Statement on the anniversary of the October 7 attacks

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel. The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) condemns those attacks and mourns the horrible loss of life on that day and over the past year in Gaza and now in Lebanon.

We are gravely concerned by the continued escalation of hostilities and the expansion of this horrific war in the broader region.

On behalf of Canada’s unions, we renew our call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the provision of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. The CLC continues to stand with our Palestinian and Israeli labour allies in the pursuit of these urgent goals, and we believe that, through dialogue and solidarity, peace can still be achieved.

In the past year, we have also witnessed a troubling rise in antisemitism, anti-Palestinian racism, and Islamophobia across our society, including in our workplaces. Canada’s unions unequivocally reject all expressions of hate and discrimination. We are committed to fostering environments that uphold inclusion, respect, and dignity for all.

The catastrophic humanitarian cost of this conflict demands that we never give up. No matter the obstacles and the heartbreak, our humanity demands that we work diligently and tirelessly to build a broader and stronger movement for peace.

We owe it to every peace-loving person in the region to keep working, tirelessly, strategically and always aiming for the goal of peace and justice.

That’s what our fellow workers in Palestine and Israel have asked us to do. And that’s what we’ll keep doing.