georgette Elias, who would later become his wife, lifelong partner, and a distinguished dentist. Together, they were blessed with three daughters, known for both their values and character.
A Grandfather’s Advice… and the First Step
He arrived in the “Great White North,” the “Land of the Maple Leaf,” Canada, with only $500 USD in his pocket and a piece of advice from his grandfather, the village priest:
“Consider yourself an ambassador for Lebanon. If you succeed and reach a high position, never turn anyone away. The needs of others are a sign of God’s favor upon you.”
These words guided him throughout his entire journey.
In a fortunate coincidence, on his way from Homs to Egypt, he met the son of the late Sabri Hamadeh, who helped him apply for a Canadian visa through a connection with Ambassador Assad Al-Assad, then Assistant Secretary General of the Arab League, and his son Wael, who was working at the Libyan Embassy in Egypt. With their support and a letter of recommendation, his journey of challenges began a journey filled with obstacles and fears of deportation, especially since his visa was only valid for two weeks.
Working to Study, Then Building a Global Career
To cover his education costs, El-Khoury worked in a Beirut-style restaurant while enrolling at Concordia University to study civil engineering—despite not being fluent in English at the time. He persevered, graduated, and went on to establish his own engineering company, which operated in Saudi Arabia and other Arab markets. He ultimately succeeded in becoming a global consultant in his field.
Despite his professional success, he never forgot the hardships of immigration and asylum. This empathy drove him to always support those facing deportation, as he had personally endured the same experience.
Politics in the Service of People
El-Khoury recalls how he entered politics and how people became attached to him and his human-centered approach. Every deportation case he helped stop was, to him, a priceless moral reward.
One particularly moving case involved a Bangladeshi family facing deportation with their two children. They contacted his office through the hotline, and he helped halt the decision. That family later returned to vote for him in the last election, a gesture that left a deep impact on him.
A Vision for the Future
When asked about the new federal government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, El-Khoury said:
“I’m optimistic. Carney has a brilliant economic mind and is one of the most prominent global figures, having led both the Bank of England and the Bank of Canada for years.”
He added that the major challenges facing the new government will include:
• The economic crisis
• The housing crisis and cost of living
• Relations with the United States
• Canada’s role in international politics and humanitarian aid
He confirmed that efforts to support Lebanon are ongoing, with more than 60 million Canadian dollars in aid already secured.
The Oath Ceremony… and a Scene of Loyalty
MP Fayçal El-Khoury took the oath of office for his new term in the presence of a large crowd of Canadian and Arab community members, along with fellow parliamentarians, including Armenian MP Kristine Vardanyan, who traveled especially from Armenia to offer her congratulations.
In his speech after the oath, he thanked everyone who voted for him, and even those who didn’t. He gave special thanks to his wife, Georgette, for her unwavering support and dedication. The oath ceremony was followed by a luncheon in honor of the attendees, in an atmosphere full of gratitude and appreciation.
A Poet with Deep Roots
MP El-Khoury remains strongly connected to his roots and Arab culture. He is also an accomplished poet, writing in eloquent classical Arabic, and has authored many beautiful poems.
Canada is fortunate to have MP Fayçal El-Khoury in its ranks—a loving husband and father, an exceptional parliamentarian, a man close to the people’s hearts, and a writer who has crafted his words with profound humanity.
His Final Message:
“Immigration is not an end, but a beginning. Success doesn’t come by chance; it’s the fruit of hard work and self-belief. Never forget your roots, and always remain loyal to your new community—without forgetting your homeland.”
