Mohamad Fakih fights for Canadians to use their voice: 'If you can silence me, you're taking away being Canadian from me — and that's the greatest honour ever'
Mohamad Fakih embarked on his Canadian journey in 1999, when he first departed Lebanon and landed in Canada with hopes of making this country his forever sanctuary. He didn't have a whole lot with him, except a hunger to prove his mettle and a conviction to succeed.
"Canada represented hope for me — a place where I could work hard, grow, and, most importantly, be accepted," he shares with Yahoo News Canada, standing over a stove in a warm kitchen tucked behind a hallway in the Regent Park neighbourhood of downtown Toronto, where he's helping prepare 500 hot meals for those in need.
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The room is relatively quiet, barring the clattering utensils, hum of conversation and a comforting rhythm of service among Muslim Welfare Canada volunteers who pack trays of biryani as the aromatic scent of cumin, roasted chicken and vegetables fills the atmosphere.
Across the hall is the dining area, which awaits hundreds of hungry occupants. It's also where Fakih and I sit down to talk about what Canada is to him.
Fakih recalls strolling down unfamiliar streets and being greeted with welcoming smiles, a gesture that "made me feel like I belonged even before I got my citizenship." He remembers buying his first car and playing Arabic music from behind the wheel — feeling a mix of pride in his roots and an acceptance of his way of life in a country oceans away from his native land.
"Getting my permanent residency was huge," he says, with decades-old relief still felt in his voice. "I finally felt secure like no one could just take me away."
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However, belonging — as a Muslim man and an outspoken advocate — hasn't always felt certain, as he feels acceptance in Canada can, at times, be conditional.
"There are times I wonder if I'm truly safe — or if I can be myself as a Canadian."
The founder of Paramount Fine Foods built a legacy, as part of which he became a pillar of strength and support for his community. However, his journey isn't only about success, but the price of standing up for his beliefs, the pain of losing friends and rejecting the idea of remaining silent when Canada's values are challenged.
As part of our My Canada series, Fakih's conspicuous life story is a testament to courage, resilience and fierce love for this country.
When there's a cost to pay for speaking out, but silence isn't an option
Following the events of Oct. 7, 2023, Fakih emerged as one of the few known Canadian business leaders who publicly advocated for the cause of Palestinian civilians. The backlash to his formidable stance on the war in Gaza was swift and personal, resulting in him facing threats and financial repercussions.
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"Yeah speaking for Gaza, speaking for Palestinians made me lose — I wouldn't call them friends, but they acted like friends at the time," he says, ladling stew into a container. "Some landlords said they wouldn't renew my lease."
But Fakih never backed down.
"Businesses are not walls. They're people. And if you think I shouldn't speak because it impacts my business — then you think I am owned by money."
The 2022 Order of Canada appointee believes in the philosophy of "kinder capitalism" — a unique model which emphasizes on putting people, their values and purpose ahead of profits.
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"Kinder capitalism means be kind to people even when it costs, and do it until it hurts," Fakih stressed.
"It's only giving when you do it until it hurts. That's when it really counts."
TORONTO. Exterior signage of Yonge Street location near Yonge and Dundas. Mohamad Fakih, the high-profile founder of Paramount, just settled a long court battle with his two largest investors, wresting back control of his Lebanese restaurant chain.For story by Jake Edmiston. (R.J.Johnston/Toronto Star) R.J. Johnston/Toronto Star (R.J. Johnston/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
Trump put Canada's sovereignty on the line — and Fakih won't look away
Trump's recent rhetoric around making Canada his country's "51st state" sparked a quick reaction from Fakih, who used the opportunity to respond not with political gamesmanship but a plea to Canadians to see distinction between performative patriotism and national pride.
You can't talk about Canada's sovereignty and wonder if our silence about what's happening in Gaza wasn't a wink that allowed Trump to say that 'I want you to become the 51st state.'
"Injustice anywhere is a risk to justice everywhere," he quotes Martin Luther King Jr., adding, "We need to protect Canada, protect its sovereignty. And it will never be the 51st state to anybody."
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Fakih equates defending Canada to defending Canadian values, including the nation's responsibility to speak up for issues relating to international human rights.
"If you can silence me, you're taking away being Canadian from me — and that's the greatest honour ever," he says, leaning over the dining table in a calm but firm voice.
In the midst of losing friends and standing alone, Fakih held fast to principles
Fakih's commitment to advocacy isn't recent and neither is he a stranger to standing alone. In the past years, he's helped repair synagogues, reconstructed church doors, housed homeless strangers in hotels during a crisis and stood with Quebec mosque shooting victims — all rooted in a single motivation: "Half of life is showing up."
"I have felt the taste of helping others. I was someone that needed help. I've been hungry. There are nights where I slept hungry," he says, visibly emotional. "Canada empowered me to not bury who I am. I wanted to be that example for our next generation of Canadians."
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But the advocacy comes with a price tag.
"It hurt my business. Some days it hurt personally. I've had to explain to my children why I get weekly threats," he says.
"But I came to Canada because we celebrate kindness, not just profit." It is that ethos which, he says, is "stronger than greed."
You drive a Rolls Royce and still stop to feed someone hungry — that's power. Mohamad Fakih, Founder, Paramount Fine Foods
Canada as family: A son's fierce loyalty to a nation in pain
Fakih admits that his idea of Canada has evolved — not drifted — over time. He doesn't see Canada through rose-coloured glasses, but as someone who loves this country like he loves his family.
"My dad passed away last year," he says, turning his attention inwards, his eyes on his hands.
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"And I think of Canada like my dad — kind, but in pain sometimes. And if Canada's in pain and needs me to use my voice — even if it hurts me — I will," his voice softening.
That love shows up every year when Fakih proudly takes part in the Hazel McCallion Parade on Canada Day.
"The first year, I was too shy to join. Now I walk with my kids. And I celebrate — because after my parents and children, Canada is the thing I love most."
MISSISSAUGA, ON - JULY 1: Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion gets some help from MP Stella Ambler, MPP Charles Sousa and others in cutting a giant 16 x 8' Canadian flag cake. Canada Day celebrations were in full swing at Paint the Town Red in Mississauga's Port Credit district with a parade, live music and fireworks. July 1, 2014. (Chris So/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
Fakih's message to Canadians: Use your voice or risk losing the country we love
As he steps out in the hallway to welcome his fellow Canadians queued up for a hot meal, Fakih shares one final message:
"Being Canadian is the greatest honour, and part of it is the freedom to say what you believe in, without fear. That's why we came here," he says, urging Canadians to use their voice while they still can.
Speak for the hungry. Speak for the oppressed. One day, you might need someone to speak for you. Mohamad Fakih, entrepreneur, businessman and philanthropist
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