We as local organizations working towards building an equitable and inclusive Ottawa are writing to express our deep concern over the ongoing crisis in Gaza. In light of the recent events, we urge the City of Ottawa to join municipal counterparts across Canada in calling on the federal government to advocate for an immediate, sustained, and permanent ceasefire in the region.
The humanitarian toll, loss of innocent lives, and the destruction of critical infrastructure are heartbreaking. We acknowledge Canada's historic vote at the UN General Assembly in favour of an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, a move that signals a crucial step towards addressing the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. However, in the wake of escalating violence and continued loss of life we urge the City of Ottawa to go further and demand a permanent ceasefire.
Additionally, we ask that the City of Ottawa affirms its commitment to the right to self-expression and freedom of protest by advocating for Bylaw to drop their unjust fines. Recent incidents, such as the fines imposed on pro-Palestinian protesters for using megaphones and microphones, raise concerns about the protection of these fundamental rights.
The ongoing atrocities since October 7 are felt at home. We are seeing a rise of Islamophobia, antisemitism, and anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab racism in Canada. Now, more than ever, it is important to support and stand with marginalized communities.
The environmental and ecological impact of conflict is often underestimated, yet it poses long-lasting threats to the well-being of the affected communities. The destruction of ecosystems, contamination of water sources, and damage to vital infrastructure contribute to environmental degradation, exacerbating the already dire conditions in conflict zones.
We express our solidarity with decolonization movements from Turtle Island to Palestine. Understanding the interconnectedness of struggles for justice and sovereignty, we call for an approach that recognizes and addresses historical injustices both locally and internationally. By fostering solidarity across struggles, we can build a more just and equitable world for all.
We appreciate the City of Ottawa's stated commitment to promoting peace and justice. By supporting and affirming the right of everyone in our city to protest and adding your voice to the collective call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, return of all hostages, allowing the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza and condemning all forms of hate including antisemitism, anti-Palestinian racism and Islamophobia you contribute to a global effort to bring about peace and protect human rights.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to seeing the City of Ottawa take a leadership role in advocating for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Signed:
613-819 Black Hub
Strast Media, Co-Owner of the Grove Studio and Community Hun
The Enchanté Network
Iron and Earth
Ottawa Dyke March
CUPE 4600
Punch Up Collective
Planned Parenthood Ottawa
Ottawa Transformative Justice Collective
Hungry Babe
Arlington Five
Unifor local 6004
Bread by Us
Horizon Ottawa
Girls+ Rock Ottawa
PSAC-NCR | AFPC-RCN (Public Service Alliance of Canada - National Capital Region |
Regional Francophone Women's Committee PSAC-NCR
Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 2626
Community Solidarity Ottawa
Criminalization and Punishment Education Project
Climate Justice Ottawa
Qu'ART - Ottawa Queer Arts Collective
CUPE Local 4943
The Graduate Student’s Association des étudiant.es diplômé.es (GSAED)
Gongfu Bao & Cafe
Venus Envy
Little Jo Berry’s
Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE)
Coalition Against More Surveillance (CAMS)
Spring Magazine Ottawa
Ontario Public Interest Research Group Ottawa
Unifor Local 567
Ottawa Trans Library
The University of Ottawa NDP (UONDP)
Free Transit Ottawa
Hintonburg Kids
Fridays For Future Ottawa
Independent Jewish Voices Ottawa
