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For entrepreneur Tareq Hadhad, founder of Peace by Chocolate, joy is ‘what keeps us human’. Tareq Hadhad’s journey from Syrian refugee to successful Canadian entrepreneur is a testament to the power of community support and the pursuit of joy.

Tareq Hadhad’s Journey to Canada

Hadhad and his family, generations of chocolatiers, fled war-torn Syria in 2012 and arrived in Canada as refugees three years later. They eventually settled in Antigonish, N.S., with the help of the local community.

Peace by Chocolate: A Vehicle for Change

Hadhad has since made his mark by giving back to the community. As the founder and CEO of Peace by Chocolate, he uses the universal love for sweets to drive positive change. Each chocolate bar sold contributes to peace-building projects around the world, with a particular focus on creating jobs for refugees in Nova Scotia and across Canada.

The Joy Diaries: Finding Happiness in the Ordinary

In the Joy Diaries series, Hadhad shares how he finds joy in everyday interactions and ordinary moments, a mindset shaped by his family’s extraordinary journey. Chocolate, for Hadhad, is not just a business; it’s a symbol of happiness and a source of joy. This perspective was inspired by his father, who founded the family’s chocolate business in Syria in 1996.

Appreciating Small Moments

Hadhad believes in celebrating small moments with loved ones and finding joy in the repetitive routines of everyday life. He emphasizes the importance of appreciating simple moments, especially given the significant transitions his family has undergone. A recent joyful moment for Hadhad was feeling his unborn baby kick, a moment that reminded him of life’s endless possibilities.

Connecting Through Sports

Hadhad has also discovered a passion for hockey, connecting with friends and finding common ground through the sport. This newfound interest reflects his ongoing journey of integration and connection in his adopted home of Canada.

The Importance of Joy in Today’s World

In a world filled with anxiety and uncertainty, Hadhad believes joy is more important than ever. According to him, joy is what keeps us human, distinguishes truth from false, and fuels resilience and strength. It was joy that helped his family endure hard times and rebuild their lives after loss.

As told to Katherine Singh

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

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