Opinion: Canadians must listen to each other and remain united

As events in the Middle East unfold, we need to reiterate at every opportunity that hate and incitement to violence have no place in Canada.

Article content

On Oct. 7, Canadians were horrified to witness Hamas’s terrorist attack against innocent Israeli civilians. The resulting loss of civilian life in Israel, and subsequently in the Gaza Strip, along with the displacement of millions of civilians, is heartbreaking.

Canada has long been home to the communities impacted by this conflict. Jews have been in Canada for nearly 300 years. Many of our cities, particularly Montreal and Toronto, are global hubs of Jewish life. Muslim communities are also an integral fabric of our communities, with a vibrant presence in every corner of our country.

Advertisement 2

Article content

Article content

A long-standing point of pride for Canadians is our ability to welcome people from all backgrounds and to have built an incredible multicultural society, where peace and acceptance are essential principles.

We cannot let the events of the last few weeks change that fundamental character.

As the prime minister said, we must show how we get through this. We must listen to each other and understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for many Canadians who are scared for their children here and for their relatives on the other side of the world.

We must do what we do best as Canadians — listen to our neighbours and understand and acknowledge their pain, even though it may be diametrically opposed in its cause to the same pain we are feeling.

We must reiterate at every opportunity that hate and incitement to violence have no place in Canada. Jewish Canadians and Muslim Canadians are valued members of Canadian society. Canada is their home, and it will always be.

But since the conflict began, we have seen a growing and troubling level of polarization here. I have heard directly from members of both the Muslim and Jewish communities about their heightened sense of fear since the events of Oct. 7 — of being targeted, harassed or attacked as a reprisal for what is happening in the Middle East.

Article content

Advertisement 3

Article content

These fears are unfortunately being borne out, and that is something that should deeply concern all of us. Antisemitic acts of violence in Montreal — Molotov cocktails thrown at a synagogue; gunshots fired at a Jewish school — are terrifying, and they must stop. They in no way reflect who we are as Canadians. They will never be acceptable in Canada. The targeting of Muslims is equally unacceptable.

To those who have been targets of hate-motivated crimes — the government of Canada stands with you and is working to protect you and keep you safe.

For the families who gather to celebrate a joyful wedding at a synagogue, you must be able to do so safely and without fear.

For the children and their parents who attend their mosque to worship together, you must be able to do so in peace as a community.

Canadians stand united against those who would promote hate or seek violence in our country. Every element of our federal, provincial and municipal governments will be brought to bear to defend and protect our communities, neighbours and all citizens.

The government of Canada will do whatever it takes, working with our law enforcement and intelligence agencies — the RCMP, CSIS and local police — to keep everyone safe.

Dominic LeBlanc is the federal minister of public safety, democratic institutions and intergovernmental affairs.

Related Stories

Advertisement 4

Article content

Article content