Mr. Speaker, a year ago today, Nova Scotians began to realize the gravity of the horrific events of the Nova Scotia shooting, which began in Portapique and impacted communities across the province, including the communities I represent in Kings—Hants.
There were 22 innocent lives lost, including an expectant mother, in a senseless and cowardly act of violence that words simply cannot properly describe. Today I think of the families and friends who lost loved ones and collectively, as Nova Scotians and indeed as Canadians, we stand with them. I want to thank all the first responders who answered the call, including Constable Heidi Stevenson, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the interests of protecting others, and Chad Morrison, a neighbour of mine who was injured in the line of duty.
I am fiercely proud to be a Nova Scotian and, as Nova Scotians do, we collectively came together to mourn, grieve and show kindness and love for one another during a difficult time. The compassion and collective spirit we have witnessed is powerful and it, rather than the violence and evil we experienced, will be what continues to define us in the days ahead.