Dear Prime Minister Carney,
On behalf of the St. John’s Status of Women Council (hereafter SJSWC), as one of the province’s oldest feminist organizations, the SJSWC has been deeply rooted in the St. John’s community for over fifty years, providing care, support and advocacy towards gender equity and justice. Our work spans critical areas including housing, harm reduction, mental health, sex worker advocacy, and community-based violence prevention – realities profoundly shaped by gender-based oppression and systemic inequality.
Feminism demands an end to all forms of oppression. The liberation of Palestinians is inherently linked to the fight for human rights and equality, right here and around the world. We join national movements and advocates in urging the Canadian Government to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire, to support efforts to end the occupation of the Palestinian Territories.
Currently, three St. John’s residents Nikita Stapleton, Sadie Mees, and Devoney Ellis are sailing to Gaza on board The Conscience, a vessel organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. We commend these community leaders for their bravery and solidarity as they risk their own lives to help deliver much needed humanitarian aid and break the illegal siege through the ongoing genocide.
We call on the federal government to take decisive and compassionate action to uphold Canada’s commitment to human rights and justice, to provide safe passage of Canadian citizens and all onboard the entire flotilla by ensuring the unimpeded access of aid, a permanent ceasefire and an effective immediate two-way arms embargo. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
CC:
Minister Anand – Foreign Affairs, Minister McGuinty – National Defence, Minister Metlege Diab – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Minister Michel – Health, Minister Olszewski – Emergency Management and Community Resilience, Minister Sidhu – International Trade, Minister Thompson – Fisheries and Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, Minister Valdez – Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State
