Korean restaurant Bab Sang, located on Maguire Street in Quebec, will also open its dining room this week, thanks to the support of the community.
The owner had been forced to close after receiving threats for not offering services in French.
The human before the language
It is obvious that the French language is a priority in Quebec and that the services must be provided in French. It’s the law, it’s a minimum.
It is also clear that labor shortages cannot be used as an excuse for not respecting language obligations.
What is less obvious is how we react to an immigrant who does not offer his services in French from day one.
In the case of Bab Sang, the company received not only insults on social networks, but also telephone threats. Enough that “Joe”, the owner, refuses to show his face on TV reports.
Is this really how we want to welcome a new entrepreneur to Quebec?
The community at the appointment
Since extremes often end up offsetting each other, the story of Bab Sang is also a story of openness and mutual help.
After two weeks, it is finally the neighborhood entrepreneurs and volunteers who will help Bab Sang to reopen its doors.
Even Mayor Marchand ended up sweetening his words to remind us that we must show the famous “benevolence”.
The story of “Joe” should make us think about how we want to welcome newcomers.
When they immediately went to work supporting their families, we would like them to spend more time learning the language.
When they devote themselves to learning French, they are criticized for not working.
Between the human and the language, we should decide.
