It’s been six years since the deadliest mass shooting in Canadian history devastated our province.
On April 18, 2020, a gunman shot and killed 22 people, including a pregnant woman, in a rampage while driving a replica RCMP vehicle in the community of Portapique. He was then shot to death by police, April 19.
In a statement, Friday, the Premier Tim Houston says Nova Scotia was forever changed by the event that “stole the lives of innocent people in senseless acts of violence and impacted countless others.”
The victims are:
Tom Bagley
Kristen Beaton and unborn child
Greg and Jamie Blair
Joy Bond and Peter Bond
Lillian Campbell
Corrie Ellison
Gina Goulet
Dawn and Frank Gulenchyn
Alanna Jenkins and Sean McLeod
Lisa McCully
Heather O’Brien
Jolene Oliver, Aaron Tuck and Emily Tuck
Const. Heidi Stevenson
E. Joanne Thomas and John Zahl
Joey Webber
Flags will be lowered to half-mast this weekend at Province House as well as all provincial buildings and institutions in recognition of the tragedy.
“I encourage citizens, businesses and community organizations that fly flags to join us,” says Houston.
He adds, the province is committed to making real change by implementing recommendations made by the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC). He calls this the “driving force” to make communities safer.
Leader of the NDP Claudia Chender says we will always stand up against violence.
“[We will] push for much-needed investments in education, programming and supports to build a province where everyone can live in safety and dignity,” says Chender.
The Chair of the Progress Monitoring Committee Myra Freeman says the grief experienced was felt across Canada, the United States and beyond and still felt to this day.
“As we take the time to mourn and reflect, it is important now, more than ever, that governments and the RCMP continue to be transparent and accountable and that all Nova Scotians feel shared responsibility to keep our communities safe. It will take all of us to make the lasting, societal change,” says Freeman.
She says they are committed to monitoring and reporting publicly on what the governments and police is doing in response to the MCC final report.
For those who need support, the mental health crisis line is available 24/7 at 1-888-429-8167. In addition, 211 is available to identify additional mental health resources.
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