Canada’s federal leaders paid their respects Saturday on the eighth anniversary of the assaults on the National War Memorial and Parliament Hill.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement saying he joins Canadians in paying tribute to Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, who died in 2014 whereas guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa.
“Today, we bear in mind the selflessness and compassion of bystanders and members of our parliamentary household who acted with out hesitation to guard us, and we salute the primary responders who put themselves in hurt’s approach to make sure their security,” Trudeau mentioned.
“The National War Memorial was constructed to commemorate the response of Canadians in occasions of conflict. It has since turn into a logo of the sacrifice of all our navy personnel who’ve misplaced their lives within the line of obligation. Parliament Hill symbolizes the values that outline us as Canadians: freedom, peace, and inclusion. We will at all times rise up in opposition to violence and terrorism to make sure these values are protected.”
After killing Cirillo, the gunman, Michael Zihaf Bibeau, stormed Centre Block on Parliament Hill with a rifle and was later taken down by Kevin Vickers, then sergeant-at-arms of the House of Commons.
Trudeau additionally acknowledged Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, who died two days earlier in a separate assault in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre additionally acknowledged the anniversary, writing on Twitter, “We mourn the lack of W.O. Patrice Vincent & Cpl. Nathan Cirillo. And we renew our pledge to battle and stand as much as terror right here at residence and all over the world.”
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said his thoughts are with the family members of each Cirillo and Vincent, “who tragically misplaced their lives. As effectively as all first responders who risked their security.”
Defence Minister Anita Anand mentioned, “We bear in mind them for his or her service to Canada, and our ideas stay with their households and family members.”
With recordsdata from CTV News and The Canadian Press