SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Remembering the Events of October 2014

Honourable senators, I rise today in recognition of the 10-year anniversary of the horrific attacks that took place in Quebec and right here in Ottawa, at the National War Memorial and on Parliament Hill.

On Monday, October 20, 2014, Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, age 53, a military firefighter with 28 years of service, was killed during a terrorist attack in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.

Two days later, on Wednesday, October 22, 2014, another terrorist shot and killed Hamilton reservist Corporal Nathan Cirillo of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada as he stood sentry at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial here in Ottawa. That terrorist went on to storm Centre Block, but thanks to the heroic actions of people like the House of Commons Security Services Constable Samearn Son, the RCMP Constable Curtis Barrett, Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers and others that day, he was stopped dead in his tracks. However, the Hall of Honour will be forever scarred by the bullets fired during that attack.

I believe that both our Canadian Armed Forces and our Parliament were targeted because they are both recognized symbols of Canada’s democracy and freedom. Because remember that in 2014, the death cult known as ISIS, or Daesh, had openly called for the beheading of Western leaders, Canada’s Prime Minister included, and Canada was a member of the military coalition in Iraq and Syria to destroy ISIS.

Colleagues, to those of you — both senators and staff — who were there that day in Centre Block, attending national caucuses, working in your offices or maybe just walking up to the Parliamentary Precinct, I can only imagine the fear that you felt, the fear of this direct attack on democracy as you spent hours waiting through the lockdown until that “All’s clear” was called.

To the members of the Canadian Armed Forces, both past and present, and to the family and friends of Warrant Officer Vincent and Corporal Cirillo, I want to recognize your sacrifice. Thank you for continuing to stand on guard for us, for proudly wearing the uniform and for being there when called upon, for continuing to step into the most difficult situations and always being there for Canadians when we need you.

The National War Memorial has always been a place to come together, to remember and reflect on those lives lost in defence of democracy, but usually far from our shores. Never did anyone think that death would come directly to that sacred site. Please think about that next time you cross the square or walk alongside it.

To the former members of the Senate Protective Service, the House of Commons Security Services and to the serving and retired members of the RCMP who were there that day: Thank you. Thank you for standing guard for democracy. Thank you for protecting parliamentarians from both chambers and showing Canadians that their leaders are safe and that democracy prevails.

To all Canadians, we cannot — we must not — forget that these homegrown terrorists were Canadians. Both were radicalized and inspired to violence by extremists who preyed upon their resentment and feelings of disaffection and of self‑perceived exclusion from society. As a society, we cannot allow that to happen because we know the consequences can and will be deadly. So listen, engage, reach out to one another in your community. If someone seems alone, offer them a hand to shake or an ear to listen.

In closing, honourable senators, please take a moment today to remember Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, Corporal Nathan Cirillo and the many other amazing first responders who kept us safe that day.

We will remember them.