(TORONTO, ON) – The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) condemns the mass murder of eleven worshippers at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh and sends deepest condolences to the many families who lost loved ones in this anti-Semitic attack, and to those who were injured and their families.
“This shooting is one more terrifying event that is part of a continued increase in acts of anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, racist and xenophobic hate and violence in Canada and abroad,” said OFL President Chris Buckley.
“I am sending condolences from the labour movement and I want to send the message that the labour movement is committed to stopping hate in all its forms. We are seeing the increase of openly racist acts in Canada. Our work against violence and discrimination is far from over,” said Buckley. “The OFL will continue its work against racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, bigotry and hate.”
“This is not an isolated incident in another country that can’t happen here,” said OFL Executive Vice-President Ahmad Gaied. “Racist attacks and shootings have happened here in the recent past, and rallies by hate groups happen in Canada regularly. The threat is real, and we must be active in neutralizing the effect of these hate groups on our communities and stop their growth across Ontario and Canada.”
The labour movement will continue its work to stop racism and hate, as we work to protect rights for workers who face environmental racism and the racialized workers and Indigenous workers who will be most deeply affected when the government of Ontario cancels decent work laws and the $15 minimum wage.
Hatred will continue to grow unless we stop it. We must work together. The OFL urges everyone to participate in upcoming rallies for peace and inclusion and continue to stand together against white supremacy, racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and violence.
The OFL represents 54 unions and one million workers in Ontario. For information visit www.OFL.caand follow @OFLabour on Facebook and Twitter.
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For further information, please contact:
Meagan Perry
Director of Communications,
Ontario Federation of Labour
mperry@ofl-org.flywheelsites.coml 416-894-3456
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