Dear Neighbours,

I mourn every Israeli and Palestinian innocent life which has been lost in this conflict and express my deepest condolences to all families and communities on both sides of this crisis. Since October 7th, I have engaged in many difficult conversations with colleagues, constituents, and community groups. We share concerns about the crisis in Israel and Gaza, the violence in the region, and Canada’s role on the international stage. 

The humanitarian pause, which Canada actively called for and worked toward with the international community, was a step in the right direction. Canada has joined the widening international call for a sustainable, humanitarian, and permanent ceasefire. In a joint statement with Australia and New Zealand, our Prime Minister expressed that Canada supports urgent international efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire. This support was also reflected through our nation’s vote at the United Nations, favouring the resolution to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Part of this ceasefire must be on the condition that Hamas release hostages and not use civilians as human shields. 

I join the Prime Minister and our government in continuing to condemn the horrendous attack by Hamas on Israel and Israelis. Our nation advocates for hostages to be released and supports Israel’s right to defend itself from the terrorist group, Hamas.  

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, the protection of civilians is paramount. In the words of Canada’s Prime Minister, “The price of defeating Hamas cannot be the continuous suffering of all Palestinian civilians.” Palestinian civilians continue to urgently require life-saving access to medical services, food, fuel, and water. While progress was made in releasing some hostages and expanding aid into Gaza, more is needed, and we must do everything possible to avoid further loss of civilian life. Canada and other nations must work together to provide badly needed humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians. 

Here at home, I implore Canadians to avoid divisive rhetoric and hateful comments and actions that will serve us any purpose other than to divide us. I condemn the rising antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiment that we are seeing here and throughout the world, and I will do whatever I can to combat prejudice, hatred, and violent extremism. It is only through mutual respect and dialogue that we can work together as a community to support each other during these difficult times.  

I continue to stand with the many affected communities during these difficult times as we witness the crisis in Gaza.

I want to express my deep gratitude to constituents who have reached out to me to express their opinions about this ongoing tragedy.