April 24, 2020

OTTAWA—Last weekend, Nova Scotia woke up to horrific news. We know now the extent of the carnage, the magnitude of the loss. A monstrous act that took away family members, friends and neighbours, co-workers, Nova Scotians, good people.

So many are gone, senselessly.

A tragedy of this scale is so rare in our country that it is difficult to comprehend. We are shattered. But we are not broken.

In the last week, I have seen heartache and tributes from all corners of this nation. I have seen the power of kindness and compassion, when communities rise in strength, to provide support in times of crisis. I have heard Nova Scotians, and Canadians who refuse to be defined by what happened. This is not who we are. We will never accept such violence and we won’t stand by.

Tonight, we face this adversity together and we honour the memories of the victims. We are gathered online —from a safe distance, as we fight the other invisible enemy —but we are connected as a country, and we are grieving together

On behalf of all Canadians, our most sincere condolences to the families and those close to the victims.

On behalf of all Canadians my sincere condolences to those who are suffering, to the families of the victims, to the RCMP who have lost a courageous colleague, and to everyone in Nova Scotia.

My best wishes also to those who have been hurt or injured, and my heartfelt gratitude to those who responded bravely to the calls, as they do, each and every day.

Tonight, we feel an immense sadness. There is so much pain.

But just as it will emerge from the darkness of the pandemic, a resilient Nova Scotia will emerge from this tragedy. Healing will take time, but you can count on everyone in this country to be with you, step by step, in solidarity, until we reach that brighter day.

To the people of Nova Scotia: our hearts are with you.

My deepest sympathy.

Julie Payette

‑30‑

Please note that the text above is a transcript of the video available at https://bit.ly/2zmEhh1.

Media information:

Natalie Babin Dufresne
Rideau Hall Press Office
343-548-1865
natalie.babindufresne@gg.ca

Ashlee Smith
Rideau Hall Press Office
343-548-1857
ashlee.smith@gg.ca           

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