The Canadian Freelance Union’s Urgent Appeal to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Dear Prime Minister Trudeau,

We, members of the Canadian Freelance Union, are writing to you to express our profound concern and sense of urgency regarding the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

Over the past month, the situation has deteriorated significantly resulting in the tragic deaths of numerous innocent people, including journalists and civilians who are being systematically targeted by Israeli forces. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, approximately 11,000 civilians, including 4,500 children, have been killed in Gaza within this short period. Many others may be trapped under the rubble of bombed buildings, and over 26,000 have sustained injuries. Regrettably, the collapse of the health system in Gaza has rendered many unable to receive adequate medical care, while others face the harrowing prospect of undergoing surgical procedures without anesthesia.

Journalists play a critical role in documenting and reporting on the ground. Approximately 40 journalists and media workers have been confirmed dead thus far. We are a union that represents freelance journalists and media workers throughout Canada, and this sends chills down our spines.

We urgently implore you to take decisive action by calling for an immediate ceasefire and demonstrating heightened responsibility in addressing the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We also urge you to create a swift path to safety for Gazans who want to come to Canada.

The loss of life and widespread suffering in Gaza are undeniably heartbreaking. It is of paramount importance for Canada, as a nation committed to human rights and peace, to play a constructive role in promoting stability, peace, and the protection of innocent lives in the region.

The urgency of calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in both Gaza and the West Bank is underscored by the escalating violence that has led to the horrific killing of innocent civilians, including journalists who play a critical role in documenting and reporting on the ground. Approximately 40 journalists and media workers have been confirmed dead thus far. We are a union that represents freelance journalists and media workers throughout Canada, and this sends chills down our spines.

Canada is uniquely positioned to take a strong stance against Israel’s actions that have resulted in the indiscriminate killing of innocent people. We believe that occupation and oppression have bred the actions of Hamas, and that an immediate ceasefire would contribute to stopping the loss of lives and facilitate the return of hostages.

We believe that your leadership during this critical time can inspire positive change and contribute to the alleviation of the profound suffering experienced by the people of Gaza.

While we acknowledge the complexities of international relations, we firmly believe that Canada has a moral obligation to stand up for the values that define us as a nation. Canada can’t remain silent and watch war crimes happening in any part of the world. Your leadership at this critical juncture has the potential to bring about positive change and contribute significantly to the relief of suffering in Gaza.

The Canadian Freelance Union represents hundreds of freelance communications workers located in every part of Canada. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to witnessing your prompt action to demonstrate Canada’s unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and the protection of human rights on the global stage.

Sincerely,

Nora Loreto, President
Kyle Filio, Vice President
Paula Kirman, Prairies Representative
Shady Saleh, Ontario Representative
Andrew Wetmore, Atlantic Representative

Cc. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Official Opposition
Yves-François Blanchet, Leader of the Bloc Québécois
Jagmeet Singh, Leader of the NDP

For more information, please contact Nora Loreto, President – president@canadianfreelanceunion.ca or 581 983 4397