During the week of October 20, Canada’s role in the ongoing War on Terror reached a new level, as the country was the victim of a pair of terror attacks. Two members of the Canadian Armed Forces were killed on home soil while another was injured in what appeared to be targeted attacks by ISIS sympathizers. Amazingly, these attacks have not seemed to damage the Canadian psyche, but have instead drawn out the best qualities that Canadians have to offer.
On Wednesday morning, when a rifle shot claimed the life of Corporal Nathan Cirillo as he stood ceremonial watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, bystanders rushed to his aid and attempted to save the reservist’s life — delivering CPR to the fallen soldier while the shooter was still in the area.
As the shooter entered Parliament, we saw police and security services perform their duties with incredible calm under pressure. While our elected members of Parliament prepared to defend themselves with whatever was at hand, retired police officer Kevin Vickers, the Parliamentary Sergeant-at-Arms, shot and killed Cirillo’s murderer before he could claim any more lives.
While many news networks, including CNN, gave into hyperbole and emotionalized coverage, Canada remained calm in the face of the unknown threat. CBC, anchored by veteran broadcaster Peter Mansbridge, kept Canadians informed of the situation developing in the capital without allowing the story to devolve into wild speculation.
Amazingly, these attacks have not seemed to damage the Canadian psyche.
Other Canadian broadcasters were also quick to focus on the heroes of the day, and on what makes this nation and its people great. Our political leaders were on hand to remind us that now is the time for the Canadian people to stand firm, with Prime Minister Harper informing the world that “Canada will never be intimidated.”
When Parliament reopened the following morning, it did so with increased security measures, including lack of public access, but our government representatives were prepared to do their duties. Kevin Vickers was honoured with a standing ovation from a grateful House of Commons, as he performed his daily ceremonial duties. Opposition Leader Tom Mulcair acknowledged the previous day’s actions, stating “We don’t know the names of all the heroes, but we all saw heroic gestures yesterday.”
In true Canadian fashion, Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau extended a hand to the Muslim community with the statement that “yesterday was a terrible perversion of your faith” and further reminded all of us that we are “a nation of open minds and open hearts and we won’t be intimidated into changing that for anybody.”
But the strongest display of unity was to come from the Prime Minister himself. Anyone remotely familiar with Mr. Harper knows that he is not one for public displays of emotion, which makes what we saw on Thursday even more impressive, as he crossed the floor to deliver a pair of handshakes, which he then transitioned into hugs, to both Mulcair and Trudeau.
For a brief moment, Canadians were witnesses to three men — who by all accounts can’t stand each other — unified in the face of tragedy and adversity, providing a microcosm of the unity that is occurring across the country. Canada will continue to stand, the True North strong, free, and united in defence of the principles that have made this nation great.
