Up And Down Beirut
By Rita Wakim
Lebanese-Canadian business leader, engineer and philanthropist Wadih Fares has been named a recipient of the 2026 Order of Nova Scotia, the province’s highest honour, recognizing his longstanding contributions to economic development, immigration, healthcare and community service.
Fares, who serves as Lebanon’s Honorary Consul in Nova Scotia, is among ten distinguished Nova Scotians selected for the honour this year. The recipients were announced on August 14 by Nova Scotia Lieutenant Governor Mike Savage.
According to the official announcement, Fares is being recognized for his significant contributions to the province’s economic development, immigration initiatives, healthcare sector and community organizations.
The official investiture ceremony is expected to take place at Government House in Halifax this fall, where the recipients will receive the Order of Nova Scotia insignia and their certificates of appointment.
Fares arrived in Nova Scotia as a young man after leaving Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War. He learned English, pursued his university education and went on to establish a successful career in business and engineering.
He founded W.M. Fares Group, a company involved in engineering design, project management and real estate development. Over the years, the group has played a role in Halifax’s urban development while contributing to the province’s broader economic growth.
Beyond his professional achievements, Fares has devoted considerable time to community service and civic engagement. He has served with a number of local organizations and institutions and has been a strong advocate for closer ties between the Lebanese and Canadian communities.
In his role as Lebanon’s Honorary Consul in Nova Scotia, Fares has also contributed to strengthening cultural, social and economic connections between Lebanon and the province while supporting members of the Lebanese-Canadian community.
Among Fares’ more recent initiatives has been his involvement in efforts to strengthen cooperation between Nova Scotia and Lebanon in the healthcare sector.
In 2025, the Nova Scotia government announced agreements with Lebanese universities aimed at helping attract qualified physicians to the province. Lebanon’s Honorary Consulate in Halifax was among the partners working with the provincial government and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia on the initiative.
The collaboration reflects Fares’ broader commitment to creating meaningful connections between institutions in Lebanon and Nova Scotia and identifying opportunities that benefit both communities.
The Order of Nova Scotia adds to an already distinguished list of honours received by Fares.
In 2012, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada (C.M.), one of the country’s highest civilian distinctions. The honour recognized his achievements in entrepreneurship, community service and his efforts to strengthen relations between the Canadian and Lebanese communities.
His appointment to the Order of Nova Scotia further recognizes a career defined not only by professional success, but also by sustained public and community engagement.
The Consulate General of Lebanon in Montreal joined the Embassy of Lebanon in Ottawa in congratulating Fares on the prestigious distinction.
In its message, the consulate described the honour as recognition of his longstanding contributions to Canadian society and to the Lebanese community.
The consulate also highlighted the significance of Fares’ achievement as an example of the positive contribution of Lebanese Canadians to their communities, while maintaining strong ties to their cultural heritage and roots.
For the Lebanese community across Canada, Fares’ appointment to the Order of Nova Scotia represents a significant milestone. Established in 2001, the Order recognizes individuals whose exceptional and lasting contributions have made a meaningful difference to the province.
Fares now joins a select group of Nova Scotians whose achievements and commitment to public life have earned the province’s highest distinction.
