Manitoba premier pens letter to Trudeau expressing province's willingness to take in refugees from Gaza

Manitoba's premier sent a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Friday expressing his "deep concern" about the "dire humanitarian situation unfolding in Gaza" and said Canada should take in refugees. 

Wab Kinew wrote in his letter to the prime minister that while Manitoba's government was pleased to see Canada vote in favour of a non-binding United Nations resolution calling for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" earlier this week, he said there is more work to be done. Part of that work would be bringing refugees to Canada and Kinew said Manitoba's doors will be open. 

Kinew said in his letter the possible welcoming of refugees should "happen in a way that allows these potential refugees to return to the region in the future." The premier also wrote the goal "is not to facilitate further displacement of people, but rather to respond to the current humanitarian crisis with compassion and to help those whose lives are at risk from war and starvation."

The letter also mentioned Manitoba is willing to take in those seeking refuge "from the ongoing conflict in Gaza and provide them with the sanctuary and support they require." 

The latest conflict began when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel Oct. 7, killing roughly 1,200 people and taking more than 200 hostage. 

Gaza's Health Ministry says more than 18,600 have been killed in the Israeli military's response. 

Kinew also said in his letter to Trudeau that his government "wholeheartedly" supports Canada's commitment to providing humanitarian aid, and feels allowing those seeking refuge to enter the country is "an essential measure towards doing so." 

Ramsey Zeid, president of the Canadian Palestinian Association of Manitoba, said he appreciated Kinew's letter. 

"We are grateful, we are really pleased that the premier has written this letter to the prime minister," he said. "We know that he generally is concerned and wants to help the Palestinian people living in Gaza.

"I really appreciate the fact that he put in the letter that the Palestinian people, if they do get this help and they are brought to Canada, that they are given the option to return." 

Zeid said when the time comes for refugees to potentially come to the province, the association will be there to provide assistance. 

"Whether it be help with housing, to help with translation, to help with placement of homes and schools, we're willing to step up and help in any way we can." 

READ | Premier Wab Kinew's letter to prime minister: