Paramount Fine Foods Honored for Supporting Newcomers in Canada
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Recognizing Excellence in Newcomer Employment
The Canadian government has acknowledged Paramount Fine Foods for its outstanding initiative in training and certifying newcomers for careers in the food and hospitality industry.
2018 Employer Awards Recognition
March 21, 2018—Ottawa, ON— Paramount Fine Foods has been celebrated as a recipient of the 2018 Employer Awards for Newcomer Employment. This Greater Toronto-area business, recognized by Minister Ahmed Hussen, has excelled in aiding newcomers to secure and maintain employment while enhancing their skills.
In collaboration with the Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre, Paramount developed a program offering occupation-specific language training, food safety courses, and insights into Canadian workplace culture. These efforts are part of a broader initiative by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to honor businesses that facilitate newcomer integration into Canada’s labor market.
The awards were presented at the 2018 Employer Council of Champions Summit hosted by Hire Immigrants Ottawa. This event gathers leaders from various sectors to discuss and promote the successful incorporation of immigrants and refugees into the workforce.
Testimonials
“Paramount Fine Foods’ training program is pivotal in helping newcomers, including refugees, secure employment in the hospitality sector. Such efforts by Canadian employers foster an inclusive environment that benefits newcomers, their families, and the broader community.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“Winning the Employer Award for Newcomer Employment is a great honor. Like many, I came to Canada seeking better opportunities. Through this country’s support, I built Paramount Fine Foods. Giving back is in our DNA, and helping newcomers find jobs is our way of contributing to their integration and success.”
– Mohamad Fakih, CEO and President of Paramount Fine Foods
Key Highlights
- IRCC collaborates with Hire Immigrants Ottawa to acknowledge private businesses aiding newcomers in integrating into the Canadian labor market.
- Nominees for the award are recommended by settlement service provider organizations.
- Paramount employs over 500 individuals across more than 55 locations in Canada, the USA, Lebanon, and Pakistan, with goals to employ up to 100 Syrian refugees in Ontario.
Relevant Links
Media Contacts
Media Inquiries Only
Hursh Jaswal
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Employer Award for Newcomer Employment?
The award recognizes businesses in Canada for their efforts in supporting the integration of newcomers into the labor market.
How does Paramount Fine Foods assist newcomers?
They offer training in language, food safety, and Canadian workplace culture to equip newcomers with essential skills.
Who organizes the Employer Council of Champions Summit?
The summit is organized by Hire Immigrants Ottawa and aims to facilitate discussions on immigrant workforce integration.
Read our immigration guide for more insights on supporting newcomers in Canada.
Contact us today to learn more about how Paramount Fine Foods is making a difference.

