MP Ghada Ayoub, a member of the 'Strong Republic' bloc, arrived in Canada on 17 October 2026 to engage with the local Lebanese diaspora. She traveled alongside Lebanese Forces Secretary-General Emile Mkarkzel and former MP Imad Wakim for the visit. During her engagements, Ayoub addressed the political situation in Lebanon and the stakes for the country’s future. Reflecting on the broader impact of current events, she stated: "المسألة ليست أن تخسر القوات اللبنانية أصواتاً أو مقاعد نيابية، بل إننا نخسر لبنان جميعاً" (The issue is not that the Lebanese Forces lose votes or parliamentary seats, but rather that we are all losing Lebanon). The delegation intends to meet with community members to discuss regional developments and the role of expatriates in national affairs.
Diplomatic and Religious Engagements
Bishop Paul Marwan Tabet hosted a breakfast in honor of Ghada Ayoub and her delegation to mark the start of her diplomatic schedule. This gathering brought together the visitors and local representatives to discuss the current situation in Lebanon.
Following the breakfast, Ghada Ayoub visited the Lebanese Consulate in Montreal. She held an official meeting with Consul General Charbel Nemr to address matters concerning the Lebanese diaspora and their connection to national affairs.
Ghada Ayoub also visited the Deir Mar Antonios Al-Kabir monastery in Montreal. Her presence at this religious site allowed for further interaction with community members during her stay in Canada. Emile Mkarkzel and Imad Wakim accompanied her throughout these visits as part of the delegation's broader itinerary. The delegation continues to engage with various sectors of the community to discuss the role of expatriates in the future of Lebanon.
Political Discussions and Advocacy
Faisal Al-Khoury, a member of the Canadian-Lebanese Friendship Committee, hosted a dinner attended by Ghada Ayoub. This event provided an opportunity for the delegation to discuss bilateral relations and the involvement of the Lebanese diaspora in domestic matters. Emile Mkarkzel and Imad Wakim joined Ghada Ayoub for the dinner, representing the interests of the Lebanese Forces.
Ghada Ayoub also participated in an interview with the Montreal-based 'Middle East' radio station. During the broadcast, she addressed current Lebanese political developments, offering insights into the position of the Strong Republic bloc regarding the state of affairs in Lebanon. The interview served as a platform for Ghada Ayoub to communicate directly with the local Lebanese community in Canada. These engagements form part of the delegation's broader schedule to maintain connections with expatriates while in Montreal.
Diaspora Voting Rights Campaign
Ghada Ayoub used her visit to engage with community members on the subject of electoral participation. She advocated for the right of the Lebanese diaspora to cast ballots for all 128 members of the Lebanese Parliament. This proposal seeks to alter existing electoral procedures that currently limit the representation of expatriates in the national legislature. By pushing for this change, Ayoub aims to increase the influence of the Lebanese community living abroad in domestic political processes. She presented this position as a necessary step to ensure that citizens residing outside of Lebanon maintain a direct connection to the parliamentary selection process. The delegation discussed these potential legislative changes during their meetings with expatriates in Canada, framing the expansion of voting rights as a central element of their political agenda for the Lebanese Forces.
