Immigrants must adapt, says Georges Sayegh

His company employs about 100 people from many different cultural communities. For Sayegh, accommodating his employees’ different religions and beliefs is an unnecessary Pandora’s Box. All of his employees are treated equally.

“When I’m interviewing a candidate for a position in my company, I expect that he will respect the rules. If he doesn’t like them, all he has to do is apply somewhere else,” he said frankly.

The Bouchard-Taylor Commission on reasonable accommodation has left a bad taste in his mouth. According to Sayegh, it is nothing but a public relations operation that should never have seen the light of day.

Despite some of the media coverage the commission received, Sayegh does not believe Quebecers are racist. Speaking from his own experience, he actually finds the Quebec people very welcoming.

He believes that immigrants who have done their homework will not have any trouble adapting to the lifestyle of their new home. Those who have informed themselves about the customs and traditions of Quebec and then chose – while understanding the Quebec way of life – to come here are very happy.

“When I decided to immigrate to Quebec, I knew what to expect. I informed myself. I didn’t come here by accident. It’s up to the immigrants to do their homework and choose a place they want to live. No one is forcing us to come to Quebec. It’s our decision.

“Why should Quebecers change their ways to please newcomers?” questioned Sayegh. “We can help the people, but this does not mean Quebecers should do everything for new arrivals. They have their own responsibilities. Quebec could be more selective when it comes to immigration.”

This sense of responsibility, Sayegh believes, is something some immigrants have forgotten. However, he says in places where there are many jobs available and workers are always welcome, it should be easier for new arrivals to integrate in the job market.

When he arrived in Quebec, Sayegh had to do everything for himself. There were not as many programs available to help immigrants back then. He worked very hard to achieve his goals and build a good life for himself.

His business is doing well financially. Over the years, it has achieved much, including the prestigious Prix d’excellence, notably in 2002, when Sayegh received the Ernst and Young and La Presse Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Nearing retirement, he does not regret a thing. He has always been accountable for his decisions and opinions. If he had the chance to do it all over again, he would not change anything. He is proud of what he has achieved and believes the decision to come to Quebec allowed him to fulfill his dreams.

<@S2:Translated by Elyse Amend<@$p>



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