The fatal shooting of a Canadian solider in the very shadow of the House of Commons on Oct. 22 has shocked and saddened Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
Cpl. Nathan Cirillo of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders was gunned down as he stood honour guard at the National War Memorial just south of the Parliament buildings.
As the final resting place of Canada's Unknown Soldier, the memorial is one of the nation's great monuments and places of honour, so to have gun violence strike at that place only adds to the horror of this dark chapter in Canadian history.
After shooting the soldier, the gunman entered the Parliament building, where he was shot and killed by the parliamentary sergeant-at-arms.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper says the shooting of Cpl. Cirillo and the attack on Parliament will not deter the nation from fighting terrorism.
“This will lead us to strengthen our resolve and redouble our efforts, and those of our national security agencies, to take all necessary steps to identify and counter threats and keep Canada safe here at home,” said Harper.
“Just as it will lead us to strengthen our resolve and redouble our efforts to work with our allies around the world and fight against the terrorist organizations who brutalize those in other countries with the hope of bringing their savagery to our shores.”
Closer to home, Red Deer MP Earl Dreeshen echoed Prime Minister Harper's comments, saying the attacks in Ottawa, and the killing of Canadian soldier Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent two days earlier in Quebec, will not frighten the government or the nation.
“One thing is clear, we cannot, and we will never be intimidated,” said Dreeshen. “Such acts shall only serve to strengthen our resolve and bring us closer together as a nation.
“So let us insure that Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo live forever in our hearts and minds and that their memory never fades. We are forever indebted to their heroism and service to our nation.”
Wild Rose MP Blake Richards voiced the same views and comments.
These attacks on Canada are some of the most shocking incidents ever seen on these shores. At the same time, they are strikes at Canadian democratic institutions and a brazen attempt to weaken and harm all Canadians.
West central Albertans join their fellow citizens from coast to coast to coast in calling on MPs, MLAs, councillors and other elected officials to continue their good work – and by doing so defeat these and any future attempts to strike down the rule of law in this great nation.
