Mr. Speaker, three years ago yesterday, Corporal Nathan Cirillo of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders was gunned down while guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He was a proud soldier who loved his country, his family, and his dogs. Just 48 hours prior to that, Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent was killed when a terrorist turned his vehicle into a weapon in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Warrant Officer Vincent was looking forward to a quiet retirement after 28 years in the armed forces. These members of the Canadian Armed Forces were specifically targeted because of their service to their country.
As we honour the memories of these two brave soldiers, we are reminded that Canada is not immune from the threat of jihadi terrorism. Many parliamentarians, me included, remember the terror that filled these halls only three years ago. We are forever grateful for the quick and courageous response by the parliamentary security officers, the RCMP, and Ottawa police.
Less than 24 hours after the attack, Parliament returned to work. Our determination was only strengthened that day. Terrorism will not stop the work we do, it will not shake our democratic institutions, nor will it intimidate us as Canadians.