PM Sends Condolence Message to Canadian Government

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller has sent a Condolence Message to her counterpart, Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada on the tragic shooting incident which occurred on Wednesday, October 22, in that nation’s capital and within the precincts of its Parliament.

The Prime Minister’s Message reads: “I am deeply shocked to learn of the harrowing incident in which a gunman shot and killed a Canadian soldier on duty at the Canadian National War Memorial in downtown Ottawa and then entered and fired shots in the nearby Parliament Building. We are relieved that the brave and quick action of the Canadian Security Forces to intercept and eliminate the perpetrator undoubtedly saved the loss of other innocent lives. Our condolences are extended to the relatives, friends and associates of the fallen soldier, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country.

This calculated unprovoked attack at the seat of the Canadian government is an attack on the democratic way of life everywhere and must be condemned in the strongest possible way by those of us who champion democracy, peace and freedom. No effort should be spared in locating the mastermind and those who carried out this dastardly act.

Please accept, Prime Minister, our profound sympathies, as the Government and People of Jamaica mourn with the People of Canada on this very sad day.”