Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about an event on Tuesday and how it links with the despicable act on Wednesday.
On Tuesday many of us gathered at Rideau Hall to celebrate 45 individuals who received the Medal of Bravery.
Following the ceremony, a Liberal colleague offered to drive me back to Parliament, and we both reflected upon those extraordinary acts. We talked about how few individuals get tested in this way and how it is hard to know how one would respond.
What a prescient conversation that turned out to be.
In the events that unfolded Wednesday, I want to recognize many heroes in Ottawa: the bystanders who came to the aid of Corporal Nathan Cirillo, all our agencies tasked with safety and security, colleagues who were ready to fight, and people who gave comfort. I want to acknowledge all the Hill staff, from the interpreters in our booth to the many hundreds who in lockdown remained professional and calm.
We are blessed to live in Canada where these incidents are not common. We witnessed that Canadians are ready to rise with courage and dignity.