Ontario Labour Minister David Piccini is reportedly refusing to meet with Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario President Fred Hahn until Mr. Hahn apologizes for his social media posts against Israel.
Mr. Piccini sent a letter to Mr. Hahn condemning several of his social media posts about Israel after the recent attacks by the Hamas, reported the Toronto Sun.
“It is unacceptable for anyone, especially the head of a major labour union in Ontario, to support glorifying the persecution and murder of innocent Jewish people,” Mr. Piccini wrote.
“I cannot in good conscience meet with you. I am asking you to issue a public apology for the harm you’ve caused the Jewish community.”
Hamas terrorist attacked Israel in the early morning of Oct. 7, using rockets and targeting civilians on the streets in Israeli cities near the Gaza border. The terrorists also took civilians, including children, as hostages and took them to the Gaza Strip.
Statements posted by Mr. Hahn on social media include one on Oct. 8 on X indicating favour of “the power of resistance around the Globe” the day after Hamas launched land, air, and sea attacks against Israel.
He also shared an image on Instagram that contained the text, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”—a phrase associated with the desire for the destruction of Israel.
“As leaders, now more than ever, it is incumbent on all of us to speak with moral clarity and condemn the horrific acts committed by Hamas against innocent Israeli people,” Mr. Piccini wrote.
“Labour union leaders across the province have rightfully made clear that your statements do not reflect the views of the labour movement or the workers you are supposed to represent. They certainly do not represent the values of the Ontario people.”
Mr. Piccini also condemned Mr. Hahn’s response to criticism over his posts.
“What’s worse, instead of taking responsibility for the harm you have caused, you have doubled down and resorted to blaming others for your shameful comments.”
Mr. Hahn responded on social media to those who were criticizing him for his original posts, saying he never celebrated violence.
“Hoping for people to be free is not violence. Criticism of governments who misuse their power over people is not violence,” he posted on Oct. 11.
“I’m well aware that this will likely bring an onslaught from those who have labeled me in ways that are simply not true. But I post this for those who I had hoped might know better - calling on us to use Solidarity and to do all we can to call for a ceasefire - for peace,” he posted.
Mr. O’Regan has told media that comments made by Mr. Hahn were disappointing and amount to “a glorification of violence.”
“I stand with the many labour leaders calling Hamas’ attacks out for what they are: terrorism. The loss of civilian life is not a cause for celebration. Not in Canada. Not anywhere,” Mr. O'Regan told the Globe and Mail on Oct. 11.
“I am profoundly disappointed to see CUPE Ontario double down on this glorification of violence,” said Mr. O'Regan, adding, “This is not a reflection of Canada’s labour movement, and we cannot let it take away from the outpouring of support union leaders have expressed for Israel.”
Marnie Cathcart contributed to this report.
