Letter from Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau to Stephen Harper, Thomas Mulcair, and Elizabeth May
September 7, 2015
Dear Mr. Harper, Mr. Mulcair, and Ms. May:
The tragic humanitarian crisis in Syria has broken the hearts of Canadians across the country and the global community at large. We know that Canada can, and must, do more to offer safe haven to the men, women, and children who are seeking asylum from persecution and displacement.
Municipal and provincial leaders have already taken action, as have many Canadians. It is time for us, as federal leaders, to step up and do more. As of October 19th, there will be a government with a new mandate to address this crisis, but we cannot stand idly by in the meantime.
Canadians rightly expect more from their leaders. That is why I am proposing that we sit down in collaboration to discuss the best course of action for Canada going forward, and develop a concrete plan for the weeks and months ahead. We must put partisanship aside and avoid becoming mired in the politics of this crisis.
We have a responsibility to expand our current refugee targets. Let us work together to ensure we are doing all we can to help Syrian refugees who are so desperately seeking safety in Canada. I look forward to your prompt reply on this important matter.
Yours sincerely,
Justin P.J. Trudeau
Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada