(TORONTO, ON) – The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) condemns the racist attacks in Charlottesville, Virginia and the rise in racist, Islamophobic, and xenophobic attacks in Canada and the United States.
Racist attacks are on the rise in Canada. In recent times our country has seen the murder of six worshippers at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec, vandalism of mosques and synagogues in Toronto and Montréal and the disruption of First Nations events in Halifax by a White supremacist group.
“No one should be subjected to racist language, attacks, or violence in any part of their lives,” said OFL President Chris Buckley. “We extend our deepest condolences to Heather D. Heyer’s family, friends, and colleagues and to the friends, families and colleagues of all others who have been killed or affected by racist attacks in Canada and abroad. The OFL is committed to fighting against all forms of racism, bigotry, and hate.”
Ontario’s labour movement will continue to actively fight against racism and hate, and will continue to address inequalities that exist in society.
“We must all acknowledge the threat posed by White supremacists here in Ontario and across Canada. Governments must act with urgency to develop collaborative approaches to address hate; approaches that neutralize the impacts that white supremacists have on our communities. This threat is real,” said OFL Executive Vice-President Ahmad Gaied.
At this difficult time, the OFL reiterates its commitment to anti-racism, equity, and justice and encourages workers across the province to stand against racism in all its forms.
Unless it is challenged, hatred will continue to grow. Participate in upcoming rallies for peace and inclusion. We must not be divided but instead stand firm against the realities of white supremacy, racism, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and violence.
The OFL represents 54 unions and one million workers in Ontario. For information visit www.OFL.ca and follow @OFLabour on Facebook and Twitter.
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For further information contact
Meagan Perry, Director of Communications
Email: mperry@ofl-org.flywheelsites.com
Phone: 416-894-3456
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