TORONTO -- A well-known Syrian refugee who became a chocolatier in Nova Scotia is celebrating after voting for the first time in a federal election.
on Monday where he said this was his first time voting in a Canadian federal election.
鈥淭his is a big moment and I鈥檇 been waiting for it and I will cherish this memory forever,鈥� he said in the video.
鈥淚鈥檓 absolutely proud to know that my vote makes a difference. It鈥檚 so rewarding and I voted because Canadians sacrificed so much to protect my right to vote. So I encourage all of you to get out and vote as early as you can. Thank you Canada for giving me this amazing moment.鈥�
In an interview with 麻豆影视 Channel on Tuesday, Hadhad said he couldn鈥檛 sleep the night before we was scheduled to vote because he was too excited.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been absolutely amazing to know that I have this amazing privilege,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e should not take that for granted, because people around the world are suffering for this privilege.鈥�
Hadhad and his family came to Canada in 2016 after bombs destroyed his chocolate factory in Syria. Hadhad started rebuilding his chocolate company in Antigonish, N.S., only a few weeks after arriving in Canada and began the business under the name 鈥淧eace by Chocolate.鈥�
Peace by Chocolate hires newcomers to Canada and local residents to create the treats that are then shipped around the world. A portion of each purchase goes toward 鈥減eace-building projects鈥� around the world and in Canada.
鈥淚鈥檓 here not only to contribute, but to create jobs and be part of this amazing nation that we pride ourselves with,鈥� Hadhad said.
Hadhad became a Canadian citizen in January 2020 and voted in the Nova Scotia provincial election earlier this summer, but this is the first election where he was able to vote federally.
鈥淲hen I came to Canada, I swore that I would use this freedom (to vote), because it鈥檚 not only my right, it鈥檚 my privilege,鈥� he said.
As for who he voted for, Hadhad would not disclose which party, but said he voted for a platform that cares a lot about climate change and immigration.
