Together We Can Create Change

Today is an important and unforgettable day for us at Paramount Fine Foods, for two reasons. 

First and foremost, today we were awarded the Employer Award by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for working towards the inclusion of newcomers in Canada. 

Truthfully, this award is the by-product of the thoughts and actions of the Paramount team and the influences of the Canadian values system of diversity, inclusion, economic security and equity. The award really belongs to the people of Canada and every team member at Paramount who tirelessly advocate for the inclusion and respect for all, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.   

Secondly, the day will remain memorable as we received this award on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This day serves as a good reminder to us all, that efforts should always be made in all spheres, not just in the workplace, to promote inclusion. International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination also calls attention to all the work we have ahead of us still, in promoting equality, dignity and non-negotiable rights of all members of the human race. At Paramount, we stand for the ideals of diversity, respect and inclusion. We are dedicated to building those ideals in our workforce and community at a large. 

On this, against #RacialDiscriminationDay, we at Paramount are truly humbled to receive this award and are encouraged to continuing being the gatekeepers of inclusion with others. 

Here are few words I shared in Ottawa on behalf of Paramount

I am delighted to be here today to accept this recognition of Paramount Fine Food’s efforts to improve the inclusion of newcomers in the economy and prosperity of Ontario. I use the word inclusion rather than hiring, or attachment, or diversity because I think the meaning of inclusion is far more profound. Diversity is what we are and what we have. Inclusion is what we do.

Yes we are diverse enough, but do we include people when they arrive?

We need to ensure our refugees, our immigrants, our newcomers, feel and are included in this country. 

I arrived at Pearson airport with nothing, and I found a lot of people and companies in Canada helped me feel included and gave me opportunities. As a result of the Canadian values and generosity that was bestowed upon me, today, I operate Paramount Fine Foods, with over 60 locations worldwide and over 2000 employees - isn’t that a great example of how inclusion can bring a positive impact to a country. 

At Paramount we are proud to have hired Syrian refugees. It was good business, they are excellent employees and partners, and it was the “right” thing to do, because the only way to restore someone’s dignity, is providing them with a job. They have helped our business, opened new stores and introduced us to new franchisees. That’s the secret to hiring and including newcomers. You’ll be surprised at the benefits of new talents, skills, and hard-working employees looking for a new start.

Ask yourself, did you come here for a better life? So did they.

On behalf of Paramount Fine Foods, I would like to thank the department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for this honour today. I am delighted Dixie Bloor Neighborhood Centre nominated us for the Employer Award. I want to remind everyone of what Margaret Mead said “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”