Honourable senators, hear these names: Joy Bond, Peter Bond, Gina Goulet, Elizabeth Joanne Thomas, John Joseph Zahl, Corrie Ellison, Dawn Madsen, Frank Gulenchyn, Aaron Tuck, Emily Tuck, Jolene Oliver, Sean McLeod, Alanna Jenkins, Tom Bagley, Lisa McCully, Heather O’Brien, Greg Blair, Jamie Blair, Joey Webber, Lillian Campbell Hyslop, Kristen Beaton, Baby Beaton and Constable Heidi Stevenson.

These are the names of the 23 Nova Scotians who were murdered on April 18 and April 19, 2020. Four years have passed today, and the wounds that were inflicted on Colchester County — and on all of Nova Scotia — have yet to fully heal.

Remember these names. They were our friends, co-workers, loved ones and neighbours. May they rest in peace and may they never be forgotten. Thank you.