OTTAWA — On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas launched a deadly terrorist attack on Israel which left 1,200 people dead, and Israel responded with a war that local health authorities say has killed about 75,000 people in the Gaza Strip.

Here’s what Canadian politicians said to mark the date:

“This is a sombre anniversary of an unspeakable tragedy. The government has been taking actions at home to protect the Jewish community, protect all Canadians, but particularly the Jewish community. And it’s above and beyond protection. It’s about the ability to truly thrive, live their lives freely and openly, and thrive as Jewish people in Canada … There’s more work to do. This is a job for all Canadians, to ensure that all Canadians can live freely and openly in our society.”

— Prime Minister Mark Carney

“Three years ago today, the world witnessed the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Families were torn apart, children kidnapped, women assaulted, and the elderly slaughtered: some 809 civilians were killed, while 252 would endure captivity as hostages … The hatred that fuelled Oct. 7 did not remain on foreign shores. Right here in Canada, far too many synagogues, Jewish businesses and institutions have been the targets of harassment and hate.”

— Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre

“It’s the third anniversary of the worst slaughter of Jews since the Second World War, and I think for Israelis and for Jews across the world and for many other people who sympathize with what happened, it’s a very bad day. I will always remember Alexandre Look from my riding, who was one of the people who died as a hero, where he shielded others in a shelter with his own body. But there were seven other Canadians as well as Alex that died, and today I will be reflecting on all of them.”

— Liberal MP Anthony Housefather

“On this day three years ago, there was a horrific attack against people just enjoying their lives at a music festival and celebrating, having fun, and a terror attack that murdered and abducted a huge number of people … and then, of course, following the attack, the loss of life across the region, the horrors that we saw in Gaza, the loss of life. It is a profound tragedy. I am very grateful to live in a country where the prime minister is advocating for supporting peace, supporting a two-state solution.”

— B.C. Premier David Eby

“Hamas’s terror also had a much more pernicious goal: dividing us from one another. Antisemitism has surged onto our streets and into communities like Belleville only 17 days ago. Today we remember all the victims of Oct. 7 and commit ourselves to honouring their memory by exposing hate and standing up for our fellow Jewish Canadians who, like every Canadian, should be able to live every day of their lives freely, proudly and in peace.”

— Liberal MP Leslie Church

“I stand with Jewish communities in Canada and around the world who continue to face a dangerous rise in antisemitism. Canada has taken new measures to strengthen public safety with legislation and resources to protect synagogues, schools and community centres. The work will continue as we all stand together to fight antisemitism and hatred in all its forms.”

— Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 7, 2026.