Sask. MPs: the day after the Ottawa Shooting

“Yesterday’s attack in our nation’s capital, at the sacred place that honours those who have sacrificed their lives for our country, and in the very institution that lies at the centre of our democracy, must be taken seriously and recognized for what it is – terrorism. This senseless act has shaken us all.”

“I will never forget the danger that my caucus colleagues and I faced. Like so many others, I was unable to contact anyone following the loud gunfire in the hallway, but the composure of my colleagues, even in the face of fear, gave me strength. I will forever remember the compassion and commitment of those security personnel that put our safety ahead of theirs – House of Commons Security, RCMP, Ottawa Police, and Canadian Armed Forces – thank you all.”

“Upon learning of the tragic death of a brave soldier, Corporal Nathan Cirillo, who was gunned down while guarding the tomb of the unknown soldier, I am deeply saddened and extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. As well, my thoughts and prayers are with Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent who was also killed earlier this week in Quebec. God bless our brave men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces who continue to sacrifice so much to ensure the safety and security of Canadians.

“These horrific events have been a sobering reminder that attacks on our security personnel are attacks on our country and our values. As Prime Minister Harper stated: ‘We have every confidence that Canadians will pull together with the kind of firm solidarity that has seen our country through many challenges. Together, we will remain vigilant against those at home or abroad who wish to harm us. But let there be no misunderstanding. Canada will never be intimidated. In fact, this will lead us to strengthen our resolve and redouble our efforts and those of our national security agencies to take all necessary steps to identify and counter threats, and keep Canada safe here at home.’“

Having worn the red mountie uniform for 18 years, battling post-traumatic stress — Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desenthe-Missinippi-Churchill, said once he heard shots fired, everything around him slowed down to a snail’s pace.

“The trigger mechanisms for my PTSD is not gunfire and I was very surprised about that, all of a sudden I noticed everything started moving slowly,” Clarke said.

And as he heard parliment security staff firing about 17 shots back at the lone gunman, Clarke said his police training kicked in and then it all became about protecting other members of parliament. He said 12 other MPs with law-enforcement training beside him also kicked into gear.

“We all took the initiative to make sure caucus was safe,” Clarke said, adding he saw party politics take a seat for the greater good. “The atmosphere is surreal and you’re seeing different parties rallying to one incident … When something like this takes place it becomes all about protecting Canadians and making sure we’re all okay.”

A day after the shooting, Clarek said he’s still shooken up from the incident, mostly because there was so much uncertainty about what was happening. Clark said he’ll be forever grateful for the security staff at Parliament Hill.

“As an MP and a former law enforcement officer i appreciate them so much if it wasn’t for them i don’t think myself could be here today.”

Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar MP, Kelly Block, said she woke up thankful Thursday morning.

“(I have) a tremendous sense of gratitude for our security personnel and police, the RCMP and our armed forces who served us very well yesterday in the midst of some horrific events.”

Block said she was in a caucus meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper when she first heard shots ring out.

“The realization that what we were hearing was in fact gunfire right outside the room we were meeting in, one can’t help but feel fear,” she said.

It was a tense time while Block and other MPs waited to hear what had happened and if they were safe.

“We had the RCMP arrive at our caucus room to take (Harper) from the caucus room and that’s when we were advised of the situation and understood that everything had been taken under control,” Block said.

Block wasn’t the only of Saskatchewan’s MPs in the caucus meeting.

“I was sitting right near the door when I heard a couple shots,” said Yorkton-Melville representative Garry Breitkreuz explained. “I just thought it was the construction workers outside but then there was about a dozen quick shots. I realized this is not normal.”

As members rushed to block the door, Breitkreuz said there was a break from the sounds; soon after, more rang out.

“The terrorist was dropped like 25 feet from where I was sitting, fortunately on the other side of the door,” he said.

It would still be nearly 12 hours before the lock-down was lifted and members could leave.

“This is a demanding and stressful job but yesterday was just way beyond what I ever expected,” Breitkreuz said on Thursday.

“I want to thank everybody from Saskatchewan and actually from around the world who have sent their good wishes. I want to thank them very, very much for their sympathy to those of us here and especially to those for the family of the soldier.”

Saskatoon-Humboldt MP Brad Trost was with his fellow MPs in the meeting. Prime Minister Stephen Harper had just taken to the podium.

“You could literally see everyone in the room thinking the same thing,” Trost said. “I hunt. I’m a Saskatchewan farm boy. I know what gun shots sound like. I remember thinking in my head, ‘that can’t be. That’s gun shots.’”

The room initially erupted with confusion, but Trost said several ex-police officers – now members of parliament – settled the room down.

“They took charge and began to organize us and so we prepared. We barricaded up the doors,” he said.

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by paNOW Staff

Sask. MPs: the day after the Ottawa Shooting

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