On Parliament Hill

Wednesday Oct 22, 2014 was unlike any other day Parliament Hill has ever seen. It was a surreal scene that unfolded in front of us as a gunman exchanged gunfire with security officers in Parliament’s Centre Block.

At the moment of the attack, I was listening to the Prime Minister address our Conservative national caucus meeting when I heard five or six loud popping sounds from the other side of the caucus room door. It took everyone in the room several seconds to realize what we had heard, however, there was no mistaking the sound of gunfire. The original burst was followed by an additional forty or fifty rounds.

Among the members of the Conservative caucus are a number of former RCMP officers. They recognized the need to secure the room immediately and directed all the MPs to help stack chairs against the doors. It was very interesting to see the instincts of these former officers kick in immediately.

At that point, we still had no idea how many shooters there were, if our room holding the Prime Minister was the target, if it was a coordinated attack, and if so, if other attacks were simultaneously occurring across the country. Without a doubt, not knowing the scope of the attack was the most unnerving aspect for everyone in the room. MPs were instructed not to communicate using their electronic devices other than to notify their families and offices that they were safe. This security measure was in place so we would not divulge our location within centre block.

After approximately fifteen minutes, the Prime Minister was moved to an undisclosed location and the Sergeant-at-Arms, Kevin Vickers, entered the room to notify MPs what had transpired in the hallway. He stated that he had taken down the gunman in front of the Library of Parliament. However, it was still unclear if there were other gunmen.

We spent the following 10 hours gathered together in the caucus room awaiting further instructions. Finally, at approximately 8pm, we were whisked away to another location where the Prime Minister briefed us on the situation. We decided as a caucus that our government would not be intimidated by this act of violence and terrorism and decided to open the House at 10am the next day us usual.

Upon returning to work in the morning, bullet holes could be seen in the Hall of Honour. It was a sober reminder of what had happened, and a reminder that Parliament will forever be changed.

As the Member of Parliament for Provencher, I want to extend my thoughts and prayers to the family of our fallen soldier, Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, who was shot and killed by the gunman while standing on guard at the National War Memorial. Let us never forget the sacrifice that many of our Military personnel make in service of our great country.

I am incredibly thankful for the security and police personnel who responded so quickly and effectively to this situation. Their brave actions likely saved countless lives. Through this tragedy we can all truly appreciate what these men and women do for our communities and our country.

While the peace we often take for granted in our nation may have been temporarily shaken, we will persevere. Canada will not be intimidated and this will only strengthen our resolve. We will come out of this stronger and united.

May God keep our land, glorious and free.